W32.Blaster.Worm

 

12 August 2003 - 3:50pm

The W32.Blaster.Worm has caused problems across the world since it was first discovered at 5:00am today.  It affects mainly Windows 2000 and XP computers and servers by exploiting a security flaw in the operating systems.  It makes most infected PCs reboot themselves when they are connected to the network.  It also stops users from accessing the Windows Update site to download the required security patch.

Removing the worm involves a number of steps at this stage - these instructions are intended for Computer Coordinators!:

1.      Shutdown all Win 2000 and XP computers and servers

2.      Access the internet on a Windows 98 PC (these are not affected)

3.      Download from this site the appropriate MS patch,  For Windows XP click HERE.  For Windows 2000, click HERE - save the downloaded files each to a blank floppy disk (one for each patch).

4.      Take the appropriate floppy disk to an affected Windows PC, disconnect the network cable and logon LOCALLY (workstation only) to the PC.

5.      When Windows has started, place the floppy disk in the drive and open My Computer and the Floppy Drive and run the patch you downloaded.  When complete, your PC will reboot.  Reconnect the network cable.

6.      Once the PC has restarted you can logon to the network again as normal - but you can't use it as normal yet!

7.      Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete, choose the Processes tab and see if msblast.exe is in memory.  If it is, you need to highlight it and click End Task - click yes to terminate.

8.      Next, you must run a Live Update from the Symantec (Norton) Antivirus program by right-clicking the gold shield in the system tray and choosing Open AntiVirus then clicking Live Update.  You need the signature file of 11/8/03.

9.      Download this FixBlast.exe utility and run it on the affected computers

10. Complete instructions are detailed at the bottom of this link

Hope that helps.

Stu Hasic
District Technology Adviser
(St George).