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It seems that a recent Windows “patch” has been the cause of a series of blue screen crashes after users install a so-called Microsoft security update. The said patch, MS10-015, is said to be linked to this system malfunction, which leaves user systems with blue-screen-of-death (BSoD) errors.

According to an entry in the official Microsoft Blog, the distribution of the said Windows Update has since been suspended.  However, the company also issued a statement that the cause of the BSoD error may be malware related.

Trend Micro engineers found that TROJ_TDSS.AJD patches atapi.sys, which turns the .SYS file into a rootkit detected as TROJ_TDSS.SME. This then causes updated systems to crash right after installing the security update.

Known for its ability to stealthily operate, TDSS variants are known malware components whose final payload comprises the malware’s careful, unseen operation. The discovery of new TROJ_TDSS.AJD samples even triggered Microsoft to release two important updates regarding the issue—Update—Restart Issues After Installing MS10-015 and the Alureon Rootkit and Restart Issues on an Alureon-Infected Machine After MS10-015 Is Applied to prevent further occurrences of BSoD crashes.

Trend Micro product users should not worry, however, as Smart Protection Network™ protects them from similar occurrences.

Update as of February 22, 2010, 1:17 a.m. (GMT +8:00):

Please note that TROJ_TDSS.AJD has recently been renamed to TROJ_TDSS.SMG.

Update as of February 23, 2010, 3:23 a.m. (GMT +8:00):

Please note that TROJ_TDSS.SME has recently been renamed to PE_TDSS.MTR, which is now detected by this tool.