TROJ_FAKEAV.TWT
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003
![](/vinfo/imgFiles/legend.jpg)
Threat Type: Trojan
Destructiveness: No
Encrypted: Yes
In the wild: Yes
OVERVIEW
Downloaded from the Internet, Dropped by other malware
This Trojan arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.
It installs a fake antivirus/antispyware software. It displays fake alerts that warn users of infection. It also displays fake scanning results of the affected system. It then asks for users to purchase it once scanning is completed. If users decide to purchase the rogue product, users are directed to a certain website asking for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers. When users agree to buy the software, it connects to a certain URL.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
2,336,256 bytes
EXE
Yes
21 Apr 2012
Connects to URLs/IPs, Displays graphics/image
Arrival Details
This Trojan arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.
Installation
This Trojan drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:
- %Application Data%\Protector-{random}.exe
(Note: %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)
Other System Modifications
This Trojan adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Direct3D\MostRecentApplication
Name = "Protector-{random}.exe"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
EnableLUA = "0"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = "0"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
ConsentPromptBehaviorUser = "0"
It adds the following registry keys as part of its installation routine:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Direct3D
It modifies the following registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
DirectDraw\MostRecentApplication
Name = "Protector-{random}.exe"
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is "googletalk.exe".)
Dropping Routine
This Trojan drops the following files:
- %System%\d3d9caps.dat
(Note: %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\System32 on Windows NT and 2000, or C:\Windows\System32 on Windows XP and Server 2003.)
Other Details
This Trojan connects to the following URL(s) to get the affected system's IP address:
- http://www.cmyip.com/
Rogue Antivirus Routine
This Trojan installs a fake antivirus/antispyware software.
It displays fake alerts that warn users of infection. It also displays fake scanning results of the affected system. It then asks for users to purchase it once scanning is completed. If users decide to purchase the rogue product, users are directed to a certain website asking for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers.
When users agree to buy the software, it connects to the following URL to continue the purchase:
- http://{BLOCKED}t.onlinesecstats.info
NOTES:
This Trojan adds the following registry entries to disable the Registry Editor and Task Manager:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\regedit.exe
Debugger = "%Application Data%\Protector-lujx.exee reg"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe
Debugger = "%Application Data%\Protector-lujx.exee task"
It also prevents the execution of several security related processes by creating the following registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\{exe file}
Debugger = "svchost.exe"
{exe file} is a list of the following:
- avgctrl.exe
- avgdumpx.exe
- avgemc.exe
- avgiproxy.exe
- avgnsx.exe
- avgnt.exe
- avgrsx.exe
- avgscanx.exe
- avgserv.exe
- avgserv9.exe
- avgsrmax.exe
- avgtray.exe
- avguard.exe
- avgui.exe
- avgupd.exe
- avgw.exe
- avgwdsvc.exe
- avkpop.exe
- avkserv.exe
- avkservice.exe
- avkwctl9.exe
- avltmain.exe
- avmailc.exe
- avmcdlg.exe
- avnotify.exe
- avnt.exe
- avp32.exe
- avpcc.exe
- avpdos32.exe
- avpm.exe
- avptc32.exe
- avpupd.exe
- avsched32.exe
- avshadow.exe
- avsynmgr.exe
- avupgsvc.exe
- AVWEBGRD.EXE
- avwin.exe
- avwin95.exe
- avwinnt.exe
- avwsc.exe
- avwupd.exe
- avwupd32.exe
- avwupsrv.exe
- avxmonitor9x.exe
- avxmonitornt.exe
- avxquar.exe
- b.exe
- backweb.exe
- bargains.exe
- bd_professional.exe
- bdfvcl.exe
- bdfvwiz.exe
- BDInProcPatch.exe
- bdmcon.exe
- BDMsnScan.exe
- BDSurvey.exe
- beagle.exe
- belt.exe
- bidef.exe
- bidserver.exe
- bipcp.exe
- bipcpevalsetup.exe
- bisp.exe
- blackd.exe
- blackice.exe
- blink.exe
- blss.exe
- bootconf.exe
- bootwarn.exe
- borg2.exe
- bpc.exe
- brasil.exe
- brastk.exe
- brw.exe
- bs120.exe
- bspatch.exe
- bundle.exe
- bvt.exe
- c.exe
- cavscan.exe
- ccapp.exe
- ccevtmgr.exe
- ccpxysvc.exe
- ccSvcHst.exe
- cdp.exe
- cfd.exe
- cfgwiz.exe
- cfiadmin.exe
- cfiaudit.exe
- cfinet.exe
- cfinet32.exe
- cfp.exe
- cfpconfg.exe
- cfplogvw.exe
- cfpupdat.exe
- claw95.exe
- claw95cf.exe
- clean.exe
- cleaner.exe
- cleaner3.exe
- cleanIELow.exe
- cleanpc.exe
- click.exe
- cmd32.exe
- cmdagent.exe
- cmesys.exe
- cmgrdian.exe
- cmon016.exe
- connectionmonitor.exe
- control
- cpd.exe
- cpf9x206.exe
- cpfnt206.exe
- crashrep.exe
- csc.exe
- cssconfg.exe
- cssupdat.exe
- cssurf.exe
- ctrl.exe
- cv.exe
- cwnb181.exe
- cwntdwmo.exe
- d.exe
- datemanager.exe
- dcomx.exe
- defalert.exe
- defscangui.exe
- defwatch.exe
- deloeminfs.exe
- deputy.exe
- divx.exe
- dllcache.exe
- dllreg.exe
- doors.exe
- dop.exe
- dpf.exe
- dpfsetup.exe
- dpps2.exe
- driverctrl.exe
- drwatson.exe
- drweb32.exe
- drwebupw.exe
- dssagent.exe
- dvp95.exe
- dvp95_0.exe
- ecengine.exe
- efpeadm.exe
- emsw.exe
- ent.exe
- esafe.exe
- escanhnt.exe
- escanv95.exe
- espwatch.exe
- ethereal.exe
- etrustcipe.exe
- evpn.exe
- exantivirus-cnet.exe
- exe.avxw.exe
- expert.exe
- explore.exe
- f-agnt95.exe
- f-prot.exe
- f-prot95.exe
- f-stopw.exe
- fact.exe
- fameh32.exe
- fast.exe
- fch32.exe
- fih32.exe
- findviru.exe
- firewall.exe
- fixcfg.exe
- fixfp.exe
- fnrb32.exe
- fp-win.exe
- fp-win_trial.exe
- fprot.exe
- frmwrk32.exe
- frw.exe
- fsaa.exe
- fsav.exe
- fsav32.exe
- fsav530stbyb.exe
- fsav530wtbyb.exe
- fsav95.exe
- fsgk32.exe
- fsm32.exe
- fsma32.exe
- fsmb32.exe
- gator.exe
- gav.exe
- gbmenu.exe
- gbn976rl.exe
- gbpoll.exe
- generics.exe
- gmt.exe
- guard.exe
- guarddog.exe
- guardgui.exe
- hacktracersetup.exe
- hbinst.exe
- hbsrv.exe
- History.exe
- homeav2010.exe
- hotactio.exe
- hotpatch.exe
- htlog.exe
- htpatch.exe
- hwpe.exe
- hxdl.exe
- hxiul.exe
- iamapp.exe
- iamserv.exe
- iamstats.exe
- ibmasn.exe
- ibmavsp.exe
- icload95.exe
- icloadnt.exe
- icmon.exe
- icsupp95.exe
- icsuppnt.exe
- Identity.exe
- idle.exe
- iedll.exe
- iedriver.exe
- IEShow.exe
- iface.exe
- ifw2000.exe
- inetlnfo.exe
- infus.exe
- infwin.exe
- init.exe
- init32.exe
- install[1].exe
- install[2].exe
- install[3].exe
- install[4].exe
- install[5].exe
- intdel.exe
- intren.exe
- iomon98.exe
- istsvc.exe
- jammer.exe
- jdbgmrg.exe
- jedi.exe
- JsRcGen.exe
- kavlite40eng.exe
- kavpers40eng.exe
- kavpf.exe
- kazza.exe
- keenvalue.exe
- kerio-pf-213-en-win.exe
- kerio-wrl-421-en-win.exe
- kerio-wrp-421-en-win.exe
- killprocesssetup161.exe
- ldnetmon.exe
- ldpro.exe
- ldpromenu.exe
- ldscan.exe
- licmgr.exe
- lnetinfo.exe
- loader.exe
- localnet.exe
- lockdown.exe
- lockdown2000.exe
- lookout.exe
- lordpe.exe
- lsetup.exe
- luall.exe
- luau.exe
- lucomserver.exe
- luinit.exe
- luspt.exe
- MalwareRemoval.exe
- mapisvc32.exe
- mbam.exe
- mbamgui.exe
- mbamservice.exe
- mcagent.exe
- mcmnhdlr.exe
- mcmpeng.exe
- mcmscsvc.exe
- mcnasvc.exe
- mcproxy.exe
- McSACore.exe
- mcshell.exe
- mcshield.exe
- mcsysmon.exe
- mctool.exe
- mcupdate.exe
- mcvsrte.exe
- mcvsshld.exe
- md.exe
- mfin32.exe
- mfw2en.exe
- mfweng3.02d30.exe
- mgavrtcl.exe
- mgavrte.exe
- mghtml.exe
- mgui.exe
- minilog.exe
- mmod.exe
- monitor.exe
- moolive.exe
- mostat.exe
- mpfagent.exe
- mpfservice.exe
- MPFSrv.exe
- mpftray.exe
- mrflux.exe
- mrt.exe
- msa.exe
- msapp.exe
- MSASCui.exe
- msbb.exe
- msblast.exe
- mscache.exe
- msccn32.exe
- mscman.exe
- msconfig
- msdm.exe
- msdos.exe
- msiexec16.exe
- mslaugh.exe
- msmgt.exe
- msmsgri32.exe
- msseces.exe
- mssmmc32.exe
- mssys.exe
- msvxd.exe
- mu0311ad.exe
- mwatch.exe
- n32scanw.exe
- nav.exe
- navap.navapsvc.exe
- navapsvc.exe
- navapw32.exe
- navdx.exe
- navlu32.exe
- navnt.exe
- navstub.exe
- navw32.exe
- navwnt.exe
- nc2000.exe
- ncinst4.exe
- ndd32.exe
- neomonitor.exe
- neowatchlog.exe
- netarmor.exe
- netd32.exe
- netinfo.exe
- netmon.exe
- netscanpro.exe
- netspyhunter-1.2.exe
- netutils.exe
- nisserv.exe
- nisum.exe
- nmain.exe
- nod32.exe
- normist.exe
- norton_internet_secu_3.0_407.exe
- notstart.exe
- npf40_tw_98_nt_me_2k.exe
- npfmessenger.exe
- nprotect.exe
- npscheck.exe
- npssvc.exe
- nsched32.exe
- nssys32.exe
- nstask32.exe
- nsupdate.exe
- nt.exe
- ntrtscan.exe
- ntvdm.exe
- ntxconfig.exe
- nui.exe
- nupgrade.exe
- nvarch16.exe
- nvc95.exe
- nvsvc32.exe
- nwinst4.exe
- nwservice.exe
- nwtool16.exe
- OAcat.exe
- OAhlp.exe
- OAReg.exe
- oasrv.exe
- oaui.exe
- oaview.exe
- ODSW.exe
- ollydbg.exe
- onsrvr.exe
- optimize.exe
- ostronet.exe
- otfix.exe
- outpost.exe
- outpostinstall.exe
- outpostproinstall.exe
- ozn695m5.exe
- padmin.exe
- panixk.exe
- patch.exe
- pav.exe
- pavcl.exe
- PavFnSvr.exe
- pavproxy.exe
- pavprsrv.exe
- pavsched.exe
- pavsrv51.exe
- pavw.exe
- pc.exe
- PC_Antispyware2010.exe
- pccwin98.exe
- pcfwallicon.exe
- pcip10117_0.exe
- pcscan.exe
- pctsAuxs.exe
- pctsGui.exe
- pctsSvc.exe
- pctsTray.exe
- pdfndr.exe
- pdsetup.exe
- PerAvir.exe
- periscope.exe
- persfw.exe
- personalguard
- personalguard.exe
- perswf.exe
- pf2.exe
- pfwadmin.exe
- pgmonitr.exe
- pingscan.exe
- platin.exe
- pop3trap.exe
- poproxy.exe
- popscan.exe
- portdetective.exe
- portmonitor.exe
- powerscan.exe
- ppinupdt.exe
- pptbc.exe
- ppvstop.exe
- prizesurfer.exe
- prmt.exe
- prmvr.exe
- procdump.exe
- processmonitor.exe
- procexplorerv1.0.exe
- programauditor.exe
- proport.exe
- protector.exe
- protectx.exe
- PSANCU.exe
- PSANHost.exe
- PSANToManager.exe
- PsCtrls.exe
- PsImSvc.exe
- PskSvc.exe
- pspf.exe
- PSUNMain.exe
- purge.exe
- qconsole.exe
- qh.exe
- qserver.exe
- Quick Heal.exe
- QuickHealCleaner.exe
- rapapp.exe
- rav7.exe
- rav7win.exe
- rav8win32eng.exe
- ray.exe
- rb32.exe
- rcsync.exe
- realmon.exe
- reged.exe
- regedt32.exe
- rescue.exe
- rescue32.exe
- rrguard.exe
- rscdwld.exe
- rshell.exe
- rtvscan.exe
- rtvscn95.exe
- rulaunch.exe
- rwg.exe
- SafetyKeeper.exe
- safeweb.exe
- sahagent.exe
- Save.exe
- SaveArmor.exe
- SaveDefense.exe
- SaveKeep.exe
- savenow.exe
- sbserv.exe
- sc.exe
- scam32.exe
- scan32.exe
- scan95.exe
- scanpm.exe
- scrscan.exe
- Secure Veteran.exe
- secureveteran.exe
- Security Center.exe
- SecurityFighter.exe
- securitysoldier.exe
- serv95.exe
- setloadorder.exe
- setup_flowprotector_us.exe
- setupvameeval.exe
- sgssfw32.exe
- sh.exe
- shellspyinstall.exe
- shield.exe
- shn.exe
- showbehind.exe
- signcheck.exe
- smart.exe
- smartprotector.exe
- smc.exe
- smrtdefp.exe
- sms.exe
- smss32.exe
- snetcfg.exe
- soap.exe
- sofi.exe
- SoftSafeness.exe
- sperm.exe
- spf.exe
- sphinx.exe
- spoler.exe
- spoolcv.exe
- spoolsv32.exe
- spywarexpguard.exe
- spyxx.exe
- srexe.exe
- srng.exe
- ss3edit.exe
- ssg_4104.exe
- ssgrate.exe
- st2.exe
- start.exe
- stcloader.exe
- supftrl.exe
- support.exe
- supporter5.exe
- svc.exe
- svchostc.exe
- svchosts.exe
- svshost.exe
- sweep95.exe
- sweepnet.sweepsrv.sys.swnetsup.exe
- symlcsvc.exe
- symproxysvc.exe
- symtray.exe
- system.exe
- system32.exe
- sysupd.exe
- tapinstall.exe
- taumon.exe
- tbscan.exe
- tc.exe
- tca.exe
- tcm.exe
- tds-3.exe
- tds2-98.exe
- tds2-nt.exe
- teekids.exe
- tfak.exe
- tfak5.exe
- tgbob.exe
- titanin.exe
- titaninxp.exe
- TPSrv.exe
- trickler.exe
- trjscan.exe
- trjsetup.exe
- trojantrap3.exe
- TrustWarrior.exe
- tsadbot.exe
- tsc.exe
- tvmd.exe
- tvtmd.exe
- undoboot.exe
- updat.exe
- upgrad.exe
- utpost.exe
- vbcmserv.exe
- vbcons.exe
- vbust.exe
- vbwin9x.exe
- vbwinntw.exe
- vcsetup.exe
- vet32.exe
- vet95.exe
- vettray.exe
- vfsetup.exe
- vir-help.exe
- virusmdpersonalfirewall.exe
- VisthAux.exe
- VisthLic.exe
- VisthUpd.exe
- vnlan300.exe
- vnpc3000.exe
- vpc32.exe
- vpc42.exe
- vpfw30s.exe
- vptray.exe
- vscan40.exe
- vscenu6.02d30.exe
- vsched.exe
- vsecomr.exe
- vshwin32.exe
- vsisetup.exe
- vsmain.exe
- vsmon.exe
- vsstat.exe
- vswin9xe.exe
- vswinntse.exe
- vswinperse.exe
- w32dsm89.exe
- W3asbas.exe
- w9x.exe
- watchdog.exe
- webdav.exe
- WebProxy.exe
- webscanx.exe
- webtrap.exe
- wfindv32.exe
- whoswatchingme.exe
- wimmun32.exe
- win-bugsfix.exe
- win32.exe
- win32us.exe
- winactive.exe
- winav.exe
- windll32.exe
- window.exe
- windows Police Pro.exe
- windows.exe
- wininetd.exe
- wininitx.exe
- winlogin.exe
- winmain.exe
- winppr32.exe
- winrecon.exe
- winservn.exe
- winssk32.exe
- winstart.exe
- winstart001.exe
- wintsk32.exe
- winupdate.exe
- wkufind.exe
- wnad.exe
- wnt.exe
- wradmin.exe
- wrctrl.exe
- wsbgate.exe
- wscfxas.exe
- wscfxav.exe
- wscfxfw.exe
- wsctool.exe
- wupdater.exe
- wupdt.exe
- wyvernworksfirewall.exe
- xp_antispyware.exe
- xpdeluxe.exe
- xpf202en.exe
- zapro.exe
- zapsetup3001.exe
- zatutor.exe
- zonalm2601.exe
- zonealarm.exe
This Trojan poses as a legitimate antivirus software that displays deceptive warnings and misleading scan results:
If users agree to purchase the software and fully clean the system, they are redirected to the following page:
SOLUTION
9.200
8.928.06
22 Apr 2012
8.929.00
22 Apr 2012
Step 1
For Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 users, before doing any scans, please make sure you disable System Restore to allow full scanning of your computer.
Step 2
Restart in Safe Mode
Step 3
Enable Registry Editor
Step 4
Delete this registry key
Important: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this step only if you know how or you can ask assistance from your system administrator. Else, check this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft
- Direct3D
- Direct3D
Step 5
Delete this registry value
Important: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this step only if you know how or you can ask assistance from your system administrator. Else, check this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
- EnableLUA = "0"
- EnableLUA = "0"
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
- ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = "0"
- ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = "0"
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
- ConsentPromptBehaviorUser = "0"
- ConsentPromptBehaviorUser = "0"
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe
- Debugger = "%Application Data%\Protector-{random}.exe task"
- Debugger = "%Application Data%\Protector-{random}.exe task"
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\{exe file}
- Debugger = "svchost.exe"
- Debugger = "svchost.exe"
Step 6
Restore this modified registry value
Important: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this step only if you know how or you can ask assistance from your system administrator. Else, check this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectDraw\MostRecentApplication
- From: Name = "Protector-{random}.exe"
To: Name = "googletalk.exe"
- From: Name = "Protector-{random}.exe"
Step 7
Search and delete this file
- %System%\d3d9caps.dat
Step 8
Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TROJ_FAKEAV.TWT. If the detected files have already been cleaned, deleted, or quarantined by your Trend Micro product, no further step is required. You may opt to simply delete the quarantined files. Please check this Knowledge Base page for more information.
Did this description help? Tell us how we did.