ADW_SPROTECT.GAA

July 07, 2015
 Analysis by: Sammy Chua
 ALIASES:

Trojan.SProtector (Malwarebytes); PE:Trojan.Win32.SProtector.b!1075357361 (Rising); Trojan.Agent/Gen-SProtector (SUPERAntiSpyware)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 DAMAGE POTENTIAL:
 DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Adware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: No

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel:

Downloaded from the Internet

This adware arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.

It connects to certain websites to send and receive information. It comes with an uninstall package that completely removes the files it dropped and the registries it created.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

5,141,504 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

03 Jul 2015

Payload:

Connects to URLs/IPs, Steals information

Arrival Details

This adware 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 adware drops the following component file(s):

  • {AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\Assistant.dll - also detected as ADW_SPROTECT.GAA
  • {AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\AssistantSvc.dll - also detected as ADW_SPROTECT.GAA
  • %Temp%\tf{8 digits}.dll - also detected as ADW_SPROTECT.GAA; deleted afterwards

(Note: %Temp% is the Windows temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\Temp on all Windows operating system versions.)

It creates the following folders:

  • {AllUsersAppData}\Assistant

Autostart Technique

This adware modifies the following registry entry(ies) to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
LoadAppInit_DLLs = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
AppInit_DLLs = "{AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\Assistant.dll"

Other System Modifications

This adware adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03\eae10f9d

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{3A7D3E19-1B79-4E4E-BD96-5467DA2C4EF0}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03\eae10f9d

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{77D46E27-0E41-4478-87A6-AABE6FBCF252}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
date = "14{random}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
data.0 = "{random}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
data.1 = "{random}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
usr.0 = "{random}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
usr.1 = "{random}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
uuid = "baadc0de-baadbeef-b0b2d6e3"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
lrts = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
mode = "f0000000"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03
iiid = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\_e64a4d03\00000000
{random} = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{3A7D3E19-1B79-4E4E-BD96-5467DA2C4EF0}
n = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
date = "14{random}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
data.0 = "{random}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
data.1 = "{random}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
usr.0 = "{random}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
usr.1 = "{random}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
version = "{random}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
uuid = "baadc0de-baadbeef-b0b2d6e3"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
state = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
lrts = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
mode = "f0000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
svn = "Assistant"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
svx = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
svi = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
svt = "559a27da"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
iiid = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
svpath = "{AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\AssistantSvc.dll"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
dlpath = "{AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\Assistant.dll"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03
Install_Dir = "{AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}\
_e64a4d03\00000000
{random} = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{77D46E27-0E41-4478-87A6-AABE6FBCF252}
e64a4d03 = "{AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\Assistant.dll"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{77D46E27-0E41-4478-87A6-AABE6FBCF252}
n = "1"

Information Theft

This adware gathers the following data:

  • Operating system information
  • Language
  • Operating system bit information

Other Details

This adware adds the following registry entries to add an uninstall option to the Control Panel:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}
UninstallString = ""%System%\rundll32.exe" {AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\Assistant.dll",_uninstall /un"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}
QuietUninstallString = ""%System%\rundll32.exe" "{AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\Assistant.dll",_uninstall /un /uq"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}
NoModify = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}
NoRepair = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}
Publisher = "Verified Publisher"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}
InstallDate = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}
CategoryName = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
{5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}
DisplayName = "Assistant"

It connects to the following website to send and receive information:

  • {BLOCKED}ationfirst.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}ationmyweb.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}netuk.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}obar.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}rysun.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}ldrivergold.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}ldrivermy.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}iverget.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}ivernet.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}iverset.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}drivergold.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}driversun.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}bar.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}onnetuk.info/get/?data={data}&version=4
  • {BLOCKED}nnetuk.info/get/?data={data}&version=4

It comes with an uninstall package that completely removes the files it dropped and the registries it added.

NOTES:

This adware executes the process "%System%\rundll32.exe" "{AllUsersAppData}\Assistant\AssistantSvc.dll",service -install. {AllUsersAppData} is usually C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data for Windows XP and below, and C:\ProgramData for Windows Vista and above.

It renames the initial copy to %User Temp%\__tmp_{8 hex numbers}.

It does not have rootkit capabilities.

It does not exploit any vulnerability.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.750

SSAPI PATTERN File:

1.639.00

SSAPI PATTERN Date:

09 Jul 2015

Step 1

Before doing any scans, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users must disable System Restore to allow full scanning of their computers.

Step 2

Note that not all files, folders, and registry keys and entries are installed on your computer during this malware's/spyware's/grayware's execution. This may be due to incomplete installation or other operating system conditions. If you do not find the same files/folders/registry information, please proceed to the next step.

Step 3

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

Step 4

Remove ADW_SPROTECT.GAA by using its own Uninstall option

[ Learn More ]
To uninstall the grayware process

Step 5

Delete this registry key

[ Learn More ]

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
    • AppDataLow
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • {3A7D3E19-1B79-4E4E-BD96-5467DA2C4EF0}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • {5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • {77D46E27-0E41-4478-87A6-AABE6FBCF252}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
    • {5F189DF5-2D05-472B-9091-84D9848AE48B}{e64a4d03}

Step 6

Restore these modified registry values

[ Learn More ]

Important:Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this only if you know how to or you can seek your system administrator's help. You may also check out this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.

  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
    • From: AppInit_DLLs = "%All Users Profile%\Assistant\Assistant.dll"
      To: AppInit_DLLs = ""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
    • From: LoadAppInit_DLLs = "1"
      To: LoadAppInit_DLLs = "{user-defined}"

Step 7

Search and delete these folders

[ Learn More ]
Please make sure you check the Search Hidden Files and Folders checkbox in the More advanced options option to include all hidden folders in the search result.
  • {AllUsersAppData}\Assistant

Step 8

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as ADW_SPROTECT.GAA. 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.


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