ADW_CYCLONGEMS

July 14, 2014
 ALIASES:

RDN/Generic PUP.x!bzj. (McAfee); Trojan.Gen (Symantec); Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT (Sunbelt)

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 SYSTEM IMPACT RATING:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Adware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

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.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

656,384 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

No

Initial Samples Received Date:

14 Jul 2014

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.

Other System Modifications

This adware adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\System

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CC

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\DomainList

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Extra1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\TriggerDomainList

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\TriggerExprList

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CurrentPackage\Urls\
Pending

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CurrentPackage\Urls\
Done

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CurrentPackage\Campaigns\
Pending

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CurrentPackage\Campaigns\
Done

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CommandListContainer

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\FailureControl

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\VersionNames

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Agent

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\System
RqT = "493e"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\System
ShHd = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\System
CnQs = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\System
MdQs = "1f4"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
13 = "a9afef2451a946b401d0f0bd01cb94c1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CC
dtj = "a"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CC
gdd = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CC
lad = "{random values}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CC
da = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CC
dd = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CC
cd = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
15 = "03df7559fbe5978608473d15021abce5"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
CheckBrowserWaitTime1 = "1388"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
CheckBrowserWaitTime2 = "271"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
RemoveAccents = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
TimeToEventWaitTime = "36ee8"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
FullContext = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
UseTriggers = "3"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
14 = "d4fa55b34866359ebb794b2163b545c8"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
NotifOnWeb = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
WebNotifHash = "&sn=4"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
ShowNotif = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
FormWidth = "1e"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
FormHeight = "32"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
BackColor = "E5E4EB"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
FormBottomPadding = "5"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
FormRightPadding = "5"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
Title = "Publicidad ofrecida por Cyclon"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
TitleSize = "c"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
TitleColor = "302F2E"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
TitleLeftPadding = "a"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
TitleTopPadding = "14"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
MessageSize = "8"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
MessageColor = "302F2E"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
MessageLeftPadding = "8"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
MessageTopPadding = "8"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
ShowCloseButton = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
ShowQuestionButton = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
QuestionButtonURL = "http://www.{BLOCKED}-media.com"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
ShowOptionsButton = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
ShowGrip = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
CallDelay = "bb8"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
FormDelay = "753"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
AniInterval = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
AniDuration = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
ShowImage = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
ImageLeftPadding = "8"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
ImageTopPadding = "12"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
Scroll = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
16 = "0286dc3f2ff05f60eb74a3dd090715fa"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
PingInterval = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
LastPingLocalTime = "{random values}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
BrowserDetectMode = "URL"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
UrlOperationMode = "Include"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
KeywordsPath = "http://{BLOCKED}tizer.net/as/ext/GetClasifiedCampaign"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
AllowedCampaigns = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
IntervalTime = "384"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
WaitBrowser = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
Report = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
UseFlyBrowser = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\AdServer
WordsLock = "f"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
2 = "2f336fae991a4948e5761d060ffd1a3e"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CurrentPackage
RemainTime = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CurrentPackage
RemainFromLocalTime = "{random values}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
4 = "e75d41390273ac58efb17ef04edc1c2c"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Agent
WantedProcess = "Install"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Agent
AllowVersions = "ffffffff"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Agent
RunVersion = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Agent
Host = "markettizer.net"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Agent
AgentVersion = "2250"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
1 = "1bf6ae612250b14a1959a921906ead19"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\CC
da = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
15 = "1622d2653aec0f31560cfc0088b02994"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\System
CnQs = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\
context2prod\Validation
13 = "95eb4090ba62c6cecf33497d31b0af1a"

Other Details

This adware connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • {BLOCKED}.243.90
  • {BLOCKED}0
  • {BLOCKED}.218.52

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.700

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

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\Context2pro\context2prod
    • System
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod
    • Validation
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod
    • CC
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • DomainList
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • Extra1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • Notifications
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • TriggerDomainList
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • TriggerExprList
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CurrentPackage\Urls
    • Pending
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CurrentPackage\Urls
    • Done
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CurrentPackage\Campaigns
    • Pending
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CurrentPackage\Campaigns
    • Done
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod
    • CommandListContainer
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod
    • FailureControl
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod
    • VersionNames
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod
    • Agent

Step 3

Delete this registry value

[ 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\Context2pro\context2prod\System
    • RqT = "493e"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\System
    • ShHd = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\System
    • CnQs = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\System
    • MdQs = "1f4"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 13 = "a9afef2451a946b401d0f0bd01cb94c1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CC
    • dtj = "a"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CC
    • gdd = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CC
    • lad = "{random values}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CC
    • da = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CC
    • dd = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CC
    • cd = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 15 = "03df7559fbe5978608473d15021abce5"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
    • CheckBrowserWaitTime1 = "1388"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
    • CheckBrowserWaitTime2 = "271"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
    • RemoveAccents = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
    • TimeToEventWaitTime = "36ee8"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
    • FullContext = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Extra1
    • UseTriggers = "3"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 14 = "d4fa55b34866359ebb794b2163b545c8"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • NotifOnWeb = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • WebNotifHash = "&sn=4"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • ShowNotif = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • FormWidth = "1e"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • FormHeight = "32"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • BackColor = "E5E4EB"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • FormBottomPadding = "5"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • FormRightPadding = "5"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • Title = "Publicidad ofrecida por Cyclon"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • TitleSize = "c"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • TitleColor = "302F2E"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • TitleLeftPadding = "a"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • TitleTopPadding = "14"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • MessageSize = "8"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • MessageColor = "302F2E"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • MessageLeftPadding = "8"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • MessageTopPadding = "8"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • ShowCloseButton = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • ShowQuestionButton = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • QuestionButtonURL = "http://www.{BLOCKED}-media.com"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • ShowOptionsButton = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • ShowGrip = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • CallDelay = "bb8"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • FormDelay = "753"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • AniInterval = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • AniDuration = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • ShowImage = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • ImageLeftPadding = "8"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • ImageTopPadding = "12"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer\Notifications
    • Scroll = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 16 = "0286dc3f2ff05f60eb74a3dd090715fa"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • PingInterval = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • LastPingLocalTime = "{random values}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • BrowserDetectMode = "URL"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • UrlOperationMode = "Include"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • KeywordsPath = "http://{BLOCKED}tizer.net/as/ext/GetClasifiedCampaign"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • AllowedCampaigns = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • IntervalTime = "384"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • WaitBrowser = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • Report = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • UseFlyBrowser = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\AdServer
    • WordsLock = "f"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 2 = "2f336fae991a4948e5761d060ffd1a3e"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CurrentPackage
    • RemainTime = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CurrentPackage
    • RemainFromLocalTime = "{random values}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 4 = "e75d41390273ac58efb17ef04edc1c2c"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Agent
    • WantedProcess = "Install"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Agent
    • AllowVersions = "ffffffff"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Agent
    • RunVersion = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Agent
    • Host = "markettizer.net"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Agent
    • AgentVersion = "2250"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 1 = "1bf6ae612250b14a1959a921906ead19"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\CC
    • da = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 15 = "1622d2653aec0f31560cfc0088b02994"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\System
    • CnQs = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Context2pro\context2prod\Validation
    • 13 = "95eb4090ba62c6cecf33497d31b0af1a"

Step 4

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as ADW_CYCLONGEMS. 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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