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ADW_INSTALLCOR

June 25, 2014
 Analysis by: Jimelle Monteser
 ALIASES:

a variant of Win32/InstallCore.OG application (NOD32), ADWARE/InstallCore.Gen9 (Antivir), 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:
 DAMAGE POTENTIAL:
 DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 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.

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

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

802,096 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

No

Initial Samples Received Date:

12 Jun 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.

Installation

This adware adds the following folders:

  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PDF Creator
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Protect\S-1-5-21-1614895754-436374069-682003330-1003\07d30d01-d53a-4888-ab62-d69ffc6b9b11
  • %User Temp%\is{random}
  • %Program Files%\GPLGS
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\X64
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual

(Note: %All Users Profile% is the All Users or Common profile folder, which is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users in Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, and C:\ProgramData in Windows Vista and 7.. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista and 7.. %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Server 2003, and XP (32-bit), Vista (32-bit), and 7 (32-bit), or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP (64-bit), Vista (64-bit), and 7 (64-bit).)

Other System Modifications

This adware adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CUSTPDF Writer

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CUSTPDF Writer\
CPWPV305:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\GPL Ghostscript

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\GPL Ghostscript\
8.15

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Forms

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Monitors\
CUSTPDF Writer Monitor x86

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Monitors\
CUSTPDF Writer Monitor x86\CPWPV305:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PDF Creator

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Printers\DevModePerUser
PDF Creator = "{value}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CUSTPDF Writer\
CPWPV305:
Destination Folder = "%Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CUSTPDF Writer\
CPWPV305:
Converter = "%Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\GNUGS"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\GPL Ghostscript\
8.15
GS_LIB = "C:\Program Files\GPLGS"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\GPL Ghostscript\
8.15
GS_DLL = "C:\Program Files\GPLGS\gsdll32.dll"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Name = "PDF Creator"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Share Name = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Print Processor = "WinPrint"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Datatype = "RAW"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Parameters = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Action = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
ObjectGUID = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
DsKeyUpdate = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
DsKeyUpdateForeground = "3"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Printer Driver = "CUSTPDF Writer"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Default DevMode = "{value}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Priority = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Default Priority = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
StartTime = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
UntilTime = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Attributes = "240"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
txTimeout = "afc8"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
dnsTimeout = "3a98"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Security = "{value}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Port = "CPWPV305:"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printBinNames = "{value}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printCollate = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printColor = "1"

printDuplexSupported
printDuplexSupported = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printStaplingSupported = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMaxXExtent = "00007fff"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMaxYExtent = "00007fff"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMinXExtent = "000000fe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMinYExtent = "000000fe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printNumberUp = "6"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMemory = "1000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMaxResolutionSupported = "fa0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printRate = "00000190"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printRateUnit = "PagesPerMinute"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
printPagesPerMinute = "00000190"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsDriver
"00000401" = "00000401"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
driverName = "CUSTPDF Writer"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printStartTime = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printEndTime = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printerName = "PDF Creator"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printKeepPrintedJobs = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printSpooling = "PrintAfterSpooled"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
priority = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
uNCName = "\{username}\PDF Creator"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
versionNumber = "00000004"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
serverName = "{username}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
shortServerName = "{username}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\DsSpooler
flags = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
InitDriverVersion = "00000600"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
FreeMem = "00001000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
JobTimeOut = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
Protocol = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
PrinterDataSize = "00000230"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
FeatureKeywordSize = "00000018"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
Forms? = "04d0c2a5"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Devices
PDF Creator = "winspool,Ne02:"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PrinterPorts
PDF Creator = "winspool,Ne02:,15,45"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Ports
Ne02: = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
ChangeID = "00c7bd6c"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\
Printers\PDF Creator
Status = "00000080"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer
Configuration File = "PS5UI.DLL"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer
Data File = "CUSTPDFW.PPD"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer
Driver = "PSCRIPT5.DLL"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer
Help File = "PSCRIPT.HLP"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer
Datatype = "RAW"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer
Version = "00000003"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer
TempDir = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Environments\
Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\
CUSTPDF Writer
Attributes = "00000002"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Monitors\
CUSTPDF Writer Monitor x86 Driver
{Default} = "custmon32i.dll"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Monitors\
CUSTPDF Writer Monitor x86\CPWPV305:
{Default} = "PDF Creator"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
ChangeID = "00c7bd6c"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
Status = "00000080"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
Name = "PDF Creator"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
Print Processor = "WinPrint"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
Datatype = "RAW"

Action
Action = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
DsKeyUpdate = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
DsKeyUpdateForeground = "00000003

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
Printer Driver = "CUSTPDF Writer"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
Priority = "00000001"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
Default Priority = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
StartTime = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
UntilTime = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
"00000240" = "00000240"

txTimeout
"0000afc8" = "0000afc8"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
dnsTimeout = "00003a98"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator
Port = "CPWPV305:"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMaxXExtent = "00007fff"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMaxYExtent = "00007fff"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMinXExtent = "000000fe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMinYExtent = "000000fe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printNumberUp = "00000006"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMemory = "00001000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printMaxResolutionSupported = "00000fa0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printRate = "00000190"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printRateUnit = "PagesPerMinute"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
printPagesPerMinute = "00000190"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsDriver
driverVersion = "00000401"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
driverName = "CUSTPDF Writer"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printStartTime = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printEndTime = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printerName = "PDF Creator"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
printSpooling = "PrintAfterSpooled"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
priority = "00000001"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
uNCName = "\{username}\PDF Creator"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
versionNumber = "00000004"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
serverName = "{username}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
shortServerName = "{username}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\DsSpooler
flags = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
InitDriverVersion = "00000600"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
FreeMem = "00001000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
JobTimeOut = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
Protocol = "00000000"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\Print\Printers\
PDF Creator\PrinterDriverData
PrinterDataSize = "00000230"

Dropping Routine

This adware drops the following files:

  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PDF Creator\Preferences.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PDF Creator\Readme.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PDF Creator\Uninstall PDF Creator.lnk
  • %User Temp%\is{random}\12726241_stp.EXE
  • %User Temp%\is{random}\12726241_stp.EXE.part
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Converter.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\CPWriter2.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\custmon32i.dll
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\custmon64i.dll
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\custmoni.dll
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\CUSTPDFW.PPD
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\CUSTPDFW.SPD
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\FONTS.MFM
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\ICONLIB.DLL
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\PS5UI.DLL
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\PSCRIPT.DRV
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\PSCRIPT.HLP
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\PSCRIPT.INI
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\PSCRIPT.NTF
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\PSCRIPT5.DLL
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\PSMON.DLL
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\TESTPS.TXT
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\X64\PS5UI.DLL
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\X64\PSCRIPT.HLP
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\X64\PSCRIPT.NTF
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Driver\X64\PSCRIPT5.DLL
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\message.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\PDFWrite.rsp
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\pdfwriter.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\pdfwriter32.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\pdfwriter64.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Preferences.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Readme.htm
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Setup.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\Setup.inf
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\unInstpw.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator\unInstpw64.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\CPWriter2.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\PDFWrite.rsp
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\pdfwriter.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\Preferences.exe
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\README.HTM
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\setup.inf
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\uninstpw.exe
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\custmon32i.dll
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\CUSTPDFW.PPD
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\PS5UI.DLL
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\PSCRIPT.HLP
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\PSCRIPT.NTF
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\PSCRIPT5.DLL
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\CUSTPDFW.BPD
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\CUSTPDFW.PPD

(Note: %All Users Profile% is the All Users or Common profile folder, which is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users in Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, and C:\ProgramData in Windows Vista and 7.. %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Server 2003, and XP (32-bit), Vista (32-bit), and 7 (32-bit), or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP (64-bit), Vista (64-bit), and 7 (64-bit).)

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\
PDF Creator
DisplayName = "PDF Creator"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PDF Creator
UninstallString = "%Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\uninstpw.exe %Program Files%\PDFCreator\Actual\"

It connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://static.{BLOCKED}ps-online.com/exe/PDFCreator.exe
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}pdf-converter.com/pdf-creator/welcome/oc/?{random characters}

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

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.700

SSAPI PATTERN File:

1.518.22

SSAPI PATTERN Date:

14 Jun 2014

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

Identify and terminate files detected as ADW_INSTALLCOR

[ Learn More ]
  1. Windows Task Manager may not display all running processes. In this case, please use a third-party process viewer, preferably Process Explorer, to terminate the malware/grayware/spyware file. You may download the said tool here.
  2. If the detected file is displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer but you cannot delete it, restart your computer in safe mode. To do this, refer to this link for the complete steps.
  3. If the detected file is not displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, continue doing the next steps.

Step 3

Remove ADW_INSTALLCOR by using its own Uninstall option

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To uninstall the grayware process

Step 4

Delete this registry key

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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
    • CUSTPDF Writer
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • GPL Ghostscript
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\Printers
    • PDF Creator
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
    • Forms
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3
    • CUSTPDF Writer
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors
    • CUSTPDF Writer Monitor x86
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers
    • PDF Creator
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
    • PDF Creator

Step 5

Delete this registry value

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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\Printers\DevModePerUser
    • PDF Creator = "{value}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Devices
    • PDF Creator = "winspool,Ne02:"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PrinterPorts
    • PDF Creator = "winspool,Ne02:,15,45"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Ports
    • Ne02: = ""

Step 6

Search and delete this folder

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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.
  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PDF Creator
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Protect\S-1-5-21-1614895754-436374069-682003330-1003\07d30d01-d53a-4888-ab62-d69ffc6b9b11
  • %User Temp%\is{random}
  • %Program Files%\GPLGS
  • %Program Files%\PDF Creator
  • %Program Files%\PDFCreator

Step 7

Search and delete these files

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There may be some component files that are hidden. Please make sure you check the Search Hidden Files and Folders checkbox in the More advanced options option to include all hidden files and folders in the search result.
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\custmon32i.dll
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\CUSTPDFW.PPD
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\PS5UI.DLL
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\PSCRIPT.HLP
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\PSCRIPT.NTF
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\PSCRIPT5.DLL
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\CUSTPDFW.BPD
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\CUSTPDFW.PPD

Step 8

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