ALIASES:

RDN/Generic.bfr!hi (McAfee); Adware.BL (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: 227,890 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: Yes
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.

Installation

This adware creates the following folders:

  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1\Wilbert
  • %User Profile%\LOCALS~1
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp
  • %System Root%\temp
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp
  • %System Root%\Documents and Settings\Wilbert
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian
  • %Program Files%\Bench
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater\1.7.0.0
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Browser Guardian
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy
  • %User Profile%\Application Data\Protect
  • %User Profile%\Protect\CanvasStorage
  • %Application Data%\BenchUpdater
  • %User Profile%\Protect\Blocker

(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name} 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.. %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.. %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).. %Start Menu% is the current user's Start Menu folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Start Menu or C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu on Windows Vista and 7.)

Autostart Technique

This adware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Bench Communicator Watcher = "%Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\pwdg.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Bench Settings Cleaner = "%Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\cl.exe"

Other System Modifications

This adware deletes the following files:

  • %User Temp%\nss1.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsmC.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\bottom_left3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\bottom_right3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\box02[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\desktop.ini
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\top_left3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\box04[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\box08[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\desktop.ini
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\header00b[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\table_bottom3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\background[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\box06[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\desktop.ini
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\table_right3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\top_right3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6\desktop.ini
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6\footer00[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6\table_left3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6\table_top3[1].png

(Note: %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.. %Temporary Internet Files% is the Temporary Internet Files folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files on Windows Vista and 7.)

It deletes the following folders:

  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6

(Note: %Temporary Internet Files% is the Temporary Internet Files folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files on Windows Vista and 7.)

It adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Browser Guardian

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\AdvertisingSupport

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Bench\
Updater

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Bench\
Updater\38997

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Proxy

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Proxy

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Bench\
InstalledExtensions

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
SystemId = "f7de4fbcf93049f2c062ec67454ba6c6"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdvertisingSupport
SystemId = "f7de4fbcf93049f2c062ec67454ba6c6"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
CDN = "browserguardian-a.akamaihd.net"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
InstallTime = "1403599869"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
Pid = "2032"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
UTCInstallTime = "1403625069"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
ZoneId = "622011"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
38997 = "Browser Guardian"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
SeenDate = "1403625069"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
Seen = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdvertisingSupport
SeenDate = "1403625069"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdvertisingSupport
Seen = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Bench\
Updater
path = "%Program Files%\Bench\Updater\updater.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian
DisplayName = "Browser Guardian"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian
DisplayVersion = "1.0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian
Publisher = "Exciting Apps"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian
DisplayIcon = "%Application Data%\Browser Guardian/icon.ico"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian
InstallLocation = "%Application Data%\Browser Guardian"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian
UninstallString = "%Application Data%\Browser Guardian\uninstall.exe "

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian
NoModify = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
38997_Browser Guardian
NoRepair = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Proxy
ProxyEnable = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy
ProxyEnable = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
aoi = "1403599869"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
pid = "2032"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
zoneid = "622011"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
domain = "browserguardian-a.akamaihd.net"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
ext = "Browser Guardian"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
format = "{random characters}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
protect_redirect_url = "http://{BLOCKED}rguardian.com/warning.php?%blocked_url%"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
settings_url = "http://{BLOCKED}rguardian.com/settings.php"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\
Installations\Browser Guardian
system_black_list_url = "http://browserguardian-a.{BLOCKED}hd.net/protect/rules.json"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxyServer = "http=127.0.0.1:3128"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxyEnable = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxyServer = "http=127.0.0.1:3128"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxySettingsPerUser = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
AllowProxy = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdvertisingSupport
Existing = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
czoneid = "12199"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\
FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\
List
%Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\pwdg.exe = "%Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\pwdg.exe:*:Enabled:Proxy"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Proxy
disableChainProxy = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Proxy
totalFail = "0"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Cryptography
MachineGuid = "{1E847F6E-EEA5-4871-ADBB-29A569A581D9}"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 374096af-ba28-4e2f-ab4b-031066d93c3f.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxyEnable = "1"

Dropping Routine

This adware drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp\UAC.dll
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp\NSISdl.dll
  • guardian.exe
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp\AccessControl.dll
  • %System Root%\temp\test.txt
  • %User Temp%\nsbE.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\ping.js
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\md5dll.dll
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\nsExec.dll
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\SoftwareDetector.exe
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\projectInstaller.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\common.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\icon.ico
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\main_installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\info.xml
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\migrate.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\repair.js
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater\updater.exe
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater\1.7.0.0\updater.exe
  • %User Temp%\nsh2D.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsh2F.tmp
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\uninstall.exe
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Browser Guardian\Uninstall.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\firefox_installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\chrome_installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\ie_installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\clear_cache.js
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\nsProcess.dll
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\proc.exe
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\pwdg.exe
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\icon.ico
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\cl.exe
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Browser Guardian\Browser Guardian.lnk
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\pz_info
  • %Windows%\Tasks\bench-sys.job
  • %Windows%\Tasks\bench-S-1-5-21-1645522239-1292428093-682003330-1003.job
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater\products.xml
  • %Application Data%\proxy.log
  • %Application Data%\BenchUpdater\products.xml
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\get.dat
  • %User Profile%\CanvasStorage\ee9adb2bad520b37c67f38edc62ec22d
  • %User Profile%\CanvasStorage\a645fa10d3b7c3be385a23d8e9796994
  • %User Profile%\CanvasStorage\c8ca0d6097bee7d978cc54b0e9075409
  • %User Profile%\Blocker\212e90ffa529f5c99c44dc574c6f9a16
  • %User Profile%\Blocker\661d2a49ae9c29fdbdb0e735f567c5cf
  • %User Profile%\Blocker\b24f88eb229178ba93accf228dc5b280
  • %User Profile%\Blocker\8d3f613ded3421026a6b47abd4042139

(Note: %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.. %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.. %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.. %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).. %Start Menu% is the current user's Start Menu folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Start Menu or C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu on Windows Vista and 7.. %Windows% is the Windows folder, which is usually C:\Windows.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name} on Windows Vista and 7.)

Other Details

This adware connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://contentcache-a.{BLOCKED}hd.net/check
  • http://contentcache-a.{BLOCKED}hd.net/protect/rules.json
  • {BLOCKED}5.190.41
  • {BLOCKED}81.207
  • {BLOCKED}0.1
  • {BLOCKED}.193.149
  • {BLOCKED}5.190.33
  • {BLOCKED}.51.156
  • {BLOCKED}60.222
  • {BLOCKED}5.190.25

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

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

Step 3

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
    • Browser Guardian
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
    • AdvertisingSupport
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Bench
    • Updater
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Bench\Updater
    • 38997
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
    • 38997_Browser Guardian
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    • Proxy
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
    • Proxy
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Proxy\Installations
    • Browser Guardian
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Bench
    • InstalledExtensions

Step 4

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • Bench Communicator Watcher = "%Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\pwdg.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • Bench Settings Cleaner = "%Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\cl.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • SystemId = "f7de4fbcf93049f2c062ec67454ba6c6"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdvertisingSupport
    • SystemId = "f7de4fbcf93049f2c062ec67454ba6c6"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • CDN = "browserguardian-a.akamaihd.net"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • InstallTime = "1403599869"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • Pid = "2032"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • UTCInstallTime = "1403625069"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • ZoneId = "622011"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • 38997 = "Browser Guardian"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • SeenDate = "1403625069"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • Seen = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdvertisingSupport
    • SeenDate = "1403625069"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdvertisingSupport
    • Seen = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Bench\Updater
    • path = "%Program Files%\Bench\Updater\updater.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\38997_Browser Guardian
    • DisplayName = "Browser Guardian"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\38997_Browser Guardian
    • DisplayVersion = "1.0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\38997_Browser Guardian
    • Publisher = "Exciting Apps"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\38997_Browser Guardian
    • DisplayIcon = "%Application Data%\Browser Guardian/icon.ico"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\38997_Browser Guardian
    • InstallLocation = "%Application Data%\Browser Guardian"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\38997_Browser Guardian
    • UninstallString = "%Application Data%\Browser Guardian\uninstall.exe "
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\38997_Browser Guardian
    • NoModify = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\38997_Browser Guardian
    • NoRepair = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Proxy
    • ProxyEnable = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy
    • ProxyEnable = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • aoi = "1403599869"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • pid = "2032"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • zoneid = "622011"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • domain = "browserguardian-a.akamaihd.net"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • ext = "Browser Guardian"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • format = "{random characters}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • protect_redirect_url = "http://{BLOCKED}rguardian.com/warning.php?%blocked_url%"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • settings_url = "http://{BLOCKED}rguardian.com/settings.php"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Proxy\Installations\Browser Guardian
    • system_black_list_url = "http://browserguardian-a.{BLOCKED}hd.net/protect/rules.json"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
    • ProxyServer = "http=127.0.0.1:3128"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
    • ProxyEnable = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
    • ProxyServer = "http=127.0.0.1:3128"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
    • ProxySettingsPerUser = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • AllowProxy = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdvertisingSupport
    • Existing = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Browser Guardian
    • czoneid = "12199"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List
    • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\pwdg.exe = "%Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\pwdg.exe:*:Enabled:Proxy"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Proxy
    • disableChainProxy = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Proxy
    • totalFail = "0"

Step 5

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\Cryptography
    • From: MachineGuid = "{1E847F6E-EEA5-4871-ADBB-29A569A581D9}"
      To: MachineGuid = ""374096af-ba28-4e2f-ab4b-031066d93c3f""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
    • ProxyEnable = "1"

Step 6

Search and delete these components

[ Learn More ]
There may be some components 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.
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp\UAC.dll
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp\NSISdl.dll
  • guardian.exe
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp\AccessControl.dll
  • %System Root%\temp\test.txt
  • %User Temp%\nsbE.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\ping.js
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\md5dll.dll
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\nsExec.dll
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\SoftwareDetector.exe
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\projectInstaller.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\common.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\icon.ico
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\main_installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\info.xml
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\migrate.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\repair.js
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater\updater.exe
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater\1.7.0.0\updater.exe
  • %User Temp%\nsh2D.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsh2F.tmp
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\uninstall.exe
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Browser Guardian\Uninstall.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\firefox_installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\chrome_installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\ie_installer.js
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian\clear_cache.js
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\nsProcess.dll
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\proc.exe
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\pwdg.exe
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\icon.ico
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy\cl.exe
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Browser Guardian\Browser Guardian.lnk
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\pz_info
  • %Windows%\Tasks\bench-sys.job
  • %Windows%\Tasks\bench-S-1-5-21-1645522239-1292428093-682003330-1003.job
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater\products.xml
  • %Application Data%\proxy.log
  • %Application Data%\BenchUpdater\products.xml
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp\get.dat
  • %User Profile%\CanvasStorage\ee9adb2bad520b37c67f38edc62ec22d
  • %User Profile%\CanvasStorage\a645fa10d3b7c3be385a23d8e9796994
  • %User Profile%\CanvasStorage\c8ca0d6097bee7d978cc54b0e9075409
  • %User Profile%\Blocker\212e90ffa529f5c99c44dc574c6f9a16
  • %User Profile%\Blocker\661d2a49ae9c29fdbdb0e735f567c5cf
  • %User Profile%\Blocker\b24f88eb229178ba93accf228dc5b280
  • %User Profile%\Blocker\8d3f613ded3421026a6b47abd4042139

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.
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1\Wilbert
  • %User Profile%\LOCALS~1
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp
  • %System Root%\temp
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp
  • %System Root%\Documents and Settings\Wilbert
  • %Application Data%\Browser Guardian
  • %Program Files%\Bench
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Updater\1.7.0.0
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Browser Guardian
  • %Program Files%\Bench\Proxy
  • %User Profile%\Application Data\Protect
  • %User Profile%\Protect\CanvasStorage
  • %Application Data%\BenchUpdater
  • %User Profile%\Protect\Blocker

Step 8

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

Step 9

Restore this file from backup only Microsoft-related files will be restored. If this malware/grayware also deleted files related to programs that are not from Microsoft, please reinstall those programs on you computer again.

  • %User Temp%\nss1.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nss3.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsmC.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsr10.tmp
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\bottom_left3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\bottom_right3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\box02[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\desktop.ini
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\09RWHJQN\top_left3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\box04[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\box08[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\desktop.ini
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\header00b[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\BVLBNMKH\table_bottom3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\background[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\box06[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\desktop.ini
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\table_right3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZDGZNKA5\top_right3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6\desktop.ini
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6\footer00[1].gif
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6\table_left3[1].png
  • %Temporary Internet Files%\Content.IE5\ZSGKJKO6\table_top3[1].png


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