ADW_GABPATH
MICROSOFT : Adware:Win32/Gabpath ; KASPERSKY : Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Adload.aeso
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003
Threat Type: Adware
Destructiveness: No
Encrypted: Yes
In the wild: Yes
OVERVIEW
This adware may be downloaded by other malware/grayware/spyware from remote sites. It may be downloaded by other malware/grayware from remote sites. It may be unknowingly downloaded by a user while visiting malicious websites.
It displays pop-up advertisements.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Arrival Details
This adware may be downloaded by other malware/grayware/spyware from remote sites.
It may be downloaded by the following malware/grayware from remote sites:
- TROJ_DLOADR.GAB
It may be unknowingly downloaded by a user while visiting malicious websites.
Installation
This adware drops the following files:
- %Program Files%\Mozilla\.autoreg
- %Program Files%\Mozilla\components\gpff.dll
(Note: %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files.)
Autostart Technique
This adware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
GabPath = {malware path and file name}
Other System Modifications
This adware adds the following registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\GabPath
It adds the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\GabPath
{random characters} = {random hex values}
Adware Routine
This adware displays pop-up advertisements.
SOLUTION
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
Remove malware files dropped/downloaded by ADW_GABPATH
- TROJ_DLOADR.GAB
Step 3
Identify and terminate files detected as ADW_GABPATH
- 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.
- If the detected file is not displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, continue doing the next steps.
Step 4
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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- GabPath = {malware path and file name}.exe
- GabPath = {malware path and file name}.exe
Step 5
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
- GabPath
- GabPath
Step 6
Search and delete this file
Step 7
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as ADW_GABPATH. 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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