Modified by: Christopher Daniel So
 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Adware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: No

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This adware arrives as a file that exports the functions of other malware/grayware.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 45,056 bytes
File Type: PE
Memory Resident: No
Initial Samples Received Date: 26 Apr 2008

Arrival Details

This adware arrives as a file that exports the functions of other malware/grayware.

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {7473D292-B7BB-4f24-AE82-7E2CE94BB6A9}\
InprocServer32
(Default) = {grayware path}

Other System Modifications

This adware also creates the following registry entry(ies) as part of its installation routine:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{7473D292-B7BB-4f24-AE82-7E2CE94BB6A9}
(Default) = MyWebSearch Skin Settings

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Interface\{7473D291-B7BB-4F24-AE82-7E2CE94BB6A9}
(Default) = IMyWebSearchSkinSettings

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\TypeLib\{7473D290-B7BB-4F24-AE82-7E2CE94BB6A9}\
1.0
(Default) = Skin 1.0 Type Library

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 8.900
SSAPI PATTERN File: 0.857.00
SSAPI PATTERN Date: 18 Nov 2009

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

Identifying the Spyware Files

  1. Scan your computer with your Trend Micro Anti-Spyware product.
  2. Note the path and file name of all files detected as ADW_MYWEBSEARCH.

Trend Micro Anti-Spyware customers need to download the latest anti-spyware pattern file before scanning their computer. Other users can use Housecall, the Trend Micro online threat scanner.

Step 3

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

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_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID
{7473D292-B7BB-4f24-AE82-7E2CE94BB6A9}

  • In
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Interface
    {7473D292-B7BB-4f24-AE82-7E2CE94BB6A9}
  • In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\TypeLib
{7473D292-B7BB-4f24-AE82-7E2CE94BB6A9}

Step 5

Search and delete the file detected as ADW_MYWEBSEARCH

[ Learn More ]
Please make sure you check the Search Hidden Files and Folders checkbox in the More advanced options option to include all hidden files in the search result.

Step 6

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