Analysis by: Michael Jay Villanueva

ALIASES:

PUA.OptimizerPro (Symantec); PUP/OptimizerPro (Panda); PUA/OptimizerPro.Gen (Avira)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

 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 may be manually installed by a user.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 6,602,128 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: No
Initial Samples Received Date: 12 Feb 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.

It may be manually installed by a user.

Installation

This adware drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\_isetup\_shfoldr.dll
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\itdownload.dll
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\OptProCrash.dll
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\bg_new1.bmp
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\CookiesException.txt
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\English.ini
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\file_id.diz
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\HomePage.url
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\itdownload.dll
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptimizerPro.chm
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptimizerPro.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProGuard.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProLauncher.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProReminder.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProSchedule.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProSmartScan.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProStart.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProUninstaller.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\scan.gif
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\sqlite3.dll
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\StartupList.txt
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\unins000.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\unins000.dat
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\unins000.msg
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProCrash.dll
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProCrashSvc.dll
  • %Desktop%\Optimizer Pro.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Optimizer Pro.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Help.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Optimizer Pro on the Web.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Uninstall Optimizer Pro.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Check updates.lnk
  • %User Profile%\My Documents\Optimizer Pro\CookiesException.txt

(Note: %User Temp% is the user's temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.. %Desktop% is the desktop folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Desktop in Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\Desktop in Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %Start Menu% is the Start Menu folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %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.)

It drops and executes the following files:

  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\setup.tmp

(Note: %User Temp% is the user's temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\_isetup
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2
  • %User Profile%\My Documents\Optimizer Pro

(Note: %User Temp% is the user's temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.. %Start Menu% is the Start Menu folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %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 System Modifications

This adware adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Licenses

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
cufValue = CUF=0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
Language = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
InstallDate = {Hex Values}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
AppStart = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
DisplayName = Optimizer Pro

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
Version = 3.2

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
LastVersionChecking = {Hex Values}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
LogDir = %Application Data%\Optimizer Pro\Log

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
UndoDir = %Application Data%\Optimizer Pro\Undo

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
ItemsToScan = 1111111111

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
UseExceptionList = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
ShowRebootMessage = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
SpeedGuard = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
s_SmartScan = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
s_Enable = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
s_Time = {Hex Values}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
s_SmartMode = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
BuyNowURL = ""

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
UpgradeID = BZDV_PCSM_ML_PCUP_OPTIMIZERPRO_RED

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
Reminder = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
ProblemsFixed = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
ItemsCleaned = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
ResidualFilesCleaned = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
RunDate = {Hex Values}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
ItemsToClean = {Hex Values}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
LastScanFound = {Value}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
Stat1a = {Value}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
ItemsToFix = {Value}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
LastScanChecked = {Random Value}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
InstallStat = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Licenses
{Random Hex Values} = {Hex Values}

Other Details

This adware connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://{BLOCKED}o.info/install/
  • http://{BLOCKED}o.info/get/?q={random}
  • http://{BLOCKED}zerproutility.info/get/?q={random}
  • http://{BLOCKED}zerprosurfing.info/get/?q={random}
  • http://{BLOCKED}zerproweb.info/get/?q={random}
  • http://service.{BLOCKED}cupdate.com/rpc/sendspminstall?partner=BZDV_PCSM_ML_PCUP_OPTIMIZER

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.800
SSAPI PATTERN File: 1.768.48
SSAPI PATTERN Date: 20 Sep 2016

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

Note that not all files, folders, and registry keys and entries are installed on your computer during this malware's/spyware's/grayware's execution. This may be due to incomplete installation or other operating system conditions. If you do not find the same files/folders/registry information, please proceed to the next step.

Step 3

Identify and terminate files detected as ADW_OPTIMIZERPRO.GA

[ 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 4

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.

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Licenses

Step 5

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\Optimizer Pro
    • cufValue = CUF=0
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • Language = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • InstallDate = {Hex Values}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • AppStart = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • DisplayName = Optimizer Pro
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • Version = 3.2
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • LastVersionChecking = {Hex Values}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • LogDir = %Application Data%\Optimizer Pro\Log
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • UndoDir = %Application Data%\Optimizer Pro\Undo
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • ItemsToScan = 1111111111
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • UseExceptionList = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • ShowRebootMessage = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • SpeedGuard = 0
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • s_SmartScan = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • s_Enable = 0
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • s_Time = {Hex Values}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • s_SmartMode = 0
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • BuyNowURL = ""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • UpgradeID = BZDV_PCSM_ML_PCUP_OPTIMIZERPRO_RED
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • Reminder = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • ProblemsFixed = 0
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • ItemsCleaned = 0
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • ResidualFilesCleaned = 0
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • RunDate = {Hex Values}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • ItemsToClean = {Hex Values}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • LastScanFound = {Value}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • Stat1a = {Value}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • ItemsToFix = {Value}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • LastScanChecked = {Random Value}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Optimizer Pro
    • InstallStat = 1
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Licenses
    • {Random Hex Values} = {Hex Values}

Step 6

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.
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\_isetup
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2
  • %User Profile%\My Documents\Optimizer Pro

Step 7

Search and delete these files

[ Learn More ]
There may be some 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.
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\setup.tmp
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\_isetup\_shfoldr.dll
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\itdownload.dll
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\OptProCrash.dll
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\bg_new1.bmp
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\CookiesException.txt
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\English.ini
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\file_id.diz
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\HomePage.url
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\itdownload.dll
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptimizerPro.chm
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptimizerPro.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProGuard.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProLauncher.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProReminder.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProSchedule.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProSmartScan.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProStart.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProUninstaller.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\scan.gif
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\sqlite3.dll
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\StartupList.txt
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\unins000.exe
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\unins000.dat
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\unins000.msg
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProCrash.dll
  • %Program Files%\Optimizer Pro\OptProCrashSvc.dll
  • %Desktop%\Optimizer Pro.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Optimizer Pro.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Help.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Optimizer Pro on the Web.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Uninstall Optimizer Pro.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Optimizer Pro v3.2\Check updates.lnk
  • %User Profile%\My Documents\Optimizer Pro\CookiesException.txt

Step 8

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