Analysis by: David John Agni
 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.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 3,700,224 bytes
File Type: Other
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 24 Apr 2015

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 drops the following files:

  • %AppDataLocalLow%Search Settings
  • %AppDataLocalLow%Search Settings\res
  • %AppDataLocalLow%Search Settings\temp
  • %AppDataLocalLow%pdfforge
  • %AppDataLocalLow%pdfforge\res
  • %AppDataLocalLow%pdfforge\res\widgets.xml
  • %AppDataLocalLow%pdfforge\temp
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater\ApplicationUpdater.exe
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1031.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1033.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1034.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1036.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1040.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Res
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings.exe
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings64.exe
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\baidu_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\baidu_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\searchcom_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\searchcom_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\wth203.dll
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\wthx203.dll
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yahoo_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yahoo_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandex_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandex_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandextr_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandextr_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\11.3
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\11.3\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\11.3\pdfforgeToolbarIE.dll
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\11.3\pdfforgeToolbarIE64.dll
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1031.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1033.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1034.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1036.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1040.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\amazon.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\ebay.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\facebook.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\googleplus.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\icon_settings.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\pdfc_branding.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\pdfc_branding_hover.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\pdfc_icon.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\pdfc_portal_logo.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\radio-close.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\radio-minimize.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\radiobeta.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search-button-hover.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search-button.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search-chevron-hover.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search-chevron.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_amazon.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_baidu.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_ebay.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_yahoo.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_yandex.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\twitter.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\widgets.xml
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\WidgiHelper.exe
  • %System Root%\Config.Msi\46a93c.rbs
  • %System%\config\systemprofile\AppData\LocalLow\Application Updater
  • %System%\config\systemprofile\AppData\LocalLow\Application Updater\res
  • %System%\config\systemprofile\AppData\LocalLow\Application Updater\temp
  • %User Temp%\exthelper.exe
  • %Windows%\Installer\46a93a.msi
  • %Windows%\Installer\46a93b.ipi
  • %Windows%\Installer\46a93d.msi
  • %Windows%\Installer\MSIF33C.tmp
  • %Windows%\Installer\{random}\ARPPRODUCTICON.exe

(Note: %AppDataLocalLow% is the protected mode folder of Internet Explorer, where it usually is C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\LocalLow 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.. %System Root% is the Windows root folder, where it usually is C:\ on all Windows operating system versions.. %System% is the Windows system folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\System32 on all Windows operating system versions.. %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.. %Windows% is the Windows folder, where it usually is C:\Windows on all Windows operating system versions.)

Autostart Technique

This adware registers itself as a system service to ensure its automatic execution at every system startup by adding the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
services\Application Updater
ImagePath = "%Program Files%\Application Updater\ApplicationUpdater.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
services\Application Updater
ObjectName = "LocalSystem"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
services\Application Updater
DisplayName = "Application Updater"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
services\Application Updater
Description = "Automatically downloads and installs application updates."

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
SearchSettings = "%Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings.exe"

Other System Modifications

This adware adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Search Settings

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
Software

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
Software\Search Settings

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
Software\pdfforge

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\pdfforge

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Toolbar

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Browser Helper Objects\{GUID}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater\
Subscriptions

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater\
Subscriptions\1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
services\Application Updater

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\pdfforge
silent_update = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\
Software\Browser Extensions
SS_Ver = "2.8.4.1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater
serverURL = "http://www.mybrowserbar.com/"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater
user_ver = "11.3"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater\
Subscriptions\1
regpath = "Software\pdfforge"

Other Details

This adware connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://{BLOCKED}forge.mybrowserbar.com/cgi/api.cgi/589518/F62C1E1EDC624D94993F4722BEA09F2D/vrst/4
  • http://download.{BLOCKED}rowserbar.com/kits/hlp/exthelper.exe
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}rowserbar.com/cgi/extconfig.cgi?cnid=589518&ver=2.5&rsv=3.2&kt=WTB&ot=pdfforge&bver=38.0.2125.122&dbrw=Internet%20Explorer&cid=155202fbfcdf42d5ab225af524115bd7&lang=en
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}owserbar.com/gc/silent2.html?ot=pdfforge&cnid=589518&kt=WTB&ext[]=icfefgaiandjaieopcfbidalbebjlhjl&ext[]=gdkjpmpailfmnokiabeoimelcgdglpff&ts=1429886850
  • http://{BLOCKED}x.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.9.1/jquery.min.js
  • http://www.google-analytics.com/{BLOCKED}ytics.js
  • http://u{BLOCKED}wyrnpfbsn/
  • http://{BLOCKED}ylhx/
  • http://{BLOCKED}mjndhwd/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}serbar.com/favicon.ico

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.750
SSAPI PATTERN File: 1.617.00
SSAPI PATTERN Date: 16 Apr 2015

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_WIDGI

[ 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.

  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    • Search Settings
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    • AppDataLow\Software
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\Software
    • Search Settings
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\Software
    • pdfforge
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    • pdfforge
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • Application Updater
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • Search Settings
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • pdfforge
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater
    • Subscriptions
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services
    • Application Updater

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • SearchSettings = "%Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings.exe"

Step 6

Search and delete this file

[ 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.
  • %AppDataLocalLow%Search Settings
  • %AppDataLocalLow%Search Settings\res
  • %AppDataLocalLow%Search Settings\temp
  • %AppDataLocalLow%pdfforge
  • %AppDataLocalLow%pdfforge\res
  • %AppDataLocalLow%pdfforge\res\widgets.xml
  • %AppDataLocalLow%pdfforge\temp
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater\ApplicationUpdater.exe
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1031.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1033.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1034.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1036.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Lang\res1040.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\Res
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings.exe
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings64.exe
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\baidu_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\baidu_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\searchcom_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\searchcom_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\wth203.dll
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\wthx203.dll
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yahoo_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yahoo_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandex_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandex_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandextr_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandextr_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\11.3
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\11.3\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\11.3\pdfforgeToolbarIE.dll
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\11.3\pdfforgeToolbarIE64.dll
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1031.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1033.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1034.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1036.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\Lang\res1040.ini
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\amazon.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\ebay.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\facebook.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\googleplus.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\icon_settings.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\pdfc_branding.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\pdfc_branding_hover.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\pdfc_icon.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\pdfc_portal_logo.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\radio-close.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\radio-minimize.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\radiobeta.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search-button-hover.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search-button.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search-chevron-hover.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search-chevron.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_amazon.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_baidu.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_ebay.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_yahoo.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\search_yandex.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\twitter.gif
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\widgets.xml
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\WidgiHelper.exe
  • %System Root%\Config.Msi\46a93c.rbs
  • %System%\config\systemprofile\AppData\LocalLow\Application Updater
  • %System%\config\systemprofile\AppData\LocalLow\Application Updater\res
  • %System%\config\systemprofile\AppData\LocalLow\Application Updater\temp
  • %User Temp%\exthelper.exe
  • %Windows%\Installer\46a93a.msi
  • %Windows%\Installer\46a93b.ipi
  • %Windows%\Installer\46a93d.msi
  • %Windows%\Installer\MSIF33C.tmp
  • %Windows%\Installer\{random}\ARPPRODUCTICON.exe

Step 7

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