Analysis by: Neljorn Nathaniel Aguas
ALIASES:

AdWare.Win32.DealPly.heur (KASPERSKY)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 DAMAGE POTENTIAL:
 DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Potentially Unwanted Application

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel: Downloaded from the Internet, Dropped by other malware

This Potentially Unwanted Application arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.

It connects to certain websites to send and receive information. However, as of this writing, the said sites are inaccessible.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 1,642,728 bytes
File Type: EXE
Initial Samples Received Date: 18 Dec 2023
Payload: Connects to URLs/IPs, Drops files, Modifies system registry

Arrival Details

This Potentially Unwanted Application 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 Potentially Unwanted Application drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\{Random Hex}.log
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\csshover3.htc
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\form.bmp.Mask
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\ie6_main.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\main.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\browse.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\button.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\checkbox.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\progress-bar.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\images\button-bg.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\images\progress-bg-corner.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\images\progress-bg.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\images\progress-bg2.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\BG.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Close.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Close_Hover.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Color_Button.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Color_Button_Hover.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Grey_Button.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Grey_Button_Hover.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Icon_Generic.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Loader.gif
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Minimize.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Minimize_Hover.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Pause_Button.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Progress.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\ProgressBar.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Quick_Specs.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Resume_Button.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\sponsored.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\CS.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\DA.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\DE.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\EL.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\EN.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\ES.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\FR.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\ID.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\IT.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\JA.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\KO.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\NL.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\NO.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\PL.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\PT.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\RU.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\SV.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\TR.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\ZH.locale
  • %User Temp%\in43A9003C\{Random Numbers}.tmp
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\bootstrap_{Random Numbers}.html

(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(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It adds the following processes:

  • "{Malware Path}\{Malware Filename}" /_ShowProgress /PrTxt:TG9hZGluZy4uLg== /mnl

It creates the following folders:

  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale
  • %User Temp%\in{Random Hex}

(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(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

Other System Modifications

This Potentially Unwanted Application adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
EnableConsoleTracing = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
EnableFileTracing = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
FileTracingMask = 4294901760

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
ConsoleTracingMask = 4294901760

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
MaxFileSize = 1048576

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
FileDirectory = %windir%\tracing

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
EnableFileTracing = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
EnableConsoleTracing = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
FileTracingMask = 4294901760

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
ConsoleTracingMask = 4294901760

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
MaxFileSize = 1048576

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
FileDirectory = %windir%\tracing

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Connections
SavedLegacySettings = {Hex Values}

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is {Default Hex Values}.)

Other Details

This Potentially Unwanted Application adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS

It connects to the following website to send and receive information:

  • ww42.{BLOCKED}ri-hocute.com
  • {BLOCKED}osiri-hocute.com

However, as of this writing, the said sites are inaccessible.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.800
SSAPI PATTERN File: 2.685.00
SSAPI PATTERN Date: 21 Dec 2023

Step 1

Trend Micro Predictive Machine Learning detects and blocks malware at the first sign of its existence, before it executes on your system. When enabled, your Trend Micro product detects this malware under the following machine learning name:

     
    • TROJ.Win32.TRX.XXPE50FSX041

Step 2

Before doing any scans, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 users must disable System Restore to allow full scanning of their computers.

Step 3

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 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\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
    • EnableConsoleTracing = 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
    • EnableFileTracing = 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
    • FileTracingMask = 4294901760
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
    • ConsoleTracingMask = 4294901760
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
    • MaxFileSize = 1048576
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
    • FileDirectory = %windir%\tracing
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
    • EnableFileTracing = 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
    • EnableConsoleTracing = 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
    • FileTracingMask = 4294901760
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
    • ConsoleTracingMask = 4294901760
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
    • MaxFileSize = 1048576
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS
    • FileDirectory = %windir%\tracing

Step 5

Restore this modified 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\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Connections
    • SavedLegacySettings = {Hex Values}

Step 6

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\Microsoft\Tracing\
    • INSTALLCORE_RASAPI32
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\
    • INSTALLCORE_RASMANCS

Step 7

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.
  • %User Temp%\{Random Hex}.log
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\csshover3.htc
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\form.bmp.Mask
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\ie6_main.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\main.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\browse.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\button.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\checkbox.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\progress-bar.css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\images\button-bg.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\images\progress-bg-corner.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\images\progress-bg.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui\images\progress-bg2.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\BG.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Close.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Close_Hover.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Color_Button.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Color_Button_Hover.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Grey_Button.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Grey_Button_Hover.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Icon_Generic.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Loader.gif
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Minimize.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Minimize_Hover.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Pause_Button.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Progress.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\ProgressBar.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Quick_Specs.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\Resume_Button.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images\sponsored.png
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\CS.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\DA.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\DE.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\EL.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\EN.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\ES.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\FR.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\ID.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\IT.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\JA.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\KO.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\NL.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\NO.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\PL.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\PT.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\RU.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\SV.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\TR.locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale\ZH.locale
  • %User Temp%\in43A9003C\{Random Numbers}.tmp
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\bootstrap_{Random Numbers}.html

Step 8

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%\inH{Random Numbers}\css
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\css\sdk-ui
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\images
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}\locale
  • %User Temp%\inH{Random Numbers}
  • %User Temp%\in{Random Hex}

Step 9

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as PUA.Win32.InstallCore.MANHOCFH. 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 the following Trend Micro Support pages for more information:


Did this description help? Tell us how we did.