Analysis by: Byron Jon Gelera
ALIASES:

Riskware/Jawego (Fortinet); a variant of Win32/Jawego.C potentially unwanted (ESET-NOD32); PUP.Optional.PCCleanPlus (Malwarebytes)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Potenitally Unwanted Application

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This Potenitally 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.

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

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 3,964,968 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 10 Apr 2017

Arrival Details

This Potenitally 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 Potenitally Unwanted Application adds the following folders:

  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PC Clean Plus
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor
  • %Application Data%\PC Clean Plus
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus

(Note: %All Users Profile% is the All Users folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\ProgramData 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.. %Application Data% is the Application Data folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming 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.)

It drops the following files:

  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PC Clean Plus\PC Clean Plus.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PC Clean Plus\Register PC Clean Plus.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PC Clean Plus\Uninstall PC Clean Plus.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Desktop\PC Clean Plus.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\ininotfound0.ini
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\log_{date}.log
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\em.exe
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\isxdl.dll
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\eng_em.ini
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\French_em.ini
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\German_em.ini
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\japan_em.ini
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor\ininotfound0.ini
  • %Application Data%\PC Clean Plus\backup6.bin
  • %Application Data%\PC Clean Plus\log_{date}.log
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\unins000.msg
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\unins000.dat
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\unins000.exe
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\PCCleanPlus.exe
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\install_left_image.bmp
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\isxdl.dll
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\emsetup.exe
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Chinese_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Danish_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Dutch_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\eng_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\French_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\German_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Italian_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Japanese_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Norwegian_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Portuguese_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Spanish_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Swedish_pcp.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\Finnish_pcp_fi.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\portugese_pcp_pt.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\russian_pcp_ru.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\greek_pcp_el.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\turkish_pcp_tr.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\polish_pcp_pl.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\korean_pcp_ko.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\TraditionalCn_pcp_zh-tw.ini
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\FileList.pcp
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\RegList.pcp
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\xmllite.dll

(Note: %All Users Profile% is the All Users folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\ProgramData 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.. %Application Data% is the Application Data folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming 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.)

Other System Modifications

This Potenitally Unwanted Application adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Jawego\
Params

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC Clean Plus

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Jawego\
Params
utm_source = 1016_

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Jawego\
Params
utm_campaign = 1016

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Jawego\
Params
utm_medium = newbuild

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Jawego\
Params
affiliateid = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Jawego\
Params
PCCP = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
TELNO = (844) 944-0918

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
TELNOFR = 01.76.54.27.59

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
TELNODE = (800) 180-6512

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
ShowExitPage = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC Clean Plus
SetEnableSound = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
ShowBeforeQuitNag = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
utm_source = 1016_

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
utm_campaign = 1016

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
utm_medium = newbuild

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
PCPURL = {URL}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
RENEWALURL = {URL}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC Clean Plus
StartAutoScanPMUI = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC Clean Plus
StartAutoScanOnLaunch = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC Clean Plus
StartAutoTutorial = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC Clean Plus
TrialType = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
MaxFixLimit = 15

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC Clean Plus
1stInstalled_Time = {date of installation}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
FirstTimeASPFired = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus
Expired = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC Clean Plus\
LANG
LangCode = en

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PC Clean Plus\
LANG
LangID = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC\
Clean\Plus\key\
6
{default} = {hex values}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
Inno Setup: Setup Version = 5.5.6 (u)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
Inno Setup: App Path = %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
InstallLocation = %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
Inno Setup: Icon Group = PC Clean Plus

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
Inno Setup: User = {Username}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
Inno Setup: Language = en

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
DisplayName = PC Clean Plus

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
DisplayIcon = %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\PCCleanPlus.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
UninstallString = "%Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\unins000.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
QuietUninstallString = "%Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\unins000.exe" /SILENT

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
DisplayVersion = 3.6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
Publisher = Jawego Partners LLC

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
URLInfoAbout = {URL}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
HelpLink = {URL}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
NoModify = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
NoRepair = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
InstallDate = {date of installation}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
MajorVersion = 3

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
MinorVersion = 6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
PC Clean Plus_is1
UninstallString = "%Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\unins000.exe" /silent

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
TELNO = (844) 763-5838

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
TELNOFR = 01.76.54.05.61

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
TELNODE = (800) 180-6512

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
TELNOJP = 03-5050-1410

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
TELNOAU = 1800 154 231

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
TELNOUK = 0800 031 4657

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Event Monitor\
LANG
LangCode = en

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor\
LANG
LangID = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
bShowCongratsAfterUpdateRestart = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
Expired = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Event Monitor
first = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
EMReminder = %Application Data%\Event Monitor\em.exe -rem

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
PCCPReminder = %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\PCCleanPlus.exe -rem

Other Details

This Potenitally Unwanted Application connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://www.{BLOCKED}nplus.com/afterinstall/?utm_content=AfterInstall&utm_term=Setup&page=install&utm_source=1016_&utm_campaign=1016&utm_medium=newbuild&LangID=en
  • http://im.{BLOCKED}ak.com/installtracker.aspx?trackpx={value}

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

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.850
SSAPI PATTERN File: 1.829.00
SSAPI PATTERN Date: 20 Apr 2017

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

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Jawego
    • Params
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • PC Clean Plus
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    • PC Clean Plus
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
    • PC Clean Plus_is1
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • Event Monitor

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\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • EMReminder = %Application Data%\Event Monitor\em.exe -rem
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • PCCPReminder = %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus\PCCleanPlus.exe -rem

Step 6

Search and delete this folder

[ 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.
  • %All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\PC Clean Plus
  • %Application Data%\Event Monitor
  • %Application Data%\PC Clean Plus
  • %Program Files%\PC Clean Plus

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.
  • %All Users Profile%\Desktop\PC Clean Plus.lnk

Step 8

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