TROJ_FAKEAL.HFS
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003
![](/vinfo/imgFiles/legend.jpg)
Threat Type: Trojan
Destructiveness: No
Encrypted: No
In the wild: Yes
OVERVIEW
This Trojan deletes the initially executed copy of itself.
It displays fake alerts that warn users of infection. It also displays fake scanning results of the affected system. It then asks for users to purchase it once scanning is completed. If users decide to purchase the rogue product, users are directed to a certain website asking for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers. It asks the user to purchase the full version of the software. When users agree to buy the software, it connects to a certain URL.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Installation
This Trojan drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random name}.exe
(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.)
It drops the following file(s)/component(s):
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random name}
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\~{random name}
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\~{random name}r
- %User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\System Repair.lnk
- %User Profile%\Desktop\System Repair.lnk
- %User Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\System Repair\System Repair.lnk
- %User Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\System Repair\Uninstall System Repair.lnk
(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name} on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name} on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)
It creates the following folders:
- %User Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\System Repair
(Note: %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name} on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name} on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)
Other System Modifications
This Trojan adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main Use
FormSuggest = "Yes"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
WarnOnZoneCrossing = "0"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
WarnonBadCertRecving = "0"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
CertificateRevocation = "0"
It modifies the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
1601 = "0"
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 1.)
Other Details
This Trojan deletes the initially executed copy of itself
Rogue Antivirus Routine
This Trojan displays fake alerts that warn users of infection. It also displays fake scanning results of the affected system. It then asks for users to purchase it once scanning is completed. If users decide to purchase the rogue product, users are directed to a certain website asking for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers.
It asks the user to purchase the full version of the software.
When users agree to buy the software, it connects to the following URL to continue the purchase:
- http://{BLOCKED}ail.org
SOLUTION
Step 1
For Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 users, before doing any scans, please make sure you disable System Restore to allow full scanning of your computer.
Step 2
Identify and terminate files detected as TROJ_FAKEAL.HFS
- 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.
- If the detected file is not displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, continue doing the next steps.
Step 3
Restart in Safe Mode
Step 4
Delete this registry value
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\Internet Explorer\Main Use
- FormSuggest = Yes
- FormSuggest = Yes
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- WarnOnZoneCrossing = 0
- WarnOnZoneCrossing = 0
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- WarnonBadCertRecving = 0
- WarnonBadCertRecving = 0
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- CertificateRevocation = 0
- CertificateRevocation = 0
Step 5
Restore this modified registry value
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\Zones\3
- From: 1601 = 0
To: 1601 = 1
- From: 1601 = 0
Step 6
Search and delete this folder
- %User Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\System Repair
Step 7
Search and delete these files
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random name}
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\~{random name}
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\~{random name}r
- %User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\System Repair.lnk
- %User Profile%\Desktop\System Repair.lnk
Step 8
Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TROJ_FAKEAL.HFS. 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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