Analysis by: Erika Bianca Mendoza
 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Trojan

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: No

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This Trojan arrives as a component bundled with malware/grayware packages. It may be unknowingly downloaded by a user while visiting malicious websites.

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.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 2677760 bytes
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 22 Mar 2011

Arrival Details

This Trojan arrives as a component bundled with malware/grayware packages.

It may be unknowingly downloaded by a user while visiting malicious websites.

Installation

This Trojan drops the following files:

  • %Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\Activate AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\How to Activate AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\Help AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
  • %User Profile%\Desktop\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
  • %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\IcoActivate.ico
  • %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\IcoHelp.ico
  • %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\IcoUninstall.ico
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk

(Note: %Start Menu% is the current user's Start Menu folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu on Windows NT and C:\Windows\Start Menu or C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.. %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.. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)

It drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:

  • %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\AntiVirus AntiSpyware.exe
  • %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securitymanager.exe
  • %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securityhelper.exe

(Note: %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
  • %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

(Note: %Start Menu% is the current user's Start Menu folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu on Windows NT and C:\Windows\Start Menu or C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011 = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\AntiVirus AntiSpyware.exe /STARTUP

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011 Security = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securitymanager.exe

Other System Modifications

This Trojan adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

It adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
BuyUrl = {data}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
Default = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
uninstaller = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securityhelper.exe

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
ADVid = 186

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
InstallDir = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
SoftID = AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
ScanSystemOnStartup = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
AutomaticallyUpdates = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
MinimizeOnStart = 0

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
BackgroundScan = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
BackgroundScanTimeout = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
DisplayName = AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
UninstallString = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securityhelper.exe /UNINSTALL

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
DisplayIcon = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securityhelper.exe,1

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\wscsvc
Start = 4

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 2.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\wuauserv
Start = 4

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 2.)

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.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 8.900

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

Terminate a process file/s detected as TROJ_FAKEAV.GIB

[ Learn More ]

*Note: If the detected file/s is/are not displayed in theWindows Task Manager, continue doing the next steps.

Step 3

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
    • AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011 = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\AntiVirus AntiSpyware.exe /STARTUP
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011 Security = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securitymanager.exe
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • BuyUrl = {data}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • Default = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • uninstaller = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securityhelper.exe
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • ADVid = 186
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • InstallDir = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • SoftID = AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • ScanSystemOnStartup = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • AutomaticallyUpdates = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • MinimizeOnStart = 0
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • BackgroundScan = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • BackgroundScanTimeout = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • DisplayName = AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • UninstallString = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securityhelper.exe /UNINSTALL
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
    • DisplayIcon = %Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\securityhelper.exe,1

Step 4

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc
    • From: Start = 4
      To: Start = 2
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv
    • From: Start = 4
      To: Start = 2

Step 5

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
    • AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
    • AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

Step 6

Search and delete this file

[ Learn More ]
There may be some component 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.

%Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
%Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\Activate AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
%Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\How to Activate AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
%Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\Help AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
%Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
%User Profile%\Desktop\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk
%Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\IcoActivate.ico
%Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\IcoHelp.ico
%Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011\IcoUninstall.ico
%Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011.lnk

Step 7

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.

%Start Menu%\Programs\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011
%Application Data%\AntiVirus AntiSpyware 2011

Step 8

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