TSPY_ONLINEG.IXX
PWS:Win32/OnLineGames.LH (Microsoft), Trojan.Win32.Genome.afbst (Kaspersky), PWS-Mmorpg!b2e (McAfee),
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003
Threat Type: Spyware
Destructiveness: No
Encrypted:
In the wild: Yes
OVERVIEW
This spyware may arrive bundled with malware packages as a malware component. It arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.
It steals sensitive information such as user names and passwords, particularly for certain games. Stolen information may be used for profit by cybercriminals who may gain access to the information.
It requires its main component to successfully perform its intended routine.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Arrival Details
This spyware may arrive bundled with malware packages as a malware component.
It arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.
Autostart Technique
This spyware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Disker = "rundll32.exe %System%\ws2help.dll,DW"
Information Theft
This spyware steals sensitive information such as user names and passwords, particularly for certain games.
Other Details
This spyware requires its main component to successfully perform its intended routine.
NOTES:
This spyware is typically dropped as %System%\ws2help.dll. The original ws2help.dll, which is a normal file, is saved as ws2helpxp.dll.
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
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product and note files detected as TSPY_ONLINEG.IXX
Step 3
Restart in Safe Mode
Step 4
Search and delete the file detected as TSPY_ONLINEG.IXX
*Note: Some component files may be 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.
To manually delete a malware/grayware file from the affected system:
- Right-click Start then click Search....
- In the Named input box, type the name of the file that was detected earlier.
- In the Look In drop-down list, select My Computer then press Enter.
- Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to delete it.
Step 5
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\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Disker = "rundll32.exe %System%\ws2help.dll,DW"
- Disker = "rundll32.exe %System%\ws2help.dll,DW"
Step 6
Restore these deleted files from backup
*Note: Only Microsoft-related keys/values will be restored. If this malware/grayware also deleted registry keys/values related to programs that are not from Microsoft, please reinstall those programs on your computer.
- %System%\ws2help.dll
Step 7
Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TSPY_ONLINEG.IXX. 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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