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Virus Profile: FakeAlert-SecurityTool.eg

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Virus Profile information details
Risk Assessment: Home Low | Corporate Low
Date Discovered: 4/11/2012
Date Added: 4/11/2012
Origin: N/A
Length: Varies
Type: Trojan
Subtype: Win32
DAT Required: 6677
Removal Instructions
   
 
 
   

Description

This is a Trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.

Aliases:

  • Kaspersky - Trojan.Win32.FakeAV.mngq
  • Microsoft - Rogue:Win32/Winwebsec
  • NOD32 - a variant of Win32/Kryptik.AFGQ
  • Ikarus - Trojan.Win32.FakeAV

Indication of Infection

These symptoms of this detection are the files, registry, and network communication referenced in the characteristics section.

Methods of Infection

Trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that the executable is something beneficial. Distribution channels include IRC, peer-to-peer networks, newsgroup postings, e-mail, etc.
   

Virus Characteristics

FakeAlert-SecurityTool.eg  is a Trojan detection that shows false error messages, misleading spyware scan results, and uses aggressive advertising to persuade the user to purchase it.

It would run an exaggerated scan and generate false detection alert messages and warnings. The intention behind all the fake messages is drive users to purchase the advertised product.

Upon execution the Trojan copies itself into the below mentioned location and connects to the IP address 220.164.[Removed] through a remote port 80.

  • %Allusersprofile%\Application Data\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72.exe

Also Trojan drops the following files.

  • %Allusersprofile%\Application Data\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72
  • %UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Smart Fortress 2012\Smart Fortress 2012.lnk
  • %UserProfile%\Naveen\Desktop\Smart Fortress 2012.lnk

The following registry keys have been added to the system.

  • HKEY_USERS\ S-1-(VARIES)\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_USERS\ S-1-(VARIES)\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
  • HKEY_USERS\ S-1-(VARIES)\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Smart Fortress 2012

The following Values have been added to the system.

  • HKEY_USERS\ S-1-(VARIES)\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72 = "%Allusersprofile%\Application Data\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72.exe"

The above mentioned registry ensures that the Trojan registers itself as a run entry with the compromised system and execute upon every reboot.

  • HKEY_USERS\ S-1-(VARIES)\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Smart Fortress 2012\
    DisplayName = "Smart Fortress 2012"
    ShortcutPath = ""%Allusersprofile%\Application Data\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72.exe" -u"
    UninstallString = ""%Allusersprofile%\Application Data\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72.exe" -u"
    DisplayIcon = "%Allusersprofile%\Application Data\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72.exe,0"
  • HKEY_USERS\ S-1-(VARIES)\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Smart Fortress 2012

The following folders have been added to the system.

  • %Allusersprofile% Application Data\529C50DB00044D0F0131C6A62830AC72
  • %UserProfile% Start Menu\Programs\Smart Fortress 2012

The Fake Antivirus performs the following behavior.

  • It disables the system tools like regedit and also disables the Anti-virus program, etc.
  • It closes all running applications and it will not allow the user to open any applications
  • It closes an application whenever a user tries to launch it.
  • After execution the source Trojan delete itself from the system.

[Notes: C:\Documents and Settings\[User]\Local Settings\Application Data is %Appdata%, C:\Documents and Settings\[User]\Local Settings\Temp is %Temp%,C:\Documents and Settings\[User] is %UserProfile%]

 

   

All Users:

Please use the following instructions for all supported versions of Windows to remove threats and other potential risks:

1.Disable System Restore .

2.Update to current engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

3.Run a complete system scan.

Modifications made to the system Registry and/or INI files for the purposes of hooking system startup, will be successfully removed if cleaning with the recommended engine and DAT combination (or higher).

1. Please go to the Microsoft Recovery Console and restore a clean MBR.

On windows XP:

Insert the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
Select the Windows installation that is compromised and provide the administrator password
Issue 'fixmbr' command to restore the Master Boot Record
Follow onscreen instructions
Reset and remove the CD from CD-ROM drive.


On Windows Vista and 7:

Insert the Windows CD into the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
Click on "Repair Your Computer"
When the System Recovery Options dialog comes up, choose the Command Prompt.
Issue 'bootrec /fixmbr' command to restore the Master Boot Record
Follow onscreen instructions
Reset and remove the CD from CD-ROM drive.