Adware.Adlogix

SUMMARY

Behavior

Adware.Adlogix is a Browser Helper Object that downloads advertisements from a remote server and periodically displays them on the client machine.

This adware is also found as a component in other installers.

Symptoms

Your Symantec program detects Adware.Adlogix.

Transmission

This adware has to be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) July 19, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) July 19, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Adware.Adlogix runs, it performs the following actions:

1. Adds the value:
   
   "CLSID" = "{0B90AA1B-F649-44C3-9FD3-736C332CBBCF}"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects
   
   so that the program is launched every time Internet Explorer starts.
   
   
2. Creates the following files:
   
   
   • %ProgramFiles%adlcontrolcomp.xml
   • %System%adupdater.exe
   • %System%<random>.dll
   • %System%<random>a.xml
   • %System%<random>b.xml
   • %System%<random>c.exe
   • %System%<random>d.exe
   • %System%<random>e.xml
   • %System%<random>f.exe
   • %System%unpack.exe
   • %System%pacifisy.dll
   • %System%*.dat
     
     Note:
     • %System% is a variable that refers to the System folder. By default this is C:WindowsSystem (Windows 95/98/Me), C:WinntSystem32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:WindowsSystem32 (Windows XP).
     • %ProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the program files folder. By default, this is C:Program Files.
     • <random> is a variable that refers to a 5 character random filename.
       
       
3. Creates the following:
   
   
   • 2 randomly named executable files. These files run as watchdog processes that are hidden by the .sys file mentioned below.
   • A randomly named .sys file. This is a kernel driver that overrides selected services from the Service Descriptor Table. This allows the risk to hide processes, files, and registry keys from the user.
   • A randomly named dll file that acts as a Browser Helper Object.
   • A randomly named Virtual Device Driver (.vxd) used for hooking selected system services on Windows 95 and Windows 98 systems.
     
     
4. Adds the values:
   
   "guarnset" = "%System%guarnset.exe"
   "<random_name>" = "<path to randomly named executable>"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   so that the risk runs every time Windows starts.
   
   Note: These values are hidden from the user by the kernel driver described in Step 3 above.
   
   
5. Adds the value:
   
   "Adstartup" = "%SYSTEM%Adstartup.exe"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   so that the program runs everytime Windows starts.
   
   
6. Refers to its built-in file data.xml for a list of server addresses to obtain advertisements.
   
   
7. Uses the AdStartup and AdUpdater components to update the adware from http:/ /64.69.[REMOVED].
   
   Note: At the time of writing the site was inactive.
   
   
8. Creates the following registry keys:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{0B90AA1B-F649-44C3-9FD3-736C332CBBCF}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{22B9A67D-E689-44B6-B775-0E8FE84B4F9B}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{1CFB8B32-4053-4144-AF6F-1540EEC7F101}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{21194DBC-E80C-4B83-8C82-74CBF52C8AAD}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{E2C6E243-5F01-4031-9218-6178426985B1}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftBLUE
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftOther
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREODBCPPS
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREy036
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTBho8.adlog
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTBho8.adlog.1
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTIEEnhancer.IEEhncrObj
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{0B90AA1B-F649-44C3-9FD3-736C332CBBCF}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{22B9A67D-E689-44B6-B775-0E8FE84B4F9B}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREAdlogix
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{024DE5EB-3649-445E-8D57-C09A9A33D479}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesInterface{39E6EDF9-2B13-42ED-AEC6-433D22D396F7}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesTypeLib{6C7265FA-608A-4865-8396-BBECC9BAF871}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesPHelper.HelpCaller: "PHelper.HelpCaller"
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{9473DDCA-1E6B-40EA-8AB4-9F83DE967D99}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesTypeLib{4D84A744-C3DD-4BFF-B119-AC08F54714D7}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{9473DDCA-1E6B-40EA-8AB4-9F83DE967D99}
   
   Note: {XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX} is a randomly generated CLSID.
   
   
9. Creates a randomly named service with the following attributes:
   
   
   • Service name: random name corresponding to one of the executable files in Step 3 above.
   • Display name: random name corresponding to one of the executable files in Step 3 above.
   • Path to executable: "<path to randomly named executable in Step 3 above>"
   • Startup type: "Automatic"
     
     
10. Creates a randomly named service with the following attributes:
    
    
    • Service name: random name corresponding to the kernel driver in Step 3 above.
    • Display name: random name corresponding to the kernel driver in Step 3 above.
    • Path to executable: "<path to randomly named kernel driver in Step 3 above>"
    • Startup type: "Automatic"
      

REMOVAL

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Close all open Internet Explorer windows.
3. Run a full system scan.
4. Delete the value that was added to the registry.
   

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. To update the definitions
To obtain the most recent definitions, start your Symantec program and run LiveUpdate.

2. To close all open Internet Explorer windows
Because this risk functions as a Microsoft Internet Explorer plug-in, it is necessary to close all open Internet Explorer windows to remove it. If you are reading this writeup in Internet Explorer, print this writeup using our printer-friendly option at the top of the page, or write down the following instructions, and then close all Internet Explorer windows.

3. To run the scan

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
   
2. If any files are detected, and depending on which software version you are using, you may see one or more of the following options:
   
   Note: This applies only to versions of Norton AntiVirus that support security risk detection. If you are running a version of Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition that supports security risk detection, and security risk detection has been enabled, you will only see a message box that gives the results of the scan. If you have questions in this situation, contact your network administrator.
   
   • Exclude (Not recommended): If you click this button, it will set the risk so that it is no longer detectable. That is, the antivirus program will keep the security risk on your computer and will no longer detect it to remove from your computer.
     
     
   • Ignore or Skip: This option tells the scanner to ignore the risk for this scan only. It will be detected again the next time that you run a scan.
     
     
   • Cancel: This option is new to Norton Antivirus 2005. It is used when Norton Antivirus 2005 has determined that it cannot delete a security risk. This Cancel option tells the scanner to ignore the risk for this scan only, and thus, the risk will be detected again the next time that you run a scan.
     
     To actually delete the security risk:
     • Click its file name (under the Filename column).
     • In the Item Information box that displays, write down the full path and file name.
     • Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
       
       
   • Delete: This option will attempt to delete the detected files. In some cases, the scanner will not be able to do this.
     • If you see a message, "Delete Failed" (or similar message), manually delete the file.
     • Click the file name of the risk that is under the Filename column.
     • In the Item Information box that displays, write down the full path and file name.
     • Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
       
       

Important: If you are unable to start your Symantec antivirus product or the product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, you may need to stop the risk from running in order to remove it. To do this, run the scan in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document, How to start the computer in Safe Mode. Once you have restarted in Safe mode, run the scan again.

After the files are deleted, restart the computer in Normal mode and proceed with the next section.

Warning messages may be displayed when the computer is restarted, since the risk may not be fully removed at this point. You can ignore these messages and click OK. These messages will not appear when the computer is restarted after the removal instructions have been fully completed. The messages displayed may be similar to the following:

Title: [FILE PATH]
Message body: Windows cannot find [FILE NAME]. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.

4. To delete the values from the registry

Important: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before making any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify the specified keys only. Read the document, "How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK.
   
   
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the values:
   
   "AdStartUp"="%SYSTEM%Adstartup.exe"
   "guarnset" = "%System%guarnset.exe"
   "<random_name>" = "<path to file detected as Adware.Adlogix>"
   
   
5. Navigate to and delete the following registry keys:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{0B90AA1B-F649-44C3-9FD3-736C332CBBCF}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{22B9A67D-E689-44B6-B775-0E8FE84B4F9B}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{1CFB8B32-4053-4144-AF6F-1540EEC7F101}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{21194DBC-E80C-4B83-8C82-74CBF52C8AAD}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{E2C6E243-5F01-4031-9218-6178426985B1}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftBLUE
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftOther
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREODBCPPS
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREy036
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTBho8.adlog
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTBho8.adlog.1
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTIEEnhancer.IEEhncrObj
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{0B90AA1B-F649-44C3-9FD3-736C332CBBCF}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{22B9A67D-E689-44B6-B775-0E8FE84B4F9B}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREAdlogix
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{024DE5EB-3649-445E-8D57-C09A9A33D479}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesInterface{39E6EDF9-2B13-42ED-AEC6-433D22D396F7}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesTypeLib{6C7265FA-608A-4865-8396-BBECC9BAF871}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesPHelper.HelpCaller: "PHelper.HelpCaller"
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{9473DDCA-1E6B-40EA-8AB4-9F83DE967D99}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesTypeLib{4D84A744-C3DD-4BFF-B119-AC08F54714D7}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{9473DDCA-1E6B-40EA-8AB4-9F83DE967D99}
   
   
6. Navigate to and select the key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID
   
   
7. Click Edit > Find.
   
   
8. In the "Find what" box, type the file name of the .dll file that was detected as Adware.Adlogix in section 3.
   
   
9. If you find an entry of the form:
   
   "(Default)" = "%System%<detected file name>.dll"
   
   in the registry key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{<random clsid>}InProcServer32
   
   then write down the <random clsid> value
   
   Then, in the left pane, delete the subkey:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{<random clsid>}
   
   
10. Next, click Edit > Find to repeat the search, as there may be more than one such key. Delete any that are found.
    
    
11. Navigate to and delete the key:
    
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{<random clsid>}
    
    where {<random clsid>} matches one of the values found and deleted in the previous searches.
    
    
12. Exit the registry editor.