Adware.FindSpyware

SUMMARY

Behavior

Adware.FindSpyware is a security risk that displays fake warning messages and opens a predetermined Web site.

Note: Definitions prior to March 18th, 2005 may detect this security risk as Adware.MSNlist.

Symptoms

Your Symantec program detects Adware.FindSpyware

Transmission

Adware.FindSpyware must be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) March 16, 2005
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) March 12, 2005

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Adware.FindSpyware is executed, it performs the following actions:

1. May drop the following file:
   
   %Windir%alloon.wav
   
   Note: %Windir% is a variable that refers to the Windows installation folder. By default, this is C:Windows or C:Winnt.
   
   
2. Waits for a random period of time.
   
   
3. May open a predetermined Web site such as:
   
   
   • [http://]www.msnlist.com/[REMOVED]
   • [http://]www.sexandpoker.com/[REMOVED]
     
     
4. May display the following fake message and play the sound %Windir%MediaWindows XP Critical Stop.wmv
   
   Title: Windows Security Center
   
   Message:
   WARNING: Windows Firewall detected suspicious network activity on your computer. Malicious software codes try to steal your privacy information, such as credit card numbers, electronic mail accounts, financial data or passwords.
   Do you want to learn how to protect your computer?
   
   
   
   
   
5. Opens a Web site on one of the following domains, if a user clicks yes:
   
   
   • the msnlist.com
   • spyware.asp
     
     
6. May display the following fake message and play the sound %Windir%alloon.wav.
   
   Title:
   Your computer might be at risk
   
   Message:
   
   • Your virus protection status is bad
   • Spyware Actively Detected
     
     Click this ballon to fix this problem
     
     
     
     
7. Clicking on the message will display content from [http://]www.winprotect.org/[REMOVED].

REMOVAL

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support security risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Run a full system scan.
   
   

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 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.