Adware.Inetex

SUMMARY

Behavior

Adware.Inetex is made the default browser, and URLs are redirected to another Web site.

Symptoms

• The files are detected as Adware.Inetex.
• The URLs are redirected to another Web site.

Transmission

This adware can be manually installed or installed as a component of another program.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) June 29, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) June 29, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Adware.Inetex runs, it does the following:

1. Copies itself to:
   
   %System%<random filename>.exe
   
   Note: %System% is a variable. The adware locates the System folder and copies itself to that location. By default, this is C:WindowsSystem (Windows 95/98/Me), C:WinntSystem32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:WindowsSystem32 (Windows XP).
   
   
2. Adds the subkey:
   
   INETEx
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREVB and VBA Program SettingsINETEx
   
   Adware settings are stored in this key.
   
   
3. Modifies the (Default) value to:
   
   "INETEx"
   
   in the registry key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHTTPshellopenddeexecApplication
   
   
4. Resets the (Default)value to:
   
   WWW_OpenUrl
   
   in the registry key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHTTPshellopenddeexecTopic
   
   
5. Modifies the (Default)value to:
   
   %System%<random filename>.exe
   
   in the registry key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHTTPshellopencommand
   
   The effect of the registry modifications described in steps 3 to 5 is to make Adware.Inetex the default browser.
   
   
6. The Adware.Inetex process remains running in the background.
   
   
7. If the default browser is called, for example, when a URL is entered into the Start > Run box, Adware.Inetex is called.
   
   Then, the adware opens two windows of the old default browser; one displays the old home page and the other displays an adult Web site.

REMOVAL

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

1. Update the definitions.
2. Restart the computer in Safe mode
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Adware.Inetex.
4. Reverse the changes made 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 restart the computer in Safe mode
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode or VGA mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

3. To scan for and delete the files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
2. If any files are detected as Adware.Inetex, click Delete.
   
   
   Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, note the path and file name. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
   

4. To reverse the changes that were made to the registry


WARNING: 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. Adware.Inetex, click Delete.
   
   
4. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREVB and VBA Program Settings
   
   
5. In the left pane, delete the subkey:
   
   INETEx
   
   
6. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHTTPshellopenddeexecApplication
   
   
7. In the right pane, double-click (Default).
   
   
8. Reset the Value date to the name of your default Web browser.
   
   For example, in a default installation, if you use Internet Explorer, it will be:
   
   IExplore
   
   
9. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHTTPshellopencommand
   
   
10. In the right pane, double-click (Default).
    
    
11. Reset the Value date to the path to your default Web browser. For example, in a default installation, if you use Internet Explorer, it will be:
    
    "C:Program FilesInternet Exploreriexplore.exe" -nohome
    
    
12. Exit the Registry Editor.
    
    
13. Restart the computer in Normal mode. For instructions, read the section on returning to Normal mode in the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."