Adware.JustFindIt

SUMMARY

Behavior

Adware.JustFindIt is an Internet Explorer toolbar, which modifies search requests and may display ads.

Symptoms

The files are detected as Adware.JustfindIt.

Transmission

This adware component must be manually installed, or installed as a component of another program that you install.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) September 23, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) September 23, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

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

1. Adds the following registry keys:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{FCADDC14-BD46-408A-9842-CDB57890086B}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{3F5A62E2-51F2-11D3-A075-CC7364CAE42A}
   
   
2. Adds the value:
   
   "{3F5A62E2-51F2-11D3-A075-CC7364CAE42A}" = ""
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerToolbar
   
   so that a search bar is added to Internet Explorer.
   
   
3. Redirects search requests to justfindit.biz and may display ads.

REMOVAL

Removal Tool
Symantec Security Response has developed a removal tool for Adware.JustFindIt. Use this removal tool first, as it is the easiest way to remove this threat.

The tool can be found here:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/FixJFI.exe

The current version of the tool will have a digital signature timestamp equivalent to 10/6/2004 06:05AM

Note: The date and time displayed will be adjusted to your time zone, if your computer is not set to the Pacific time zone.

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

1. Update the definitions.
2. Close all open Internet Explorerwindows.
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 Adware.JustFindIt functions as a Microsoft Internet Explorer plugin, 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 as Adware.JustFindIt 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 threat 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 threat 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 threat for this scan only, and thus, the threat 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.
       
       If Windows reports that it cannot delete the file, this indicates that the file is in use. In this situation, complete the rest of the instructions on this page, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then delete the file using Windows Explorer.
       
       
   • 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 threat 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.
       
       If Windows reports that it cannot delete the file, this indicates that the file is in use. In this situation, complete the rest of the instructions on this page, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then delete the file using Windows Explorer.
       

4. To delete the value 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_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerToolbar
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "{3F5A62E2-51F2-11D3-A075-CC7364CAE42A}" = ""
   
   
5. Navigate and delete the following keys:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{FCADDC14-BD46-408A-9842-CDB57890086B}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{3F5A62E2-51F2-11D3-A075-CC7364CAE42A}
   
   
6. Exit the Registry Editor.