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Spyware & Virus Directory

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Adware.MWSearch

Updated: March 26, 2006 02:13:04 PM ZE9

Type: Adware

Risk Impact: Medium

File Names: iacad.dll

Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP

SUMMARY

Behavior

Adware.MWSearch is an Internet Explorer search toolbar that may display advertisments.

Symptoms

The files are detected as Adware.MWSearch.

Transmission

Protection

Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) February 27, 2005
Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) February 25, 2005

TECHNICAL DETAILS

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

Creates the following registry subkeys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion UninstallMWSearch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMWSearchCoMWSearch HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.StockBar HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.StockBar.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{A6790AA5-C6C7-4BCF-A46D-0FDAC4EA90EB} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.cfgwr.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.cfgwr HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{D7BF3304-138B-4DD5-86EE-491BB6A2286C} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.tbactivator.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.tbactivator HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{FFF5092F-7172-4018-827B-FA5868FB0478} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{84C94803-B5EC-4491-B2BE-7B113E013B77} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{6DEEE498-08CC-43F0-BCA0-DBB5A25C9501} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{DCFAB192-4A0E-4720-8E24-70D5F0CB8C39} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{F4394F24-163D-430B-B5AF-B68B56031B99} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion ExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{FFF5092F-7172-4018-827B-FA5868FB0478} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREAZESearchCo HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{a19ef336-01d4-48e6-926a-fe7e1c747aed} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{AC212FB9-3883-461E-A559-37A4F6100FB0} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{ba048011-957f-4ba0-a804-62c28d96f878} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{da7ff3f8-08be-4cac-bc00-94d91c6ae7f4} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{636FF82A-830A-42EA-938B-6DC78B2AC30C} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{A55C3BA7-DB1E-4652-867E-055CEAFE8018} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{AE772DE0-743C-4FEB-A4D6-31CA5F6E3DCD} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{EF77D50B-5767-4E0E-A3A4-098670025F1D} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMagicLoader.MagicBHO HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMagicLoader.MagicBHO.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{42FC3840-020C-4E93-A34C-4DF1A6330FBB} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{57B88FEF-AB18-4FEB-B7F6-F6AF93C23F45} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.activator HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.activator.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.ParamWr HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.ParamWr.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.StockBar HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.StockBar.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMagicSearchCo HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMagicSearchCoMagicLoader HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMagicSearchCoMagicSearch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{AC212FB9-3883-461E-A559-37A4F6100FB0} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{da7ff3f8-08be-4cac-bc00-94d91c6ae7f4} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESearchCo HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESearchCoSearchHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{014DA6C9-189F-421a-88CD-07CFE51CFF10} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{4D1C4E81-A32A-416b-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{4D1C4E89-A32A-416b-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{4D1C4E8B-A32A-416b-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{630D6140-04C5-4db0-B27A-020D766FF09B} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesInterface{4D1C4E8A-A32A-416B-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesInterface{4D1C4E8C-A32A-416B-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesTypeLib{4D1C4E80-A32A-416B-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesMSIEDe1egate.Application.2 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesNeed2FindBar.SettingsPlugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesNeed2FindBar.SettingsPlugin.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesNeed2FindBar.ToolbarPlugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesNeed2FindBar.ToolbarPlugin.1} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects {4D1C4E81-A32A-416b-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallNeed2FindBar Uninstall HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARENeed2Find HKEY_USERSSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMenuExt&Search HKEY_USERSSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtStats{4D1C4E81-A32A-416B-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_USERSSoftwareNeed2Find
Creates the following registry subkey:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerToolbar {a19ef336-01d4-48e6-926a-fe7e1c747aed}so that the adware gets loaded as an Internet Explorer search toolbar.
When the search toolbar is used, the adware sends the query to the morwillsearch.com domain.
Displays a Web site, which may contain advertisements.
May create the following file:

%System%iacad.dll

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).
May create the following files and folder:
- C:Program FilesNeed2FindarCache007D8CA
- C:Program FilesNeed2FindarCachefiles.ini
- C:Program FilesNeed2FindarHistorysearch
- C:Program FilesNeed2FindarSettingsprevcfg.htm

REMOVAL

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

Close all open Internet Explorer windows,
Update the definitions.
Run a full system scan.
Delete any values added to the registry.
Delete any remaining files associated with the security risk.

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

1. 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.

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

3. To run the scan

Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
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 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 subkeys only. Read the document: How to make a backup of the Windows registry.

Click Start > Run.
Type regedit

Then click OK.

Note: If the registry editor fails to open the risk may have modified the registry to prevent access to the registry editor. Security Response has developed a tool to resolve this problem. Download and run this tool, and then continue with the removal.
Navigate to and delete the subkeys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerToolbar {a19ef336-01d4-48e6-926a-fe7e1c747aed}HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion UninstallMWSearch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMWSearchCoMWSearch HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.StockBar HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.StockBar.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{A6790AA5-C6C7-4BCF-A46D-0FDAC4EA90EB} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.cfgwr.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.cfgwr HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{D7BF3304-138B-4DD5-86EE-491BB6A2286C} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.tbactivator.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMWSearch.tbactivator HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{FFF5092F-7172-4018-827B-FA5868FB0478} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{84C94803-B5EC-4491-B2BE-7B113E013B77} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{6DEEE498-08CC-43F0-BCA0-DBB5A25C9501} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{DCFAB192-4A0E-4720-8E24-70D5F0CB8C39} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{F4394F24-163D-430B-B5AF-B68B56031B99} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion ExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{FFF5092F-7172-4018-827B-FA5868FB0478} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREAZESearchCo HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{a19ef336-01d4-48e6-926a-fe7e1c747aed} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{AC212FB9-3883-461E-A559-37A4F6100FB0} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{ba048011-957f-4ba0-a804-62c28d96f878} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{da7ff3f8-08be-4cac-bc00-94d91c6ae7f4} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{636FF82A-830A-42EA-938B-6DC78B2AC30C} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{A55C3BA7-DB1E-4652-867E-055CEAFE8018} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{AE772DE0-743C-4FEB-A4D6-31CA5F6E3DCD} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{EF77D50B-5767-4E0E-A3A4-098670025F1D} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMagicLoader.MagicBHO HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMagicLoader.MagicBHO.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{42FC3840-020C-4E93-A34C-4DF1A6330FBB} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{57B88FEF-AB18-4FEB-B7F6-F6AF93C23F45} HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.activator HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.activator.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.ParamWr HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.ParamWr.1 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.StockBar HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTToolbar.StockBar.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMagicSearchCo HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMagicSearchCoMagicLoader HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMagicSearchCoMagicSearch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{AC212FB9-3883-461E-A559-37A4F6100FB0} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{da7ff3f8-08be-4cac-bc00-94d91c6ae7f4} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESearchCo HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESearchCoSearchHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{014DA6C9-189F-421a-88CD-07CFE51CFF10} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{4D1C4E81-A32A-416b-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{4D1C4E89-A32A-416b-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{4D1C4E8B-A32A-416b-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{630D6140-04C5-4db0-B27A-020D766FF09B} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesInterface{4D1C4E8A-A32A-416B-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesInterface{4D1C4E8C-A32A-416B-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesTypeLib{4D1C4E80-A32A-416B-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesMSIEDe1egate.Application.2 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesNeed2FindBar.SettingsPlugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesNeed2FindBar.SettingsPlugin.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesNeed2FindBar.ToolbarPlugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesNeed2FindBar.ToolbarPlugin.1} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects {4D1C4E81-A32A-416b-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallNeed2FindBar Uninstall HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARENeed2Find HKEY_USERSSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMenuExt&Search HKEY_USERSSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtStats{4D1C4E81-A32A-416B-BCDB-33B3EF3617D3} HKEY_USERSSoftwareNeed2Find
Exit the Registry Editor.

5. To delete any remaining files associated with the security risk.

Click Start > Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer
Navigate to and delete the following file:

%System%iacad.dll
Navigate to and delete the following folder:
- %ProgramFiles%BazookaBar
- C:Program FilesNeed2Findar
Exit Windows Explorer.

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