Adware.P2PNetworking

SUMMARY

Behavior

Adware.P2PNetworking is a content-distribution system based on peer-to-peer principles that uses system resources and bandwidth for distribution. The content may be ads, commercials, or music, which are downloaded from the network for use by other programs.

Symptoms

One or more files are detected as Adware.P2PNetworking.

Transmission

P2P Networking Peer Enabler is often bundled with software such as Kazaa, but it can also be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) October 12, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) October 9, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When the adware runs, it does the following:

1. Creates the following files:
   • %System%P2P NetworkingPeer-to-peer networking.exe
     Peer-enabler client, detected as Adware.P2PNetworking
   • %System%P2P NetworkingMarshal.dll
     Data gathering and formatting component for peer-to-peer networking
   • %System%P2P NetworkingP2P Networking.eng
   • %System%P2P Networking v126.cpl
     Control panel component
   • %System%P2P NetworkingCache*.*
     Content cache
   • %System%P2P NetworkingCacheDatabase
     Database cache
   • %Windir%Downloaded Program FilesWebP2PInstall.dll
     Web installer, not always present
     
     Notes:
     • %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).
     • %Windir% is a variable that refers to the Windows installation folder. By default, this is C:Windows (Windows 95/98/Me/XP) or C:Winnt (Windows NT/2000).
       
       
2. Creates the following registry entries:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{C91E8926-D4BE-4685-99F4-0D996B96BAC0}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{1D6711C8-7154-40BB-8380-3DEA45B69CBF}
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareP2P Networking
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESofwareP2P Networking
   
   
3. Adds the value:
   
   "P2P Networking"="%System%P2P NetworkingP2P Networking.exe"
   
   to the registry key, so that the adware runs when Windows is started:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   

REMOVAL

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

1. Update the definitions.
2. Uninstall Adware.P2PNetworking using the Add/Remove Programs utility.
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 uninstall the adware

1. Do one of the following:
   • In Windows 98:
     1. On the Windows 98 taskbar, click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
        
        
   • In Windows Me:
     1. On the Windows Me taskbar, click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
        If you do not see the Add/Remove Programs icon, click ...view all Control Panel options.
        
        
   • In Windows 2000:
     By default, Windows 2000 is set up the same as Windows 98, so follow the instructions for Windows 98. If otherwise, click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
     
     
   • In the Windows XP:
     1. On the Windows XP taskbar, click Start > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add or Remove Programs.
        
        
2. Click P2P Networking.
   You may need to use the scroll bar to view the whole list.
   
   
3. Click Add/Remove, Change/Remove, or Remove (this varies with the operating system), and follow the prompts.

3. To run the scan

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
   
   Note: If you ran Add/Remove Programs as described in the previous section, all the files may have been removed, and thus none of them will be detected.
   
2. If any files are detected as Adware.P2PNetworking, 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 for removal 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 delete the security risk:
     • Click its file name (under the Filename column).
     • In the Item Information box that appears, write down the full path and file name.
     • 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 attempts to delete the detected files. In some cases, the scanner will not be able to do this.
     • If you see the 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 only the specified keys. Read "How to make a backup of the Windows registry" for instructions.

1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start > Run.
2. Type the following:
   
   regedit
   
   
3. Click OK.
   
   
4. Navigate to the following key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   
5. In the right pane, delete the following value:
   
   "P2P Networking"="%System%P2P NetworkingP2P Networking.exe"
   
   
6. Delete the following keys:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{C91E8926-D4BE-4685-99F4-0D996B96BAC0}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{1D6711C8-7154-40BB-8380-3DEA45B69CBF}
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareP2P Networking
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESofwareP2P Networking
   
7. Exit the Registry Editor.