Adware.SpywareNuker

SUMMARY

Behavior

Adware.SpywareNuker is a downloader program from the 2002-2004 time frame used in connection with an older version of SpywareNuker software licensed from a third party. The downloader was also included in various adware bundles available for download on the Internet.

When initially tested, the Adware.SpywareNuker downloader file displayed an advertisement, and had the ability to download software with additional functionality without user notification. Symantec does not detect the Spyware Nuker software released beginning in 2004.

Note: May break Layered Service Provider(LSP) in Windows TCP/IP leading to loss of networking capabilities.

Symptoms

• Files on the system detected as Adware.SpywareNuker.
• Computer attempts to connect to www.spywarenuker.com.

Transmission

This adware program has to be installed manually.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) September 10, 2003
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) September 8, 2003

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When the installation process is started, SpywareNukerInstaller.exe attempts to connect to spywarenuker.com to download SpyNukerSetup.exe, which is another component of the setup program. This file is saved to C:Program FilesTrek Blue. When the download is complete this file is executed.

By default, the program installs itself to C:Program FilesTrek BlueSpyware Nuker, and then insert several files and subfolders in this folder.

The program comes with a LSPFix executable that modifies Windows TCP/IP setup. As a result of this modification, you may lose network connectivity.

REMOVAL

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Note: Removing this adware component from the system will likely cause the program that installed it to not function as intended. The uninstaller generally identifies the programs that will not work after uninstallation.

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1. Update the virus definitions.
2. Uninstall Spyware Nuker using the Add/Remove Programs utility.
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Adware.SpywareNuker.
4. Delete the value that was added to the registry.
   

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

1. Updating the virus definitions
Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:

• Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions: These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually on Wednesdays), unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, refer to the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
• Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
  
  The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available: Read "How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater" for detailed instructions.

2. Uninstalling the Adware

1. Do one of the following:
   • On the Windows 98 taskbar:
     1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
   • On the Windows Me taskbar:
     1. 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."
   • On the Windows 2000 taskbar:
     By default, Windows 2000 is set up the same as Windows 98. In that case, follow the Windows 98 instructions. Otherwise, click Start, point to Settings, point to Control Panel, and then click Add/Remove Programs.
   • On the Windows XP taskbar:
     1. Click Start > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add or Remove Programs.
        
2. Click Spyware Nuker
   

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   Note: You may need to use the scroll bar to view the whole list.

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3. Click Add/Remove, Change/Remove, or Remove (this varies with the operating system). Follow the prompts.

3. Scanning for and deleting the infected files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.
   • For Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document, "How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files."
   • For Symantec AntiVirus Enterprise products: Read the document, "How to verify that a Symantec Corporate antivirus product is set to scan all files."
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected as infected with Adware.SpywareNuker, click Delete.

4. Deleting the value from 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, and then click Run. (The Run dialog box appears.)
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK. (The Registry Editor opens.)
   
   
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "Spyware Nuker Installer"
   
   
5. Exit the Registry Editor