Dialer.Desire

SUMMARY

Behavior

Dialer.Desire is a dialer program that can be used to access pornography, by dialing a high-cost number using a modem.

Symptoms

The files are detected as Dialer.Desire.

Transmission

The most common installation method of this dialer application is through various Web sites, mainly pornographic in nature.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) October 15, 2003
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) October 14, 2003

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Dialer.Desire runs, it does the following:

1. Creates the following folder and subfolders:
   
   %ProgramFilesdialersdialers
   %ProgramFilesdialersdialersdesire
   %ProgramFilesdialersdialerssubcriptions
   
   

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   Note: %ProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the path of the program files folder. By default, this is C:Program Files.

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2. Copies itself as the following:
   
   • %ProgramFiles%dialersdesiredesire.exe
   • %System%Desire-uninstall.exe
     
     

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     Note: %System% is a variable. The dialer 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).
     

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3. Adds the value:
   
   "Desire"="%ProgramFiles%dialersdesiredesire.exe /<option>"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   so that the dialer runs when you restart Windows.
   
   

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   Note: <option> can be "noconnect," "savestate," "menu," "uninstall," or "install."

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4. Creates the following new keys and sub keys:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSiteIcons
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSiteIconsDialers
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSiteIconsDialersDesire
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion
   UninstallDesire
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMIMEDatabaseContent Typeapplication/x-DESIRE
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.DESIRE
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE File
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE Fileshell
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE Fileshellopen
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE Fileshellopencommand
   
   
5. Adds the value:
   
   "Default" = "%ProgramFiles%dialersdesiredesire.exe %1"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE Fileshellopencommand
   
   
6. Adds the value:
   
   "application/x-DESIRE" = "%ProgramFiles%dialersdesiredesire.exe %1"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTSoftwareNetscapeNetscape NavigatorViewers
   
   
7. Creates a shortcut icon on the Windows Desktop and System Tray.
   
   
8. Runs the file, %ProgramFilesdialersdesiredesire.exe.
   
   
9. Drops a subscription Web page as:
   
   %ProgramFiles%dialerssubcriptionsSubsDone.html
   
   
10. When the dialer runs, it opens Internet Explorer and displays the following page:
    
    
    

REMOVAL

1. Update the virus definitions.
2. Close modem connections.
3. Uninstall the dialer using the Add/Remove Programs utility.
4. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Dialer.Desire.
5. Delete the values that were 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. To close modem connections
This risk uses available modems to create an Internet connection, sometimes without any visible signs. In order to successfully remove this threat, ensure that all modem-based Internet connections are disconnected before proceeding. For instructions on how to do this, consult the appropriate Internet service provider, computer manufacturer, or operating system documentation.

3. Uninstalling the Dialer

1. Do one of the following:
   • Windows 98:
     1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
        
        
   • Windows Me:
     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."
        
        
   • Windows 2000:
     By default, Windows 2000 is set up the same way as Windows 98. In that case, follow the instructions for Windows 98. Otherwise, click Start, point to Settings, point to Control Panel, and then click Add/Remove Programs.
     
     
   • Windows XP:
     1. Click Start > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add or Remove Programs.
        
        
2. Click the name of the dialer program, which can vary. If you do not know the name, skip to section 3.
   
   

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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.

4. Scanning for and deleting the infected files

1. Start Norton AntiVirus and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files. For more information, read the document, "How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files."
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected as infected with Dialer.Desire, click Delete.

5. Deleting the values from the registry

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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.

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Note: This step is performed to ensure that all the keys that the dialer created are removed. The keys may not be there if the uninstaller removed them.

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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 each of the following keys:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTSoftwareNetscapeNetscape NavigatorViewers
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value corresponding to the dialer.
   
5. Delete the following keys and their sub keys:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSiteIcons
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSiteIconsDialers
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSiteIconsDialersDesire
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion
   UninstallDesire
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMIMEDatabaseContent Typeapplication/x-DESIRE
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.DESIRE
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE File
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE Fileshell
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE Fileshellopen
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDESIRE Fileshellopencommand
   
   
6. Exit the Registry Editor.