Dialer.PornPaq.B

SUMMARY

Behavior

Dialer.Pornpaq.B is a dialer program that attempts to access pornographic material by dialing a high-cost phone number using a modem.

Symptoms

• The program, Hardcore.exe, is visible on the desktop.
• Your Symantec program detects Dialer.PornPaq.B.

Transmission

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

Protection

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

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Dialer.Pornpaq.B is executed, it performs the following actions:

1. Adds the subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallHardcore
   
   
2. Copies itself to the desktop as Hardcore.exe.
   
   
3. Attempts to contact the IP address 217.73.64.1 on UDP port 24687 to inform the remote computer of its status.
   
   
4. Creates a Web server on TCP port 8081.
   
   

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   Note: The server contains text and pictures that may be offensive.

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5. Opens Internet Explorer and points it to a page on the new Web server.
   
   
6. If the user accepts the agreement on the Web site, the program will dial to another server.
   
   

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   Note: The server states that, depending on the location of the computer, the billing rate will be either premium or international.

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REMOVAL

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

1. Update the definitions.
2. Close modem connections.
3. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
4. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Dialer.Pornpaq.B.
5. Reverse the changes made to the registry.

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

1. Updating the definitions
To obtain the most recent definitions, start your Symantec program and run LiveUpdate

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. Restarting the computer in Safe mode
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

4. Scanning for and deleting the files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program and run a full system scan.
2. If any files are detected as Dialer.Pornpaq.B, click Delete.
   
   

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   Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, write down the path and file name. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.

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5. Reversing the changes made to 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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1. Click Start, and then click Run. (The Run dialog box appears.)
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK. (The Registry Editor opens.)
   
   
3. Delete the following registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallHardcore
   
   
4. Exit the Registry Editor.