Dialer.Prive

SUMMARY

Behavior

Dialer.Prive is a dialer program that can be used to access pornographic material by dialing a high-cost number using the modem.

Symptoms

The following files are found on the system:

• %System% ShellExtSYSCNTR.EXE
• C:Documents and Settings\%Username%DesktopPrive.Ink
• C:Documents and Settings\%Username%Start MenuPrive.Ink
• C:Documents and Settings\%Username%Start MenuProgramsPrive.Ink
• C:Documents and Settings\%Username%Application DataMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick LaunchPrive.Ink
• Files are detected as Dialer.Prive.

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Notes:

• %Username% is a variable that refers to the current user account name.
• %System% is a variable. By default, this is C:WindowsSystem (Windows 95/98/Me), C:WinntSystem32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:WindowsSystem32 (Windows XP).

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Transmission

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

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) September 18, 2003
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) September 18, 2003

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Dialer.Prive is installed as a premium rate dialer used to access material on the Internet. It does not require your permission to allow the program to run.

When Dialer.Prive is executed, it does the following:

1. Copies itself as %System% ShellExtSYSCNTR.EXE.
   
   
2. Creates shortcuts at the following locations:
   
   
   • C:Documents and Settings\%Username%DesktopPrive.Ink
   • C:Documents and Settings\%Username%Start MenuPrive.Ink
   • C:Documents and Settings\%Username%Start MenuProgramsPrive.Ink
   • C:Documents and Settings\%Username%Application DataMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick LaunchPrive.Ink
     
     
3. Adds the value:
   
   "Connector" = "C:WinntSystem32ShellExtSYSCNTR.EXE"

to the registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun

so that the risk runs every time Windows starts.

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. Close modem connections
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Dialer.Prive.
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. 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. 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.Prive, click Delete.

4. Deleting the value 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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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:
   
   "Connector" = "C:WinntSystem32ShellExtSYSCNTR.EXE"
   
   
5. Exit the Windows registry.