Dialer.Rapidblaster

SUMMARY

Behavior

Dialer.Rapidblaster is run as a task when you start Windows. It will periodically display advertisements when you are connected to the Internet. It can also download and execute arbitrary code and install premium rate dialers, such as DialerOffline.

Symptoms

The files are detected as Dialer.Rapidblaster.

Transmission

The most common installation method for this dialer application is through various Web sites, mainly pornographic in nature, as well as by Active-X, drive-by downloads.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) May 9, 2003
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) May 8, 2003

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Dialer.Rapidblaster is installed, it creates the registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareRapidBlaster.

REMOVAL

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support security risk detection.

1. Update the virus definitions.
2. Close modem connections
3. Stop the Rb32 process or program.
4. Uninstall "RapidBlaster" or "rb32 lptt01" using the Add/Remove Programs utility.
5. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Dialer.Rapidblaster.
   

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. Stopping the Rb32 process or program
Follow the instructions for your operating system.

Windows 95/98/Me
To close the program:

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete once.
2. In the Close Program dialog box, scroll through the list and look for Rb32.
3. If you find the file, click it, and then click End Task.

Windows NT/2000/XP
To end the process:

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete once.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Click the Processes tab.
4. Double-click the Image Name column header to alphabetically sort the processes.
5. Scroll through the list and look for Rb32.exe.
6. If you find the file, click it, and then click End Process.
7. Exit the Task Manager.

4. 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 instructions for Windows 98. 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 "RapidBlaster" or "rb32 lptt01."
   
   

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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.

5. 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.Rapidblaster, click Delete.
   
   

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   Note: If you ran the Add/Remove programs applet as described in the previous section, it is possible that all the files were removed, and therefore none will be detected.

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