Dialer.Rapidspark

SUMMARY

Behavior

Dialer.Rapidspark is a dialer program that can be used to access pornography by dialing a high-cost number using the modem.
The most common installation method for this dialer is through Web sites that contain pornography.

Symptoms

The files are detected as Dialer.Rapidspark.

Transmission

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

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) September 24, 2003
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) September 22, 2003

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Dialer.Rapidspark runs, it does the following:

1. Copies itself as %System%ShellExtSyscntr.exe.
   
   Note: %System% is a variable that refers to the System folder. By default this is C:WindowsSystem (Windows 95/98/Me), C:WinntSystem32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:WindowsSystem32 (Windows XP).
   
   
2. Displays a window and dials a high-cost-per-minute phone number that gives you access to pornography.

REMOVAL

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

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WARNING: Removing this adware component from the system will most likely cause the application that installed it to not function as intended. The uninstaller generally identifies the applications that will not work after uninstallation.

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1. Update the virus definitions.
2. Close modem connections
3. Uninstall "Rapidspark" using the Add/Remove Programs utility.
4. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Dialer.Rapidspark.
   

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 "Rapidspark"

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 way as Windows 98, so 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 Rapidspark.
   
   

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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 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 Dialer.Rapidspark, 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 files were removed, and therefore, they will not be detected.

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