Dialer.SouthBeachTel

SUMMARY

Behavior

Dialer.SouthBeachTel is a dialer program that attempts to dial a high-cost number using a modem.

Symptoms

The files are detected as Dialer.SouthBeachTel.

Transmission

May be installed when certain Web pages are visited. The user must agree to the installation.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) August 3, 2005
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) July 29, 2005

TECHNICAL DETAILS

WhenDialer.SouthBeachTel is executed, it performs the following actions:

1. Copies itself as %Windir%updmgr.exe.
   
   Note: %Windir% is a variable that refers to the Windows installation folder. By default, this is C:Windows or C:Winnt.
   
   
2. Makes an outgoing connection to a server by dialing a high-cost number using the modem.
   
   
3. Attempts to access the following Web site:
   
   [http://]www.217.97.161.9:80/[REMOVED]/index.html
   
   
4. Adds the value:
   
   "UpdateMgr" = "%windir%updmgr.exe $"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   so that the risk runs every time Windows starts.
   
   
5. Adds the following subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREAccess
   
   
6. Adds the following text to the RAS phonebook file, rasphone.pbk:
   
   [access]

REMOVAL

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

1. Update the definitions.
2. Close modem connections.
3. Run a full system scan.
4. Delete any values added to the registry.
5. Delete the entries added to the RAS phonebook file.

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

1. To update 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. To run the scan

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
   
2. If any files are detected, and depending on which software version you are using, you may see one or more of the following options:
   
   Note: This applies only to versions of Norton AntiVirus that support security risk detection. If you are running a version of Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition that supports security risk detection, and security risk detection has been enabled, you will only see a message box that gives the results of the scan. If you have questions in this situation, contact your network administrator.
   
   • Exclude (Not recommended): If you click this button, it will set the risk so that it is no longer detectable. That is, the antivirus program will keep the security risk on your computer and will no longer detect it to remove from your computer.
     
     
   • Ignore or Skip: This option tells the scanner to ignore the risk for this scan only. It will be detected again the next time that you run a scan.
     
     
   • Cancel: This option is new to Norton Antivirus 2005. It is used when Norton Antivirus 2005 has determined that it cannot delete a security risk. This Cancel option tells the scanner to ignore the risk for this scan only, and thus, the risk will be detected again the next time that you run a scan.
     
     To actually delete the security risk:
     • Click its file name (under the Filename column).
     • In the Item Information box that displays, write down the full path and file name.
     • Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
       
       If Windows reports that it cannot delete the file, this indicates that the file is in use. In this situation, complete the rest of the instructions on this page, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then delete the file using Windows Explorer. Restart the computer in Normal mode.
       
       
   • Delete: This option will attempt to delete the detected files. In some cases, the scanner will not be able to do this.
     • If you see a message, "Delete Failed" (or similar message), manually delete the file.
     • Click the file name of the risk that is under the Filename column.
     • In the Item Information box that displays, write down the full path and file name.
     • Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
       
       If Windows reports that it cannot delete the file, this indicates that the file is in use. In this situation, complete the rest of the instructions on this page, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then delete the file using Windows Explorer. Restart the computer in Normal mode.
       

Important: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, Windows may be using the file. To fix this, run the scan in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document: How to start the computer in Safe Mode. Once you have restarted in Safe mode, run the scan again.

After the files are deleted, restart the computer in Normal mode.

4. To delete the value from the registry
Important: 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 subkeys only. Read the document: How to make a backup of the Windows registry.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK.
   
   Note: If the registry editor fails to open the risk may have modified the registry to prevent access to the registry editor. Security Response has developed a tool to resolve this problem. Download and run this tool, and then continue with the removal.
   
   
3. Navigate to the subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "UpdateMgr" = "%windir%updmgr.exe $"
   
   
5. Navigate to and delete the subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareAccess
   
   
6. Exit the Registry Editor.

5. To delete the entries added to the RAS phonebook file

Note: The location of the RAS phonebook file, rasphone.pbk, may vary and some computers may not have this file.

For example, if the file exists in Windows XP, it is usually located in the C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersApplication DataMicrosoftNetworkConnectionsPbk folder.

Follow the instructions for your operating system:

• Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000
  1. Click Start, point to Find or Search, and then click Files or Folders.
  2. Make sure that "Look in" is set to (C:) and that "Include subfolders" is checked.
  3. In the "Named" or "Search for..." box, type:
     
     rasphone.pbk
     
     
  4. Click Find Now or Search Now.
  5. If you find rasphone.pbk, right-click the file, and then click Open With.
  6. Deselect the Always use this program to open this program check box.
  7. Scroll through the list of programs and double-click Notepad.
  8. When the file opens, delete all the lines that are included in the section:
     
     [access]
     
     
  9. Close Notepad and save your changes when prompted.
     
     
• Windows XP
  1. Click Start, and then click Search.
  2. Click All files and folders.
  3. In the "All or part of the file name" box, type:
     
     rasphone.pbk
     
     
  4. Verify that "Look in" is set to "Local Hard Drives" or to (C:).
  5. Click More advanced options.
  6. Check Search system folders.
  7. Check Search subfolders.
  8. Click Search.
  9. If you find rasphone.pbk file, right-click the file, and then click Open With.
  10. Deselect the Always use this program to open this program check box.
  11. Scroll through the list of programs and double-click Notepad.
  12. When the file opens, delete all the lines that are included in the sections:
      
      [access]
      
      
  13. Close Notepad and save your changes when prompted.