Dialer.SweetGirls_gb

SUMMARY

Behavior

Dialer.SweetGirls_gb is a dialer program that can be used to access pornography by dialing a high-cost number using a modem.

Symptoms

• The files are detected as Dialer.SweetGirls_gb.
• There are shortcuts added on the Windows Start menu and desktop.

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 24, 2003

TECHNICAL DETAILS

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

1. Deletes the original file.
   
   
2. Copies the following files to:
   
   • C:Program Filesgmsoftdialerssweetgirls_gbsweetgirls_gb.exe
   • %System%dialersetupSweetGirls_gb-uninstall.exe
     
     

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     Note: %System% is a variable. The worm locates the WindowsSystem folder (by default, this is C:WindowsSystem or C:WinntSystem32) and copies itself to that location.

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3. Creates shortcuts in the following locations:
   
   • C:Documents and Settings\%Username%Start MenuProgramsSweetGirls_gb.lnk
   • C:Documents and Settings\%Username%Start MenuSweetGirls_gb.lnk
     
     

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     Note: %Username% is a variable, which refers to the current user.

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4. Adds shortcuts on the desktop.
   
   
5. Creates the following registry key:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareGMSoft
   
   
6. Adds the value:
   
   "SweetGirls_gb"="C:Program Filesgmsoftdialerssweetgirls_gbsweetgirls_gb.exe"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   
7. Adds the value:
   
   "(Default)"="C:Program Filesgmsoftdialerssweetgirls_gbsweetgirls_gb.exe"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTgmst2 Fileshellopencommand
   
   so the dialer starts when Windows starts.
   
   
8. Opens Internet Explorer and attempts to access a Web site.
   
   
9. If the user chooses to proceed at this Web site, the dialer will attempt to call a high-cost number using the modem.

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 Dialer.SweetGirls_gb.
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.SweetGirls_gb, click Delete.
4. Delete all the icons and shortcuts linking to these files.
   

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:
   
   "SweetGirls_gb"="C:Program Filesgmsoftdialerssweetgirls_gbsweetgirls_gb.exe"
   
   
5. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTgmst2 Fileshellopencommand
   
   
6. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "(Default)"="C:Program Filesgmsoftdialerssweetgirls_gbsweetgirls_gb.exe"
   
   
7. Delete the following key and its subkey:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareGMSoft
   
   
8. Exit the Registry Editor.