Spyware.Farsighter

SUMMARY

Behavior

Spyware.Farsighter consists of two components: server and client. The server component allows the running computer the client component to remotely view the computer screen, which is running the server component.

Symptoms

The files are detected as Spyware.Farsighter.

Transmission

Spyware.Farsighter must be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) July 21, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) July 19, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Server
When the installer for the server component of Spyware.Farsighter is run, it does the following:

1. Displays the End-User License Agreement.
   
   
2. Creates the folder, %ProgramFiles%Farsighter Server. (This path is configurable.)
   
   
3. Creates the following files:
   
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter ServerServerconfig.exe: Main configuration file. Detected as Spyware.Farsighter.
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter ServerManual.html: Documentation.
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter Serverfaq.html: Frequently Asked Questions.
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter ServerUninstall.bat: Uninstaller.
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter ServerSystemConfig.cfg: Configurations settings.
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter ServerSystemFserv.exe: Server. Detected as Spyware.Farsighter.
     
     
4. Adds the value:
   
   "fsserv" = "%ProgramFiles%Farsighter Server.systemfserv.exe"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   so that the Spyware runs when you start Windows.

Client
When the installer for the client component of Spyware.Farsighter is run, it does the following:

1. Displays the End-User License Agreement.
   
   
2. Creates the folder, %ProgramFiles%Farsighter Client. (This path is confugurable.)
   
   
3. Creates the following files:
   
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter Clientfarsighter.exe: Used to monitor remote computers. Detected as Spyware.Farsighter.
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter ClientUninst.isu: Used for uninstalling.
   • C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuProgramsFarsighter ClientFarsighter.lnk: Start Menu link.
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter Clientmanual.html: Documentation.
   • C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuProgramsFarsighter ClientManual.lnk: Start Menu link.
   • C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuProgramsFarsighter ClientVisit Sureshot.url: Start Menu link.
   • %ProgramFiles%Farsighter Clientfaq.html: Frequently Asked Questions.
   • C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuProgramsFarsighter ClientFaq.lnk: Start Menu link.

REMOVAL

Server
The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Spyware.Farsighter.
4. Delete the values that were added to the registry.
   

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 restart the computer in Safe mode
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

3. To scan for and delete the 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 Spyware.Farsighter, click Delete.
   
   
   Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, write down the path and file names. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
   

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 keys only. Read the document, "How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit, then click OK.
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   
4. In the right plane, delete the value:
   
   "fsserv" = "%ProgramFiles%Farsighter Server.systemfserv.exe"
   
   
5. Exit the Registry Editor.

Client
The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Spyware.Farsighter. Delete the values that were added to the registry.
   

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 restart the computer in Safe mode
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

3. To scan for and delete the 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 Spyware.Farsighter, click Delete.
   
   
   Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, write down the path and file names. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.