Spyware.InvisibleKey

SUMMARY

Behavior

Spyware.InvisibleKey is a program that logs keystrokes.

Symptoms

Your Symantec program detects this threat as Spyware.InvisibleKey.

Transmission

Spyware.InvisibleKey must be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) July 21, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) July 15, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Spyware.InvisibleKey has the following functionality: Keystroke logging

When Spyware.InvisibleKey is installed, the following actions are performed:

1. Displays the End User License Agreement (EULA).
   
   
2. Creates the following files/directories:
   
   • %ProgramFiles%ikUNWISE.EXE: A generic uninstaller.
   • %ProgramFiles%ikOrder.txt: Ordering information.
   • %ProgramFiles%ikLicense.txt: License information.
   • %ProgramFiles%ikdat2txt.exe: A log converter.
   • %ProgramFiles%ikeadme.txt: Documentation.
   • %ProgramFiles%ikik.exe: The main logging module.
   • %System%ik.dll: ik.exe uses this file.
   • %ProgramFiles%ikINSTALL.LOG: Installation information.
   • %ProgramFiles%ikik.dat: A log file.
   • %ProgramFiles%ikik.txt: A log file.
     
     
     Notes:
   • %System% is a variable. By default, this is C:WindowsSystem (Windows 95/98/Me), C:WinntSystem32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:WindowsSystem32 (Windows XP).
   • %ProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the path to the program files folder. By default, this is C:Program Files.
     
     
3. Adds the following value:
   
   "ik" = "C:PROGRA~1ikIK.EXE"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   so that the spyware runs when you start Windows.
   
   
4. Adds the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallIK 97 Shareware Version
   
   
5. Modifies the following values:
   
   "C:WINNTsystem32msvcirt.dll" = "0x<previous value + 1>"
   "C:WINNTsystem32msvcrt.dll" = "0x<previous value + 1>"
   "C:WINNTsystem32mfc42.dll" = "0x<previous value + 1>"
   
   in the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSharedDLLs
   
   
   Note: The numeric values indicate the number of programs using the shared DLLs located in the file paths listed in the left-hand side.

REMOVAL

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

1. Update the definitions.
2. Uninstall Spyware.InvisibleKey.
3. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
4. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Spyware.InvisibleKey.
5. 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 uninstall the Spyware

1. Navigate to %ProgramFiles%ik.
2. Double-click UNWISE.EXE.

3. 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 or VGA mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

4. 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.InvisibleKey, 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.
   

5. 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.

Note: This is done to make sure that all the keys are removed. They may not be there if the uninstaller removed them.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit, then click OK.
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   
4. In the left plane, delete the value:
   
   "ik" = "C:PROGRA~1ikIK.EXE"
   
   
5. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall
   
   
6. In the left plane, delete the subkey:
   
   IK 97 Shareware Version
   
   
7. Exit the Registry Editor.