Spyware.TinyKeylogger

SUMMARY

Behavior

Spyware.TinyKeylogger is a keylogger that records keystrokes to a file. All the files and attributes for this application are configurable.
Note: Some files associated with this application may be detected as a Trojan horse or as a Keylogger.Trojan.

Symptoms

The files are detected as Spyware.TinyKeylogger. Possible presence of files named TiKL.

Transmission

Must be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) December 22, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) December 21, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

All the file names are configurable to avoid detection.

When Spyware.TinyKeylogger is installed, it does the following:

1. Adds the value:
   
   "TiKL" = "%sysdir% ikl.exe"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   

Notes:
• This value is configurable at startup. The value listed above is the default.
• %SystemDrive% is a variable that refers to the drive on which Windows is installed. By default, this is drive C.

REMOVAL

Application can be removed using the installation program. If this program is not available, perform the following steps:

1. Update the definitions.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. Delete the value that was 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 run the scan

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
   
2. If any files are detected as Spyware.TinyKeylogger 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 threat 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 threat 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 threat for this scan only, and thus, the threat 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.
       
       
   • 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 threat 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.

3. 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 pane, delete the value:
   
   "TiKL" = "%sysdir% ikl.exe"
   
   Note: This is the default value. You may need to search for the key that contains the name of the file detected as Spyware.TinyKeylogger.
   
   
5. Exit the Registry Editor.