Spyware.TwoSeven

SUMMARY

Behavior

Spyware.TwoSeven is a program that logs search engine queries to a predetermined site.

Symptoms

One or more files are detected as Spyware.TwoSeven.

Transmission

This program must be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) November 10, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) November 8, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Spyware.TwoSeven is executed, it performs the following actions:

1. Creates the following folders and files:
   
   
   • C:Program Files000000
   • C:Program Files000000000000.url: Contains URL=0
   • C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuPrograms000000
   • C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuPrograms000000Disclaimer.lnk: Link to C:Program Files000000000000.url
   • C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuPrograms000000Uninstall.lnk: Link to C:Program Files000000000000.url
   • C:Program Files000000mswinindex.exe: Copy of Spyware.TwoSeven
     
     
2. Adds the value:
   
   "mmxrun"="C:Program Files000000mswinindex.exe"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   so that Spyware.TwoSeven runs every time Windows starts.
   
   
3. Adds the value:
   
   "MMXRunFlag"="[random character]ccessories"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion
   
   
4. Monitors the titlebars of every running window for the following strings:
   
   
   • alexa
   • hotbot
   • overture
   • walhello
   • tecnoseek
   • splatsearch
   • tuttonet
   • simpatico.it
   • siciliano
   • sharelook
   • www.rosenet.it
   • palcoscenico
   • ladysilvia
   • MavicaNet
   • GoSeekIt
   • Ischia
   • Il trovatore
   • cavarzano.com
   • dominitaliani
   • goldenclic
   • Abacho
   • MetaCrawler
   • Open Directory
   • Excite
   • Arianna
   • godado.it:
   • supereva
   • Kataweb
   • Tiscali
   • EDintorni
   • Lycos
   • MSN Search
   • Xupiter.com
   • Altavista:
   • Yahoo!
   • VIRGILIO
   • alltheweb.com
   • Google
     
     
5. Sends query information from the above search engines to a predetermined site.
   
   
6. Attempts to download and run a program from a predetermined site that is now defunct.

REMOVAL

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.
4. 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 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 run the scan

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
   
2. If any files are detected as Spyware.TwoSeven 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.
       
       
   • 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.
       

4. To delete the values 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:
   
   "mmxrun"="C:Program Files000000mswinindex.exe"
   
   
5. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion
   
   
6. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "MMXRunFlag"
   
   
7. Exit the registry editor.