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StartPage-CV

This page shows details and results of our analysis on the malware StartPage-CV

Threat Detail

Malware Type: Trojan

Malware Sub-type: StartPage

Discovery Date: 2004-05-12

Next Steps:

Overview

This is a trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.


Minimum DAT

4358 (2004-05-05)

Updated DAT

5670 (2009-07-08)

 Minimum Engine

5.1.00

File Length

varies

 Description Added

2004-05-05

Description Modified

2004-05-26

Malware Proliferation

Characteristics

This trojan alters the default Start Page of Internet Explorer.

When runs, it drops itself to the Windows System directory, typically:

  • C:\Windows\system32\winproc32.exe

It also creates the registry keys, such as:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
    Run "Windows Internet Protocol" = C:\WINDOWS\system32\winproc32.exe

It adds the links to the porn sites to the Internet Explorer favorite menu and modifies its startpage to "http://4-counter.com". The icon data file of the menu will be copied in "c:\WINDOWS\system32\favico.dat".

Symptoms

  • Existence of the unexpected links to the porn sites in the IE favorite menu.
  • Modification of the IE startpage to "http://4-counter.com".

Method of Infection

Trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that the executable is something beneficial. Distribution channels include IRC, peer-to-peer networks, newsgroup postings, email, etc

Removal

All Users:
Use current engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

Modifications made to the system Registry and/or INI files for the purposes of hooking system startup, will be successfully removed if cleaning with the recommended engine and DAT combination (or higher).

But in some particular cases, the following steps need to be taken.

Please go to the Microsoft Recovery Console and restore a clean MBR.

On Windows XP:

  • Insert the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
  • When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
  • Select the Windows installation that is compromised and provide the administrator password.
  • Issue 'fixmbr' command to restore the Master Boot Record
  • Follow onscreen instructions.
  • Reset and remove the CD from CD-ROM drive.


On Windows Vista and 7:

  • Insert the Windows CD into the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
  • Click on "Repair Your Computer".
  • When the System Recovery Options dialog comes up, choose the Command Prompt.
  • Issue 'bootrec /fixmbr' command to restore the Master Boot Record.
  • Follow onscreen instructions.
  • Reset and remove the CD from CD-ROM drive.

Variants

United States - English