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Generic AdClicker.g

This page shows details and results of our analysis on the malware Generic AdClicker.g

Threat Detail

Malware Type: Trojan

Malware Sub-type:

Discovery Date: 2005-09-23

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

4589 (2005-09-23)

Updated DAT

5761 (2009-10-04)

 Minimum Engine

5.1.00

File Length

varies

 Description Added

2005-09-23

Description Modified

2005-09-29

Malware Proliferation

Characteristics

This is a generic detection for AdClicker trojans.

These trojans can be installed via a wide variety of means - utilising vulnerabilities in browsers, dropped by other viruses etc.

These trojans are designed to connect to the author's website and click on banner advertisements. This is designed to make the trojan author money from a "click per view" scheme. McAfee writes more generic detections for these threats and to proactively protect customers against future minor variants.

Therefore it is not possible to guarantee which website is being communicated with. Generally, once the trojan has completed its task, it self terminates until the next time the system is restarted.

Symptoms

This is a generic detection so specific details are not possible.  The trojan will usually install itself into %windir% or %systemdir% and create a registry key to cause it to launch on restart.

The computer may also attempt to connect to the Internet upon system startup.

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, etc. 

AdClickers are not viruses, and as such do not themselves contain any method to replicate. However they may themselves be downloaded by other viruses and/or Trojans to be installed on the user's system. 

Many of these additionally are mass spammed by the author to entice people into double-clicking on them. 

Alternatively they may be installed by visiting a malicious web page (either by clicking on a link, or by the website hosting a scripted exploit which installs the AdClicker onto the user's system with no user interaction.

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