Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Virus

Platform :

W97M

Aliases :

Xaler, Lexar

Summary

W97M/Xaler is a simple Word 97 macro virus.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

Variant:Xaler.B

This variant nfects the global tempate when an infected document is opened or closed. After that all documents that are either opened or closed in Word will be infected by the virus.

Beside replication, the virus will activate its payload at 10th, 20th and 30th day of every month when a document is closed. At this point, W97M/Xaler will modify "C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT" so, that the following messages will be shown after the system is restarted:

	 NOTE!!! 	 *** 	 ***** 	 ******* 	 ***** 	 ***" 	 Sometimes you must RELAX. 	 Please, RELAX while deleting all files in C:\ 	 ***** 	 ******* 	 ***** 	 GREECE 	 ================================== 	

and

	All files deleted!!! 	Now, you have a clean COMPUTER. 	ECHO ******* 	ECHO ******* 	

Regardless of the message, this variant does no delete any files from an infected system.