Threat Descriptions

Adware:W32/E404

Classification

Category :

Spyware

Type :

Adware

Platform :

W32

Aliases :

-

Summary

This program delivers advertising content to the user. It is usually annoying but harmless, unless it is combined with spyware or trackware.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it may block the file from running, move it to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or ask you to select an action.

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

Adware:W32/E404 is a Browser Helper Object (BHO) hijacker that displays pop-up advertisements and false security alerts.

There have been reports that Adware:W32/E404 is distributed bundled with rogueware or scamware program, such as iSecurity, VirusProtect, Advanced XP Defender, Advanced XP Fixer, Ultimate Defender, WinFixer and Ultimate Cleaner.

Installation

Some E404 variants may create this folder:

  • C:\Program Files\Helper

with this file:

  • C:\Program Files\[Random name].dll

Where the [Random name] may be one of the following file names:

  • C:\Program Files\Helper\e404.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Helper\Helper.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Helper\Helper2.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Helper\Helper3.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Helper\Helper4.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Helper\Helper5.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Helper\Helper6.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Helper\1205449149.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Helper\superfinderusa.dll

Activity

Once loaded, the program will attempt to connect to remote sites (see above).

It will also hijack search queries made on these websites:

  • Google
  • Yahoo
  • MSN

and sent the results to:

  • v5.mainfeedhere.com

Registry

During installation, the following keys are created:

  • [HKEY_LOCLA_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{[Random CLSID]}]& "@"="[Random name] helper"

Some variants that are bundled with rogueware may create these registry subkeys:

  • [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\e405.e405mgr]
  • [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Interface\{F7D09218-46D7-4D3D-9B7F-315204CD0836}]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\e405.e405mgr]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Interface\{F7D09218-46D7-4D3D-9B7F-315204CD0836}]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Sofware\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{[Random CLSID]}]& "@"="[Random name] helper"

Network Connections

Attempts to connect to:

  • xxxping.com
  • yyyping.com
  • zzzping.com

Registry Modifications

Creates these keys:

  • [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\E404.e404mgr]
  • [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Interface\{F7D09218-46D7-4D3D-9B7F-315204CD0836}]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Classes\E404.e404mgr]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Classes\E404.e404mgr.1]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Interface\{F7D09218-46D7-4D3D-9B7F-315204CD0836}]