Threat Descriptions

Adware:W32/Stud

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

This is the family description for the Adware:W32/Stud family of adware.

Like most adware programs, it displays pop-up advertisements. Members of the Stud adware family also gather data on the web searches made by the user.

Installation

During installation, the user is prompted to read and agree to an end user license agreement (EULA) before proceeding with the installation:

Should the user agree and click on "Next", the adware installs a DLL into the %system32% folder, then registers it as a Browser Helper Object (BHO). This means that each time the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser is started, the adware program is also automatically launched.

Activity

In addition to displaying pop-up advertisements, Stud adware programs are able to auto-update. To do so, the program must connect with a remote system to download the necessary components/updates. An example of a possible connection is:

  • https://xfind.to/[...]/version.htm[...]