Adware:W32/Xupiter

Classification

Category :

Spyware

Type :

Adware

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/Xupiter displays various pop-up advertisements, including advertising materials that may be considered inappropriate or offensive adult content. It also functions as a browser and search engine hijacker.

Installation

Xupiter may silently install itself onto a system via an ActiveX drive-by download, when a user whose Microsoft Internet Explorer browser's Security Level settings are not set to High visits the product's official website. Some user also report that the adware is bundled with peer-to-peer file sharing software, Grokster.

The adware is installed on:

  • %ProgramFiles%\Sqwire
  • %ProgramFiles%\xUPITER

Activity

While active, the adware can:

  • Modify the browser's default homepage and searchpage
  • Redirect to third patry search engines, such as browserwise.com, sqwire.com, orbitexplorer.com
  • Display various pop-ups advertisements
  • Cause system crashes