Application:W32/Keylogger.MicTray

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Classification

Category:

PUA

Type:

Application

Platform:

-

Aliases:

Application.Keylogger.MicTray.[variant], Application.Keylogger.QNZ

Summary

This detection identifies certain versions of the Conexant HD Audio Driver files, which in May 2017 security researchers reported were unintentionally logging all keystrokes typed on the affected machine. The audio drivers come pre-installed on certain models of laptops from HP.

Removal

Automatic action

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

Manual update of affected drivers

HP has released security updates for the Conexant HD Audio Driver files, which can be found, along with further details and updating instructions, at:

Suspect a file is incorrectly detected (a False Positive)?

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 detection database 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.

Find out more

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Submit a sample

Submit a file or URL for further analysis.

Technical Details

In May 2017, security researchers reported the discovery of a keylogger installed on some laptop models from HP. The keylogger was identified as certain versions (1.0.0.46 and higher) of the Conexant HD Audio Driver files, which come pre-installed on certain models of laptops released in 2015 and 2016.

According to the customer advisory released by HP itself, the audio drivers unintentionally included debugging capabilities that were not meant for public release. The debugging feature resulted in the audio driver silently capturing all keystrokes that were typed on the affected machine and saving them to an unencrypted log file at C:\Users\Public\MicTray.log.

HP also confirmed that they do not have access to the data, and that the log file the data is saved in is removed each time the user restarts or logs off the machine.

For more information about the issue, see:

Potential loss of privacy or security

Debugging is legitimately used by developers to troubleshoot problems during development before a program is released to the public. In this context however, the unintentional capturing of users' keystrokes may raise privacy concerns. The data stored in the unencrypted file may also pose a security concern if an unauthorized

As such, we recommend that users any affected machines at their earliest convenience. HP released security updates for the Conexant HD Audio Driver files, which can be found, along with further details and instructions, at: