Summary
TridenT Polymorphic Engine
TPE was written in 1992 by Masud Khafir, a Dutch member of the TridenT virus group. Before and after TPE, Masud Khafir has created several advanced viruses. Among them are the first Windows virus, Win_Vir, the Cruncher virus series, and one of the most widespread viruses using MtE, the MtE.Pogue virus. TPE itself is based on the encryption routine of Masud Kafir's Coffeeshop 3 virus, currently known as TPE.1_0.Girafe.A.
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
To date, four versions of TPE have come out. The author has implied that he considers the product finished, and will not write further versions. The later versions of TPE are highly complex, making it one the most advanced polymorphic generators in the world.
TPE version 1.1 was technically advanced, but it contained bugs which made it incompatible with some processor types. Versions 1.2 and 1.3 corrected this problem. The last version, 1.4, introduced an improved, highly complex encryption method, which makes TPE-hidden viruses difficult to identify by using decryption-based detection methods.
Variant:DGME
A separate, modified version of TPE has also appeared. It is known as the Darwinian Genetic Mutation Engine (DGME). DGME was published in Mark Ludwig's latest disputed book 'Computer Viruses, Artificial Life and Evolution'.
TPE takes up about 1.6 KB. Presently, it is known to be linked to 10 different viruses.
Variant:Girafe (Coffeeshop)
Other:Resident, COM/EXE-files
Girafe was the first virus to use TPE-encryption in its code. It infects COM and EXE files. On thursdays it shows a picture from Cannabis magazine and a text "Legalize Cannabis". Infected files are 2000-4000 bytes longer than original files.
The next text can be found inside Girafe in a crypted form:
COSCCLVSNEHTTBVIFIGIRAFEMTBRIM [ MK / Trident ] Amsterdam = COFFEESHOP!
See also: Cruncher
Protect your devices from malware with F‑Secure Total
Protecting your devices from malicious software is essential for maintaining online security. F‑Secure Total makes this easy, helping you to secure your devices in a brilliantly simple way.
Award‑winning antivirus and malware protection
Online browsing, banking, and shopping protection
24/7 online identity and data breach monitoring
Unlimited VPN service to safeguard your privacy
Password manager with private data protection
Choose how many devices you want to protect to get started.
Free customer support
Cancel anytime
The trial does not obligate you to buy the product
After 30 days your subscription will renew automatically for one year at €69.99.
)
)
More Support
Community
Ask questions in our Community.
User guides
Check the user guide for instructions.
Contact Support
Chat with with or call an agent.
Submit a Sample
Submit a file or URL for analysis.