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Trojan:W32/Poweliks

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Classification

Category: Malware

Type: Trojan

Platform: W32

Aliases: Poweliks, Trojan.Poweliks, Trojan.BAT.PoweLiks, Exploit.Poweliks.Gen, Trojan.LNK.Poweliks.Gen, Trojan.Kovter, Trojan:HTML/Kovter, Trojan.Kovter.Gen

Summary

The Poweliks trojan installs its malicious code in a registry key in the Windows registry. Depending on the variant, the trojan may download additional malware onto the affected machine, perform clickfraud or carry out additional instructions from a remote attacker.

Removal

Automatic action

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either automatically delete, quarantine or rename the detected program or file, or ask you for a desired action.

Manually removing the affected registry keys

CAUTION Manual removal is a risky process; it is recommended only for advanced users. Otherwise, please seek professional technical assistance.

To manually remove the registry keys created by earlier Poweliks variants, we recommend using the removal tool provided by our trusted partner, BitDefender:

Before starting, we recommend backing up all important files.

Knowledge Base

Find the latest advice in our Community Knowledge Base.

About the product

See the manual for your F-Secure product on the Help Center.

Contact Support

Chat with or call an expert for help.

Submit a sample

Submit a file or URL for further analysis.

Technical Details

The executable file containing the installer for the Poweliks trojan is typically distributed through spam email campaigns or by exploit kits . When delivered via an exploit kit, F-Secure products may identify the exploit attempting to gain access to a targeted device with the detection name, "Exploit.Poweliks.Gen".

When the installer is launched on the device, the trojan's malicious code is not saved in a file (as is typical of most other malware), but in a registry key in the Windows Registry. This behavior makes it much harder for the user to recognize the presence of a malicious program on their system.

Once the code is installed, the Poweliks installer deletes itself to leave even less evidence on the device.

Based on the specific variant of the Poweliks trojan installed, the malware may:

  • Harvest system information and forward it to a remote server
  • Perform clickfraud (also known as clickjacking)
  • Download additional malware onto the device
  • Contact a remote server to obtain additional instructions from the attacker

Date Created: -

Date Last Modified: -