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Adware.Win32.Startfenster.A

May 15, 2020
 PLATFORM:

Windows

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 SYSTEM IMPACT RATING:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Adware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This Adware arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

123,872 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

15 May 2020

Arrival Details

This Adware arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.

Installation

This Adware adds the following processes:

  • .
  • "%Program Files%\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" SCODEF:1452 CREDAT:275457 /prefetch:2

(Note: %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It creates the following folders:

  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Startfenster-Replace
  • %Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace

(Note: %Start Menu% is the current user's Start Menu folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Start Menu or C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

Other System Modifications

This Adware modifies the following file(s):

  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Internet Explorer.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Google Chrome.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Firefox.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Internet Explorer.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Firefox.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Google Chrome.lnk

(Note: %Start Menu% is the current user's Start Menu folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Start Menu or C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %All Users Profile% is the common user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\ProgramData on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit). )

It deletes the following files:

  • %AppDataLocal%Low\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Services\search_{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}.ico

(Note: %AppDataLocal% is the Local Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It deletes the following folders:

  • %User Temp%\nse89B9.tmp

(Note: %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
Startfenster-Replace.exe
Chrome_taskbar = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
Startfenster-Replace.exe
Chrome_quicklunch = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
Startfenster-Replace.exe
Firefox_taskbar = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
Startfenster-Replace.exe
Firefox_public_start_menu = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
Startfenster-Replace.exe
InternetExplorer_taskbar = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
Startfenster-Replace.exe
InternetExplorer_current_start_menu = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
DisplayName = "Startfenster-Replace"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
UninstallString = "%Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace\uninstall.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
DisplayIcon = "%Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace\logo.ico"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
DisplayVersion = "1.0.3"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
URLInfoAbout = "https://www.{BLOCKED}enster.de/?from=about"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
Publisher = "Startfenster-Replace"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AM
Startfenster-Replace = "installed"

Dropping Routine

This Adware drops the following files:

  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DomainSuggestions\en-US.6
  • %Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace\uninstall.exe
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Startfenster-Replace\Software deinstallieren.lnk
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Recovery\High\Active\{5F358FA3-3670-11EA-A2A6-005056BC7F0D}.dat
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\imagestore\joppu72\imagestore.dat
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Startfenster-Replace\Startfenster.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Google Chrome.lnk
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Recovery\High\Active\RecoveryStore.{5F358FA1-3670-11EA-A2A6-005056BC7F0D}.dat
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Recovery\High\Active\{6904D2CE-3670-11EA-A2A6-005056BC7F0D}.dat
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Google Chrome.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Firefox.lnk
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MSIMGSIZ.DAT
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Internet Explorer.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Firefox.lnk
  • %Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace\logo.ico

(Note: %AppDataLocal% is the Local Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %Start Menu% is the current user's Start Menu folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Start Menu or C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %All Users Profile% is the common user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\ProgramData on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit). )

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.850

Step 1

Before doing any scans, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 users must disable System Restore to allow full scanning of their computers.

Step 2

Identify and terminate files detected as Adware.Win32.Startfenster.A

[ Learn More ]
  1. Windows Task Manager may not display all running processes. In this case, please use a third-party process viewer, preferably Process Explorer, to terminate the malware/grayware/spyware file. You may download the said tool here.
  2. If the detected file is displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer but you cannot delete it, restart your computer in safe mode. To do this, refer to this link for the complete steps.
  3. If the detected file is not displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, continue doing the next steps.

Step 3

Delete this registry value

[ Learn More ]

Important: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this step only if you know how or you can ask assistance from your system administrator. Else, check this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.

  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Startfenster-Replace.exe
    • Chrome_taskbar = ""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Startfenster-Replace.exe
    • Chrome_quicklunch = ""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Startfenster-Replace.exe
    • Firefox_taskbar = ""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Startfenster-Replace.exe
    • Firefox_public_start_menu = ""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Startfenster-Replace.exe
    • InternetExplorer_taskbar = ""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Startfenster-Replace.exe
    • InternetExplorer_current_start_menu = ""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
    • DisplayName = "Startfenster-Replace"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
    • UninstallString = "%Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace\uninstall.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
    • DisplayIcon = "%Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace\logo.ico"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
    • DisplayVersion = "1.0.3"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
    • URLInfoAbout = "https://www.{BLOCKED}enster.de/?from=about"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Startfenster-Replace.de
    • Publisher = "Startfenster-Replace"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AM
    • Startfenster-Replace = "installed"

Step 4

Search and delete these components

[ Learn More ]
There may be some components that are hidden. Please make sure you check the Search Hidden Files and Folders checkbox in the "More advanced options" option to include all hidden files and folders in the search result.
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DomainSuggestions\en-US.6
  • %Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace\uninstall.exe
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Startfenster-Replace\Software deinstallieren.lnk
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Recovery\High\Active\{5F358FA3-3670-11EA-A2A6-005056BC7F0D}.dat
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\imagestore\joppu72\imagestore.dat
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Startfenster-Replace\Startfenster.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Google Chrome.lnk
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Recovery\High\Active\RecoveryStore.{5F358FA1-3670-11EA-A2A6-005056BC7F0D}.dat
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Recovery\High\Active\{6904D2CE-3670-11EA-A2A6-005056BC7F0D}.dat
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Google Chrome.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Firefox.lnk
  • %AppDataLocal%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MSIMGSIZ.DAT
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Internet Explorer.lnk
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Firefox.lnk
  • %Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace\logo.ico

Step 5

Search and delete these folders

[ Learn More ]
Please make sure you check the Search Hidden Files and Folders checkbox in the More advanced options option to include all hidden folders in the search result.
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Startfenster-Replace
  • %Program Files%\Startfenster-Replace

Step 6

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as Adware.Win32.Startfenster.A. If the detected files have already been cleaned, deleted, or quarantined by your Trend Micro product, no further step is required. You may opt to simply delete the quarantined files. Please check the following Trend Micro Support pages for more information:

Step 7

Restore deleted/modified files and/or registry entries from backup

*Note: Only Microsoft-related files/keys/values will be restored. If this malware/grayware also deleted registry keys/values related to programs that are not from Microsoft, please reinstall those programs on your computer.

    • %Start Menu%\Programs\Internet Explorer.lnk
    • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Google Chrome.lnk
    • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Firefox.lnk
    • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Internet Explorer.lnk
    • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Firefox.lnk
    • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Google Chrome.lnk

Step 8

Restore this file from backup only Microsoft-related files will be restored. If this malware/grayware also deleted files related to programs that are not from Microsoft, please reinstall those programs on you computer again.

  • %AppDataLocal%Low\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Services\search_{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}.ico


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