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Adware.Win32.SoftComp.AA

March 24, 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:

4,060,204 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

24 Mar 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:

  • "%User Temp%\is-FVH8B.tmp\{malware file name}.tmp" /SL5="$2016C,3811335,59392,{malware file path and name}"
  • "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe"
  • "%System%\cmd.exe" /C ping 127.0.0.1 /n 300 & "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe" 6
  • "%System%\cmd.exe" /C ping 127.0.0.1 -n 100 & "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe" 5
  • "%System%\cmd.exe" /C ping 127.0.0.1 & "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe" 4
  • %System%\PING.EXE ping 127.0.0.1 -n 100
  • "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe" 5
  • %System%\PING.EXE ping 127.0.0.1
  • "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe" 4
  • %Program Files%\MachinerData\Howard.exe 1

(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).. %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).. %System% is the Windows system folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\System32 on all Windows operating system versions.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %User Temp%\is-KCE9I.tmp\_isetup
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}
  • %Program Files%\MachinerData
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Howard
  • %Program Files%\Howard

(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).. %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).. %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).. %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). )

Autostart Technique

This Adware registers itself as a system service to ensure its automatic execution at every system startup by adding the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\Main Service
ImagePath = "%Program Files%\MachinerData\Howard.exe 1"

Other System Modifications

This Adware modifies the following file(s):

  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions.json
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\prefs.js

(Note: %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).)

It deletes the following files:

  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Howard\Howard.pif
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\webext.sc.lz4
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\scriptCache-child.bin
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\startupCache.8.little
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\urlCache.bin
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\urlCache-current.bin
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\scriptCache.bin
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Howard\Howard.url
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\scriptCache-current.bin
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\scriptCache-child-current.bin

(Note: %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). . %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 adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
RestartManager\Session0000
Owner = "\xf8\x0b\x00\x00\xe9tp\xf5s\xa3\xd5\x01"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
RestartManager\Session0000
SessionHash = "{random characters}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
RestartManager\Session0000
Sequence = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
RestartManager\Session0000
RegFiles0000 = "\x00"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
RestartManager\Session0000
RegFilesHash = "{random characters}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
Inno Setup: Setup Version = "5.6.0 (a)"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
Inno Setup: App Path = "%Program Files%\Howard"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
InstallLocation = "%Program Files%\Howard"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
Inno Setup: Icon Group = "Howard"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
Inno Setup: User = "{username}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
Inno Setup: Language = "en"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
DisplayName = "Howard E-Mail Notifier 1.71"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
DisplayIcon = "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe,0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
UninstallString = "%Program Files%\Howard\unins000.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
QuietUninstallString = "%Program Files%\Howard\unins000.exe /SILENT"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
Publisher = "the sz development"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
URLInfoAbout = "http://www.{BLOCKED}z.com"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
HelpLink = "http://www.{BLOCKED}z.com"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
URLUpdateInfo = "http://www.{BLOCKED}z.com"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
NoModify = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
NoRepair = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
InstallDate = "20191125"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
EstimatedSize = "6399"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
id = "1574700763"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
3_tag = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
k_tag = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
chrome_en = "pkedcjkdefgpdelpbcmbmeomcjbeemfm"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
chrome_c1n = "E3XN785QJD.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
chrome_c2n = "H44H6VYVI0.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
chrome_c3n = "64XLKY3M04.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
chrome_bg_fn = "PYKFIB8OOC.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
chromecfgs = "YOBE609DKO.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
chrome_bgs = "YL56EOWVPY.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
chrome_fbs = "AUBIS0W6J3.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Google\Update
AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Google\Update
DisableAutoUpdateChecksCheckboxValue = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Google\Update
InstallDefault = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Google\Update
UpdateDefault = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
firefox_c1n = "YMKZV2OVWS.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
firefox_c2n = "NXX0DAWGS0.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
firefox_c3n = "ISH5V10TT6.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
firefox_bg_fn = "LQKO1WSPJ8.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
firefoxcfgs = "JNOJO6F813.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
firefox_bgs = "DQ5673TZUI.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Machiner
firefox_fbs = "4OCMOR7MF9.js"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
DisplayName = "Main service"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
InstallDate = "2019-01-12"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
UninstallString = "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe 3"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
NoModify = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
NoRepair = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\Main Service
DisplayName = "Main Service"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\Main Service
Start = "SERVICE_AUTO_START"

Dropping Routine

This Adware drops the following files:

  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\JNOJO6F813.js
  • %Program Files%\MachinerData\Howard.exe
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-ASTB4.tmp
  • %Program Files%\MachinerData\main.exe
  • %Program Files%\Howard\NewEmail.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\PingPongPong.wav
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\NXX0DAWGS0.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-HCBEF.tmp
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\LQKO1WSPJ8.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-R62E7.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DingDing.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\PianoSmooth.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-61ICA.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-VR9A7.tmp
  • %System Root%\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\omni.ja.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Google\Chrome\Application\73.0.3683.103\chrome.dll
  • %User Temp%\ISH5V10TT6.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\prefs.js
  • %User Temp%\JNOJO6F813.js
  • %Program Files%\Google\Chrome\Application\73.0.3683.103\chrome.dll_
  • %Program Files%\Howard\unins000.exe
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DaDa.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DiDing.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DingDingDong.wav
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\ISH5V10TT6.js
  • %User Temp%\4OCMOR7MF9.js
  • %System Root%\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\omni.ja
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Howard\Howard.lnk
  • %User Temp%\H44H6VYVI0.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-KJU28.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DingDingLegacy.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-VNBG0.tmp
  • %User Temp%\manifest.json
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\manifest.json
  • %Program Files%\Howard\unins000.dat
  • %User Temp%\YL56EOWVPY.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\DQ5673TZUI.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-EQQ56.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-UU358.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\PianoNice.wav
  • %User Temp%\LQKO1WSPJ8.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\4OCMOR7MF9.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\YMKZV2OVWS.js
  • %User Temp%\PYKFIB8OOC.js
  • %User Temp%\E3XN785QJD.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-4T2TN.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\NewAlert.wav
  • %User Temp%\NXX0DAWGS0.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-IHIG4.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-HEPVO.tmp
  • %User Temp%\AUBIS0W6J3.js
  • %User Temp%\YMKZV2OVWS.js
  • %User Temp%\64XLKY3M04.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions.json
  • %User Temp%\YOBE609DKO.js
  • %User Temp%\DQ5673TZUI.js

(Note: %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).. %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).. %System Root% is the Windows root folder, where it usually is C:\ on all Windows operating system versions.. %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).. %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). )

Other Details

This Adware connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://{BLOCKED}etty.xyz

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.SoftComp.AA

[ 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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session0000
    • Owner = "\xf8\x0b\x00\x00\xe9tp\xf5s\xa3\xd5\x01"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session0000
    • SessionHash = "{random characters}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session0000
    • Sequence = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session0000
    • RegFiles0000 = "\x00"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session0000
    • RegFilesHash = "{random characters}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • Inno Setup: Setup Version = "5.6.0 (a)"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • Inno Setup: App Path = "%Program Files%\Howard"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • InstallLocation = "%Program Files%\Howard"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • Inno Setup: Icon Group = "Howard"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • Inno Setup: User = "{username}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • Inno Setup: Language = "en"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • DisplayName = "Howard E-Mail Notifier 1.71"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • DisplayIcon = "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe,0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • UninstallString = "%Program Files%\Howard\unins000.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • QuietUninstallString = "%Program Files%\Howard\unins000.exe /SILENT"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • Publisher = "the sz development"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • URLInfoAbout = "http://www.{BLOCKED}z.com"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • HelpLink = "http://www.{BLOCKED}z.com"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • URLUpdateInfo = "http://www.{BLOCKED}z.com"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • NoModify = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • NoRepair = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • InstallDate = "20191125"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Howard E-Mail Notifier_is1
    • EstimatedSize = "6399"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • id = "1574700763"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • 3_tag = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • k_tag = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • chrome_en = "pkedcjkdefgpdelpbcmbmeomcjbeemfm"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • chrome_c1n = "E3XN785QJD.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • chrome_c2n = "H44H6VYVI0.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • chrome_c3n = "64XLKY3M04.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • chrome_bg_fn = "PYKFIB8OOC.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • chromecfgs = "YOBE609DKO.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • chrome_bgs = "YL56EOWVPY.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • chrome_fbs = "AUBIS0W6J3.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update
    • AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update
    • DisableAutoUpdateChecksCheckboxValue = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update
    • InstallDefault = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update
    • UpdateDefault = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • firefox_c1n = "YMKZV2OVWS.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • firefox_c2n = "NXX0DAWGS0.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • firefox_c3n = "ISH5V10TT6.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • firefox_bg_fn = "LQKO1WSPJ8.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • firefoxcfgs = "JNOJO6F813.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • firefox_bgs = "DQ5673TZUI.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Machiner
    • firefox_fbs = "4OCMOR7MF9.js"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
    • DisplayName = "Main service"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
    • InstallDate = "2019-01-12"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
    • UninstallString = "%Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe 3"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
    • NoModify = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{EF758C50-5FA2-4B0A-86D3-8B65B176BC53}
    • NoRepair = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Main Service
    • DisplayName = "Main Service"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Main Service
    • Start = "SERVICE_AUTO_START"

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.
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\JNOJO6F813.js
  • %Program Files%\MachinerData\Howard.exe
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-ASTB4.tmp
  • %Program Files%\MachinerData\main.exe
  • %Program Files%\Howard\NewEmail.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\PingPongPong.wav
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\NXX0DAWGS0.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-HCBEF.tmp
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\LQKO1WSPJ8.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-R62E7.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DingDing.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\PianoSmooth.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-61ICA.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-VR9A7.tmp
  • %System Root%\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\omni.ja.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Google\Chrome\Application\73.0.3683.103\chrome.dll
  • %User Temp%\ISH5V10TT6.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\prefs.js
  • %User Temp%\JNOJO6F813.js
  • %Program Files%\Google\Chrome\Application\73.0.3683.103\chrome.dll_
  • %Program Files%\Howard\unins000.exe
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DaDa.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DiDing.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DingDingDong.wav
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\ISH5V10TT6.js
  • %User Temp%\4OCMOR7MF9.js
  • %System Root%\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\omni.ja
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Howard\Howard.lnk
  • %User Temp%\H44H6VYVI0.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-KJU28.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\DingDingLegacy.wav
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-VNBG0.tmp
  • %User Temp%\manifest.json
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\manifest.json
  • %Program Files%\Howard\unins000.dat
  • %User Temp%\YL56EOWVPY.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\DQ5673TZUI.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-EQQ56.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-UU358.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\PianoNice.wav
  • %User Temp%\LQKO1WSPJ8.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\4OCMOR7MF9.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}\YMKZV2OVWS.js
  • %User Temp%\PYKFIB8OOC.js
  • %User Temp%\E3XN785QJD.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-4T2TN.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\NewAlert.wav
  • %User Temp%\NXX0DAWGS0.js
  • %Program Files%\Howard\Howard.exe
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-IHIG4.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Howard\is-HEPVO.tmp
  • %User Temp%\AUBIS0W6J3.js
  • %User Temp%\YMKZV2OVWS.js
  • %User Temp%\64XLKY3M04.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions.json
  • %User Temp%\YOBE609DKO.js
  • %User Temp%\DQ5673TZUI.js

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.
  • %User Temp%\is-KCE9I.tmp\_isetup
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions\{{GUID}}
  • %Program Files%\MachinerData
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Howard
  • %Program Files%\Howard

Step 6

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as Adware.Win32.SoftComp.AA. 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.

    • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\extensions.json
    • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\prefs.js

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.

  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Howard\Howard.pif
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\webext.sc.lz4
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\scriptCache-child.bin
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\startupCache.8.little
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\urlCache.bin
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\urlCache-current.bin
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\scriptCache.bin
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Howard\Howard.url
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\scriptCache-current.bin
  • %AppDataLocal%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\lj5mikyj.default\startupCache\scriptCache-child-current.bin


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