Analysis by: Jennifer Gumban
 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 DAMAGE POTENTIAL:
 DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Adware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This adware may be manually installed by a user.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 4,665,344 bytes
File Type: EXE
Initial Samples Received Date: 08 Aug 2014

Arrival Details

This adware may be manually installed by a user.

Installation

This adware drops the following files:

  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\WidgiHelper.exe
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\Res\widgets.xml
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\{version}\pdfforgeToolbarIE64.dll
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\{version}\pdfforgeToolbarIE.dll
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar\IE\{version}\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}.xpi
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandextr_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandextr_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandex_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yandex_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yahoo_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\yahoo_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\wthx186.dll
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\wth186.dll
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\searchcom_ie.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\searchcom_ff.xml
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings64.exe
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings.exe
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater\config.ini
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater\ApplicationUpdater.exe
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\searchplugins\yahoo_ff.xml
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\install.rdf
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\icon.png
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome\content\startpage.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome\content\spigot.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome\content\redirects.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome\content\prefs.txt
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome\content\newtab.xul
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome\content\main.xul
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome\content\main.js
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome\content\config.json
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}\chrome.manifest

(Note: %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.. %Application Data% is the Application Data folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %Application Data%\pdfforge
  • %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}
  • %Program Files%\Application Updater
  • %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot

(Note: %Application Data% is the Application Data folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.)

Autostart Technique

This adware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
SearchSettings = "%Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings.exe"

Other System Modifications

This adware adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\pdfforge

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Search Settings

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\pdfforge

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
CLSID\{B922D405-6D13-4A2B-AE89-08A030DA4402}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
Installer\Features\7ABA74AA19F466B40AD374BC51255F6E

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\Application Updater

It adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\pdfforge
silent_update = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\pdfforge
installType = "install"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater
serverURL = "http://www.mybrowserbar.com/"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\pdfforge
serverURL = "http://pdfforge.mybrowserbar.com/"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\pdfforge
ffext_path = "%Program Files%\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\PARTNERNAME@widgitoolbar.com\"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings
WS_FF_AB = "https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=greentree_ff1&type=589518&ilc=12&p="

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings
WS_FF_IB = "https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=chr-greentree_ff&type=589518&ilc=12&p={searchTerms} "

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings
WS_IE_AB = "https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=greentree_ie1&type=589518&ilc=12&p={searchTerms} "

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings
WS_IE_IB = "https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=chr-greentree_ie&type=589518&ilc=12&p={searchTerms} "

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings
installDir = "%Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings
serverURL = "http://api.mybrowserbar.com/"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings
WS_GC_IB = "https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=chr-greentree_gc&type=589518&ilc=12&p={searchTerms} "

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings
searchRedirect = "1"

Other Details

This adware connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://{BLOCKED}rge.{BLOCKED}owserbar.com
  • http://{BLOCKED}orge.{BLOCKED}owserbar.com/install.html?cnid={id}&isn={value}&code_ver={value}&type=install&cid={id}
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}wserbar.com

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.700
SSAPI PATTERN File: 1.534.16
SSAPI PATTERN Date: 29 Jul 2014

Step 1

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

Step 2

Note that not all files, folders, and registry keys and entries are installed on your computer during this malware's/spyware's/grayware's execution. This may be due to incomplete installation or other operating system conditions. If you do not find the same files/folders/registry information, please proceed to the next step.

Step 3

Remove ADW_TOGIPS by using its own Uninstall option

[ Learn More ]
To uninstall the grayware processDATA_GENERIC
  • Click on Remove or Uninstall depending on the currently running Windows version.
  • Follow the instructions on the dialog box that appears.
  • Close the Programs window, and the Control Panel window.

    • Step 4

    Delete this registry key

    [ 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.

     HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\pdfforge

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Search Settings

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Application Updater

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\pdfforge

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Search Settings

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
    CLSID\{B922D405-6D13-4A2B-AE89-08A030DA4402}

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
    Installer\Features\7ABA74AA19F466B40AD374BC51255F6E

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
    Services\Application Updater

    Step 5

    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.

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
    Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    SearchSettings = "%Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot\Search Settings\SearchSettings.exe"

    Step 6

    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.
    %Application Data%\pdfforge
    %Application Data%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\4wwmjcqo.default\extensions\{58d2a791-6199-482f-a9aa-9b725ec61362}
    %Program Files%\Application Updater
    %Program Files%\pdfforge Toolbar
    %Program Files%\Common Files\Spigot

    Step 7

    Search and delete the files detected as ADW_TOGIPS

    *Note: Some component files may be 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.

    To stop the malware/grayware from running when certain files are opened:

    For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003:

    1. Right-click Start then click Search....
    2. In the File name* input box, type the name of the file that was detected earlier.
    3. In the Look In drop-down list, select My Computer then press Enter.
    4. Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to delete it.
      *Note: The file name input box title varies depending on the Windows version (e.g. Search for files or folders named or All or part of the file name.).

    For Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 (R2):

    1. Open a Windows Explorer window.
      • For Windows Vista, 7, and Server 2008 users, click Start>Computer.
      • For Windows 8, 8.1, and Server 2012 users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen,then click File Explorer.
    2. In the Search Computer/This PC input box, type the name of the file that was detected earlier.
    3. Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to delete it.
      *Note: Read the following Microsoft page if these steps do not work on Windows 7.

    Step 8

    Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as


    *Note: 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 this Knowledge Base page for more information.


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