PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

 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: 490,385 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: No
Initial Samples Received Date: 26 Nov 2013

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 creates the following folders:

  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1\Wilbert
  • %User Profile%\LOCALS~1
  • %User Temp%\nsx3.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ie
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ch
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome\content

(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name} on Windows Vista and 7.. %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Server 2003, and XP (32-bit), Vista (32-bit), and 7 (32-bit), or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP (64-bit), Vista (64-bit), and 7 (64-bit).)

Autostart Technique

This adware registers itself as a BHO to ensure its automatic execution every time Internet Explorer is used by adding the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Browser Helper Objects\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}

Other System Modifications

This adware deletes the following files:

  • %User Temp%\nsh1.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsx3.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, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.)

It adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Better-Surf\
Components

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
Chrome\Extensions\poheodfamflhhhdcmjfeggbgigeefaco

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\
Firefox\Extensions

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}\Programmable

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}\InprocServer32

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}\TypeLib

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}\Version

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1\
FLAGS

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1\
0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1\
0\win32

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1\
HELPDIR

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}\ProxyStubClsid

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}\ProxyStubClsid32

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}\TypeLib

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Better-Surf\
Components
Ie = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
Chrome\Extensions\poheodfamflhhhdcmjfeggbgigeefaco
path = "%Program Files%\Better-Surf\ch\Chrome.crx"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
Chrome\Extensions\poheodfamflhhhdcmjfeggbgigeefaco
version = "1.1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Better-Surf\
Components
Ch = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\
Firefox\Extensions
12x3q@3244516.com = "%Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Better-Surf\
Components
ff = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Browser Helper Objects\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}
NoExplorer = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}\InprocServer32
ThreadingModel = "Apartment"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}\TypeLib
Version = "1.1"

Dropping Routine

This adware drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\nsx3.tmp\aminsis.dll
  • %User Temp%\aminsis.txt
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ie\BetterSrf.dll
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ch\Chrome.crx
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\Better-Surf.xpi
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\build.cmd
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome.manifest
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\install.rdf
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome\content\better-surf.js
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome\content\firefox.js
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome\content\overlay.xul

(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, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Server 2003, and XP (32-bit), Vista (32-bit), and 7 (32-bit), or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP (64-bit), Vista (64-bit), and 7 (64-bit).)

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.300

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

Close all opened browser windows

Step 3

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.

  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Better-Surf
    • Components
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions
    • poheodfamflhhhdcmjfeggbgigeefaco
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Firefox
    • Extensions
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID
    • {8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}
    • Programmable
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}
    • InprocServer32
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}
    • TypeLib
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}
    • Version
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib
    • {BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}
    • 1.1
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1
    • FLAGS
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1
    • 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1\0
    • win32
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{BEAA0C04-ED15-4C17-800B-28716025A4E4}\1.1
    • HELPDIR
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface
    • {65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}
    • ProxyStubClsid
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}
    • ProxyStubClsid32
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}
    • TypeLib

Step 4

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\Better-Surf\Components
    • Ie = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions\poheodfamflhhhdcmjfeggbgigeefaco
    • path = "%Program Files%\Better-Surf\ch\Chrome.crx"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions\poheodfamflhhhdcmjfeggbgigeefaco
    • version = "1.1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Better-Surf\Components
    • Ch = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions
    • 12x3q@3244516.com = "%Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Better-Surf\Components
    • ff = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}
    • NoExplorer = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8271B5D6-76D3-4ABF-AEB3-1721161C76BC}\InprocServer32
    • ThreadingModel = "Apartment"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{65B07D06-95A1-409D-93FF-8CB14E1EC86A}\TypeLib
    • Version = "1.1"

Step 5

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.
  • %User Temp%\nsx3.tmp\aminsis.dll
  • %User Temp%\aminsis.txt
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ie\BetterSrf.dll
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ch\Chrome.crx
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\Better-Surf.xpi
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\build.cmd
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome.manifest
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\install.rdf
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome\content\better-surf.js
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome\content\firefox.js
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome\content\overlay.xul

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.
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1\Wilbert
  • %User Profile%\LOCALS~1
  • %User Temp%\nsx3.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ie
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ch
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome
  • %Program Files%\Better-Surf\ff\chrome\content

Step 7

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

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.

  • %User Temp%\nsh1.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsx3.tmp


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