Analysis by: John Anthony Banes
ALIASES:

PUP.Optional.MasterPCCleaner (MalwareBytes)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Potentially Unwanted Application

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This Potentially Unwanted Application arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites. It may be manually installed by a user.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 6,564,552 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: No
Initial Samples Received Date: 09 Nov 2017

Arrival Details

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

It may be manually installed by a user.

Installation

This Potentially Unwanted Application drops the following files:

  • %Application Data%\fire.txt
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\AppRes.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\HtmlRenderer.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\HtmlRenderer.WinForms.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\Interop.IWshRuntimeLibrary.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\is-{random}.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\danish_apc_da.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\Dutch_apc_nl.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\english_apc_en.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\finish_apc_fi.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\French_apc_fr.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\german_apc_de.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\is-{random}.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\italian_apc_it.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\japanese_apc_ja.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\norwegian_apc_no.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\portuguese_apc_ptbr.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\russian_apc_ru.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\spanish_apc_es.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs\swedish_apc_sv.ini
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\mpc.exe
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\mpc.exe.config
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\NAudio.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\System.Data.SQLite.DLL
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\TAFactory.IconPack.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\TaskScheduler.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\unins000.dat
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\unins000.exe
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\unins000.msg
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\x64\is-{random}.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\x64\SQLite.Interop.dll
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\x86\is-{random}.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\x86\SQLite.Interop.dll
  • %ProgramData%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\is-{random}.tmp
  • %ProgramData%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\mpc.db
  • %ProgramData%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\mpcstartrepair_en.mp3
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\Buy Master PC Cleaner.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\Master PC Cleaner.lnk
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\Uninstall Master PC Cleaner.lnk
  • %System Root%\Users\Public\Desktop\Master PC Cleaner.lnk
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\_isetup\_iscrypt.dll
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\_isetup\_shfoldr.dll
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\isxdl.dll
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\mpclsetup.tmp

(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.. %ProgramData% is the Program Data folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\ProgramData in 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.. %Start Menu% is the Start Menu folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu 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.. %System Root% is the Windows root folder, where it usually is C:\ on all Windows operating system versions.. %User Temp% is the user's temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp 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:

  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\langs
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\x64
  • %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\x86
  • %ProgramData%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp
  • %User Temp%\is-{random}.tmp\_isetup

(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.. %ProgramData% is the Program Data folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\ProgramData in 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.. %Start Menu% is the Start Menu folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu 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.. %User Temp% is the user's temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp 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.)

Other System Modifications

This Potentially Unwanted Application adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}\
1.0.0.4309

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\mpc-pr

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Installstring = %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
utm_pubid = ""

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
x-at = ""

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
x-context = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
affired = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
cbkpoff = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
country = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
cta = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
delay = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
efosetting = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
EmailURL = support

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
fpxl = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Installstring = %Program Files%\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
islswc = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
isphone = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
issilent = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
msl = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
ovoffdis = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
phone = (855)-{BLOCKED}2-0124

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_at = #ERROR!

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_au = (61)280-{BLOCKED}3

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_ch = #ERROR!

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_de = 0800 1822 {BLOCKED}4

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_fr = 05 82 84 {BLOCKED}4 {BLOCKED}6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_gb = 0800-031-{BLOCKED}6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_ja = 0120-993-{BLOCKED}6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_jp = 0120-993-{BLOCKED}6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_lu = 0800 1822 {BLOCKED}4

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_uk = 0800-031-{BLOCKED}6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
Phone_us = (855)-332-{BLOCKED}4

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
playsound = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
prereg = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
PurchaseURL = https://{BLOCKED}art.com/mpc/price?

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
pxl = mpcsite

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
RenewURL = https://{BLOCKED}art.com/mpc/renewal?

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
runcam = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
runpixel = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
runsrc = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
showefo = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
showtn = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
showudurec = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
showunins = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
supporturl = http://www.{BLOCKED}pccleaner.com/help/

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
WebURL = http://www.{BLOCKED}pccleaner.com/

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
x-at = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Master PC Cleaner on {Computer Name}
x-context = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\mpc-pr
affiliateid = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\mpc-pr
pxl = mpcsite

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\mpc-pr
utm_campaign = mpcsite

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\mpc-pr
utm_medium = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\mpc-pr
utm_source = mpcsite

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\mpc-pr
x-at = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\mpc-pr
x-context = ""

Other Details

This Potentially Unwanted Application connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://ins.{BLOCKED}leaner.com/track/?utm_source=mpcinstlr&utm_campaign=mpcinstlr&pxl=MPC2635_MPC2575_MPC1337

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.850
SSAPI PATTERN File: 1.893.00
SSAPI PATTERN Date: 16 Nov 2017

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

Identify and terminate files detected as PUA_MASTERPCCLEANER.GA

[ 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 4

Remove PUA_MASTERPCCLEANER.GA by using its own Uninstall option

[ Learn More ]
To uninstall the grayware process

Step 5

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
    • mpc-pr

Step 6

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