Malware Protector 2008

Type: Misleading Application
Infection Length: 2,066,071 bytes
Name: Malware Protector 2008
Version: 2.1
Publisher: malwareprotector2008.com
Risk Impact: Medium
Systems Affected: Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows Vista, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000


Behavior


MalwareProtector2008 is a misleading application that may give exaggerated reports of threats on the computer.





The user is then prompted to pay for a full license of the application in order to remove the errors.



The application threatens to reinfect the computer with the "removed" malwares if the user attempts to uninstall the application.



Installation
When the program is executed, it creates the following files:

%UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Malware Protector 2008.lnk
%UserProfile%\Application Data\shcev9j0e1b1
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\Malware Protector 2008.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Malware Protector 2008\How to Register Malware Protector 2008.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Malware Protector 2008\License Agreement.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Malware Protector 2008\Malware Protector 2008.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Malware Protector 2008\Register Malware Protector 2008.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Malware Protector 2008\Uninstall.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Malware Protector 2008.lnk
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\database.dat
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\license.txt
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\MFC71.dll
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\MFC71ENU.DLL
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\msvcp71.dll
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\msvcr71.dll
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\shcev9j0e1b1.exe
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\shcev9j0e1b1.exe.local
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\shcev9j0e1b1Skin.dll
%ProgramFiles%\shcev9j0e1b1\Uninstall.exe

The program then deletes the application installer.Next, the program creates the following registry entry so that it executes whenever Windows starts:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"SMshcev9j0e1b1" = "C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1\shcev9j0e1b1.exe"It also creates the following registry registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\shcev9j0e1b1\"DisplayName" = "MProtector"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\shcev9j0e1b1\"UninstallString" = "C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1\uninstall.exe"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"RegistrationUrl" = "http://www.malwareprotector2008.com/buy/"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"RegistrationDiscUrl" = "http://www.malwareprotector2008.com/purchase/"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ADVid" = ""
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"" = "C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"InstallDir" = "C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"domain" = "malwareprotector2008.com"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"SoftID" = "MProtector"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"DatabaseVersion" = "2.1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ProgramVersion" = "2.1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"EngineVersion" = "2.1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"GuiVersion" = "2.1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ProxyName" = ""
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ProxyPort" = "0"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ScanPriority" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"DaysInterval" = "7"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ScanDepth" = "2"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ScanSystemOnStartup" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"AutomaticallyUpdates" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"MinimizeOnStart" = "0"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"BackgroundScan" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"BackgroundScanTimeout" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"MGuid" = "{0DB56EFC-EE39-447F-94AB-73409F51AC2E}"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"InstallationID" = "{F2D62961-6358-4CCF-B806-7664421D16B2}"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"LastTimeStamp" = "B8"
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1172441840-534431857-1906119351-500\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\MUICache\"C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1\shcev9j0e1b1.exe" = "shcev9j0e1b1"

The pay-for-prompt includes a misplaced references to Advanced XP Defender in the pay-for-prompts screenshot imply, this software is a member of a family of clones.


AdvancedXPFixer



WinIFixer




REMOVAL

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. To disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP)

If you are running Windows Me or Windows XP, we recommend that you temporarily turn off System Restore. Windows Me/XP uses this feature, which is enabled by default, to restore the files on your computer in case they become damaged. If a virus, worm, or Trojan infects a computer, System Restore may back up the virus, worm, or Trojan on the computer.

Windows prevents outside programs, including antivirus programs, from modifying System Restore. Therefore, antivirus programs or tools cannot remove threats in the System Restore folder. As a result, System Restore has the potential of restoring an infected file on your computer, even after you have cleaned the infected files from all the other locations.

Also, a virus scan may detect a threat in the System Restore folder even though you have removed the threat.

For instructions on how to turn off System Restore, read your Windows documentation, or one of the following articles:
How to disable or enable Windows Me System Restore
How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore

Note: When you are completely finished with the removal procedure and are satisfied that the threat has been removed, reenable System Restore by following the instructions in the aforementioned documents.

For additional information, and an alternative to disabling Windows Me System Restore, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article: Antivirus Tools Cannot Clean Infected Files in the _Restore Folder (Article ID: Q263455).

2. To update the virus definitions

Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:

-Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions.

If you use Norton AntiVirus 2006, Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition 10.0, or newer products, LiveUpdate definitions are updated daily. These products include newer technology.

If you use Norton AntiVirus 2005, Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition 9.0, or earlier products, LiveUpdate definitions are updated weekly. The exception is major outbreaks, when definitions are updated more often.

-Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted daily. You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them.

The latest Intelligent Updater virus definitions can be obtained here: Intelligent Updater virus definitions. For detailed instructions read the document: How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater.

3. To run a full system scan

3.1. Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.

For Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document: How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files.

For Symantec AntiVirus Enterprise products: Read the document: How to verify that a Symantec Corporate antivirus product is set to scan all files.

3.2. Run a full system scan.

3.3. If any files are detected, follow the instructions displayed by your antivirus program.

Important: If you are unable to start your Symantec antivirus product or the product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, you may need to stop the risk from running in order to remove it. To do this, run the scan in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document, How to start the computer in Safe Mode. Once you have restarted in Safe mode, run the scan again.

After the files are deleted, restart the computer in Normal mode and proceed with the next section.

Warning messages may be displayed when the computer is restarted, since the threat may not be fully removed at this point. You can ignore these messages and click OK. These messages will not appear when the computer is restarted after the removal instructions have been fully completed.

The messages displayed may be similar to the following:

Title: [FILE PATH]
Message body: Windows cannot find [FILE NAME]. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.

4. To delete the value from the registryImportant: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before making any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify the specified subkeys only. For instructions refer to the document: How to make a backup of the Windows registry.

-Click Start > Run.
-Type regedit
-Click OK.

Note: If the registry editor fails to open the threat may have modified the registry to prevent access to the registry editor. Security Response has developed a tool to resolve this problem. Download and run this tool, and then continue with the removal.

-Navigate to and delete the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"SMshcev9j0e1b1" = "C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1\shcev9j0e1b1.exe"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\shcev9j0e1b1\"DisplayName" = "MProtector"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\shcev9j0e1b1\"UninstallString" = "C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1\uninstall.exe"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"RegistrationUrl" = "http://www.malwareprotector2008.com/buy/"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"RegistrationDiscUrl" = "http://www.malwareprotector2008.com/purchase/"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ADVid" = ""
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"" = "C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"InstallDir" = "C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"domain" = "malwareprotector2008.com"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"SoftID" = "MProtector"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"DatabaseVersion" = "2.1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ProgramVersion" = "2.1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"EngineVersion" = "2.1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"GuiVersion" = "2.1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ProxyName" = ""
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ProxyPort" = "0"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ScanPriority" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"DaysInterval" = "7"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ScanDepth" = "2"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"ScanSystemOnStartup" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"AutomaticallyUpdates" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"MinimizeOnStart" = "0"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"BackgroundScan" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"BackgroundScanTimeout" = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"MGuid" = "{0DB56EFC-EE39-447F-94AB-73409F51AC2E}"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"InstallationID" = "{F2D62961-6358-4CCF-B806-7664421D16B2}"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\shcev9j0e1b1\"LastTimeStamp" = "B8"
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1172441840-534431857-1906119351-500\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\MUICache\"C:\Program Files\shcev9j0e1b1\shcev9j0e1b1.exe" = "shcev9j0e1b1"

5.Exit the Registry Editor.