McAfee > Theat Center > Virus Detail Page

Overview

This is a trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.

Characteristics

This is a generic detection for AdClicker trojans.

These trojans can be installed via a wide variety of means - utilising vulnerabilities in browsers, dropped by other viruses etc.

These trojans are designed to connect to the author's website and click on banner advertisements. This is designed to make the trojan author money from a "click per view" scheme. McAfee writes more generic detections for these threats and to proactively protect customers against future minor variants.

Therefore it is not possible to guarantee which website is being communicated with. Generally, once the trojan has completed its task, it self terminates until the next time the system is restarted.

Symptoms

This is a generic detection so specific details are not possible.  The trojan will usually install itself into %windir% or %systemdir% and create a registry key to cause it to launch on restart.

The computer may also attempt to connect to the Internet upon system startup.

Method of Infection

Trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that the executable is something beneficial. Distribution channels include IRC, peer-to-peer networks, newsgroup postings, etc. 

AdClickers are not viruses, and as such do not themselves contain any method to replicate. However they may themselves be downloaded by other viruses and/or Trojans to be installed on the user's system. 

Many of these additionally are mass spammed by the author to entice people into double-clicking on them. 

Alternatively they may be installed by visiting a malicious web page (either by clicking on a link, or by the website hosting a scripted exploit which installs the AdClicker onto the user's system with no user interaction.

Removal

All Users:
Use current engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

Modifications made to the system Registry and/or INI files for the purposes of hooking system startup, will be successfully removed if cleaning with the recommended engine and DAT combination (or higher).

Additional Windows ME/XP removal considerations

Variants

Variants

N/A

All Information

Overview -

This is a trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.

Characteristics

Characteristics -

This is a generic detection for AdClicker trojans.

These trojans can be installed via a wide variety of means - utilising vulnerabilities in browsers, dropped by other viruses etc.

These trojans are designed to connect to the author's website and click on banner advertisements. This is designed to make the trojan author money from a "click per view" scheme. McAfee writes more generic detections for these threats and to proactively protect customers against future minor variants.

Therefore it is not possible to guarantee which website is being communicated with. Generally, once the trojan has completed its task, it self terminates until the next time the system is restarted.

Symptoms

Symptoms -

This is a generic detection so specific details are not possible.  The trojan will usually install itself into %windir% or %systemdir% and create a registry key to cause it to launch on restart.

The computer may also attempt to connect to the Internet upon system startup.

Method of Infection

Method of Infection -

Trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that the executable is something beneficial. Distribution channels include IRC, peer-to-peer networks, newsgroup postings, etc. 

AdClickers are not viruses, and as such do not themselves contain any method to replicate. However they may themselves be downloaded by other viruses and/or Trojans to be installed on the user's system. 

Many of these additionally are mass spammed by the author to entice people into double-clicking on them. 

Alternatively they may be installed by visiting a malicious web page (either by clicking on a link, or by the website hosting a scripted exploit which installs the AdClicker onto the user's system with no user interaction.

Removal -

Removal -

All Users:
Use current engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

Modifications made to the system Registry and/or INI files for the purposes of hooking system startup, will be successfully removed if cleaning with the recommended engine and DAT combination (or higher).

Additional Windows ME/XP removal considerations

Variants

Variants -

N/A