Content

Generic PUP.x!5304B962

Type
Program
SubType
-
Discovery Date
10/24/2008
Minimum DAT
5414 (10/23/2008)
Updated DAT
5414 (10/23/2008)
Minimum Engine
5.3.00
Description Added
10/24/2008
Description Modified
10/24/2008 2:08 AM (PT)

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Characteristics

This software is not a virus or a Trojan. It is detected as a "potentially unwanted program" (PUP). PUPs are any piece of software that a reasonably security- or privacy-minded computer user may want to be informed of and, in some cases, remove. PUPs are often made by a legitimate corporate entity for some beneficial purpose, but they alter the security state of the computer on which they are installed, or the privacy posture of the user of the system, such that most users will want to be aware of them.

File PropertyProperty Value
FileNamemsa.exe
McAfee DetectionGeneric PUP.x
Length416,768 bytes
CRC5304B962
MD55038C811FF286F74FC88C548CD42050A
SHA1EAE4D76C7304E47E6BBC34C39DC6EECB39A82866

Other Common Detection Aliases

Company NameDetection Name
AVG (GriSoft)fakealert.ao
AviraTR/Fake.UltimaAV.bh
EsetWin32/Adware.Antivirus2008 application
Kasperskynot-a-virus:FraudTool.Win32.SpywarePreventer.c
microsoftprogram:win32/antivirus2008
normanantivirus2008.ea
pandaSuspicious file
SymantecDownloader.MisleadApp
Trend MicroTROJ_FAKEAV.IS

Avert® Labs has observed the following system activities:

ActivityRisk Level
Modifies memory of other processes
Critical
Enumerates open windows
Medium
Enumerates running processes
Medium
Uses shared memory of other processes
Low
Creates registry keys and data values to persist on OS reboot
Informational
Registers DLLsInformational

System Changes

These are general defaults for typical path variables. (Although they may differ, these examples are common.):
%WinDir% = \WINDOWS (Windows 9x/ME/XP/Vista), \WINNT (Windows NT/2000)
%SystemDir% = \WINDOWS\SYSTEM (Windows 98/ME), \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 (Windows XP/Vista), \WINNT\SYSTEM32 (Windows NT/2000)
%ProgramFiles% = \Program Files

The following registry elements have been created:

  • hkey_local_machine\software\classes\.key\
    • (default) = regfile
  • hkey_users\s-1-5-21-1202660629-602609370-839522115-500\software\msa\
    • 004 = 1
    • 111 = 38815
    • 546 = 48

    • The following registry elements have been changed:

  • hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\drwatson\
    • numberofcrashes = 3

    • Removal

    All Users:

    Please use the following instructions for all supported versions of Windows to remove threats and other potential risks:

    1.Disable System Restore (Windows ME/XP only).

    2.Update to current engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

    3.Run a complete system scan.

    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).

    General repair may be unsuccessful in some instances. If this occurs, please submit a sample for further evaluation.

    Aliases

    Aliases

      N/A