Removal instructions for Advanced Antispyware Solution

[Metallica]

What is Advanced Antispyware Solution?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that Advanced Antispyware Solution is a fake anti-malware application. These so-called "rogues" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have been compromised. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.

How do I know if I am infected with Advanced Antispyware Solution?

This is how the main screen of the rogue application looks:

You will find these icons on your desktop and in your taskbar:

And see these warnings:

How did Advanced Antispyware Solution get on my computer?

Rogue programs use different methods for spreading themselves. This particular one was installed by a fake online scanner.

How do I remove Advanced Antispyware Solution?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this rogue application.

• Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.
  
• Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  
• At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:
  
  • Update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
    
  • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
    

  [*]Then click Finish.

  [*]If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.

  [*]Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.

  [*]When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.

  [*]Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. Reboot your computer if prompted.

  [*]When completed, a log will open in Notepad. The rogue application should now be gone.

Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of Advanced Antispyware Solution?

• No, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes Advanced Antispyware Solution completely.
  

How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application has helped you eradicate this malicious software. If your current security solution let this infection through, you might please consider purchasing the FULL version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for additional protection.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware would have protected you against the Advanced Antispyware Solution rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:

C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\scandisk211d_8010.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Advanced Antispyware Solution\ScanDisk_.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Advanced Antispyware Solution] "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\b7442\AAbff.exe" /s /d

Note: the folder- and some of the filenames are random

Alterations made by the installer:

File System
===============
Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AANRJAGJAPS
Adds the file AATDVIADS.cfg"="12:38 06/04/12 17268 bytes
Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\b7442
Adds the file AAS.ico"="12:37 06/04/12 4286 bytes
Adds the file AAbff.exe"="20:12 03/04/12 6672384 bytes
Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Advanced Antispyware Solution
Adds the file ScanDisk_.exe"="12:38 06/04/12 476160 bytes
Adds the file Instructions.ini"="12:38 06/04/12 51 bytes
In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
Adds the file Advanced Antispyware Solution.lnk"="12:37 06/04/12 1784 bytes
In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop
Adds the file Advanced Antispyware Solution.lnk"="12:37 06/04/12 1764 bytes
In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu
Adds the file Advanced Antispyware Solution.lnk"="12:37 06/04/12 1766 bytes
In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs
Adds the file Advanced Antispyware Solution.lnk"="12:37 06/04/12 1772 bytes

Registry
===============
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\scandisk211d_8010.DocHostUIHandler]
"(Default)"="'Implements DocHostUIHandler'"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\scandisk211d_8010.DocHostUIHandler\Clsid]
"(Default)"="'{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}'"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}]
"(Default)"="'Implements DocHostUIHandler'"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}\ProgID]
"(Default)"="'scandisk211d_8010.DocHostUIHandler'"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}\LocalServer32]
"(Default)"="'C:\DOCUME~1\{username}1\Desktop\SCANDI~1.EXE'"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
"URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=8010&q={searchTerms}'"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options]
"Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\_avp32.exe]
"Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
< hundreds more of these >
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe]
"Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
"URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=8010&q={searchTerms}'"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer]
"IIL"="0"
"ltHI"="0"
"ltTST"="38276"
"PRS"="'http://127.0.0.1:27777/?inj=%ORIGINAL%'"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\BrowserEmulation]
"MSCompatibilityMode"="0"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download]
"RunInvalidSignatures"="1"
"CheckExeSignatures"="'no'"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}]
"URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=8010&q={searchTerms}'"
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\5.0\User Agent\Post Platform]
"896707750903"=""
"Engine/5.08010"=""
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"DisallowRun"="1"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun]
"15"="'avgwdsvc.exe'"
"14"="'avgcmgr.exe'"
"13"="'avgchsvx.exe'"
"12"="'avgemc.exe'"
"11"="'avgcfgex.exe'"
"10"="'avgscanx.exe'"
"9"="'avgtray.exe'"
"8"="'avgui.exe'"
"7"="'avgfrw.exe'"
"6"="'avscan.exe'"
"5"="'avcenter.exe'"
"4"="'avgnt.exe'"
"3"="'egui.exe'"
"2"="'ekrn.exe'"
"1"="'MSASCui.exe'"
"0"="'msseces.exe'"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"Advanced Antispyware Solution"="'"C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\b7442\AAbff.exe" /s /d'"

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1.1000
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.04.06.02

Windows XP Service Pack 3 x86 NTFS
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702
{username} :: MBAM-D3E8C91ACC [limited]

4/6/2012 12:45:12 PM
mbam-log-2012-04-06 (12-45-12).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 165744
Time elapsed: 2 minute(s), 21 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 2
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\scandisk211d_8010.exe (Rogue.PersonalSecuritySentinel) -> 1636 -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Advanced Antispyware Solution\ScanDisk_.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert.FS) -> 1332 -> Delete on reboot.

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 760
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\a.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
< hundreds mnore of these >
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\~2.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Detected: 32
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run|Advanced Antispyware Solution (Rogue.PersonalSecuritySentinel) -> Data: "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\b7442\AAbff.exe" /s /d
-> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|0 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: msseces.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|1 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: MSASCui.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|2 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: ekrn.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|3 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: egui.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|4 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgnt.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|5 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avcenter.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|6 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avscan.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|7 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgfrw.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|8 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgui.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|9 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgtray.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|10 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgscanx.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|11 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgcfgex.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|12 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgemc.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|13 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgchsvx.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|14 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgcmgr.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|15 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgwdsvc.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\Arrakis3.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdAgent.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdreinit.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdsubwiz.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdtkexec.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdwizreg.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\egui.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\ekrn.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\install.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\livesrv.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\seccenter.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\uiscan.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\upgrepl.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\vsserv.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Detected: 1
HKCR\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes|URL (Hijack.SearchPage) -> Bad: (http://findgala.com/?&uid=8010&q={searchTerms})
Good: (http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}&rls=com.microsoft:{language}&ie={inputEncoding}&oe={outputEncoding}&startIndex={startIndex?}&startPage={startPage}) -> Quarantined and repaired successfully.

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 7
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\scandisk211d_8010.exe (Rogue.PersonalSecuritySentinel) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Advanced Antispyware Solution\ScanDisk_.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert.FS) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\b7442\AAbff.exe (Rogue.PersonalSecuritySentinel) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\Advanced Antispyware Solution.lnk (Rogue.AdvancedAntispywareSolution) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Advanced Antispyware Solution.lnk (Rogue.AdvancedAntispywareSolution) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs\Advanced Antispyware Solution.lnk (Rogue.AdvancedAntispywareSolution) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Advanced Antispyware Solution.lnk (Rogue.AdvancedAntispywareSolution) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

(end)

As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware could have protected your computer against this threat.

We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):

• Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
  
• Malware Execution Prevention
  

Save yourself the hassle and get protected.