SUMMARY
Trojan.Magise is a Trojan horse program that exploits the Microsoft Internet Explorer HTML Help Control Local Zone Security Restriction Bypass Vulnerability (
described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-001) and downloads remote files. The Trojan attempts to redirect several search Web sites.
Removing entries from the Hosts file
If this threat has modified the Windows Hosts file, there are two ways to remove these entries:
- Install and run the current version of LiveUpdate. This will remove only the entries that refer to Symantec domains.
- Manually edit the Hosts file and remove all the entries that the worm added.
To run the current version of LiveUpdate
- Click download LiveUpdate.
Note: If you are not reading this Web page on the computer that is getting the error notice, the address for downloading the file is:
ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/liveupdate/lusetup.exe
If necessary, you can type this address into the address bar of the problem computer. Changes to the Hosts file will not stop you from getting to this site.
- Save the file to the Windows desktop.
- Double-click the lusetup.exe icon on the desktop to install LiveUpdate.
- Run LiveUpdate.
- Did you see the message "LU1860: LiveUpdate has detected a potential security compromise on your computer"?
- If you did, let LiveUpdate "Remove these entries from the hosts files" (Recommended).
This should allow LiveUpdate to run.
- If you did not, that was not the cause of the problem. Return to the Removal section.
To manually edit the Hosts file and remove all the entries that the worm added
Note: The location of the Hosts file may vary and some computers may not have this file. For example, if the file exists in Windows 98, it will usually be in C:\Windows; and it is located in the C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\etc folder in Windows 2000. There may also be multiple copies of this file in different locations.
Follow the instructions for your operating system:
- Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000
- Click Start, point to Find or Search, and then click Files or Folders.
- Make sure that "Look in" is set to (C:) and that "Include subfolders" is checked.
- In the "Named" or "Search for..." box, type:
hosts
- Click Find Now or Search Now.
- For each Hosts file that you find, right-click the file, and then click Open With.
- Deselect the "Always use this program to open this program" check box.
- Scroll through the list of programs and double-click Notepad.
- When the file opens, delete all the entries in Step 31 of the "Technical Details" section.
- Close Notepad and save your changes when prompted.
- Windows XP
- Click Start > Search.
- Click All files and folders.
- In the "All or part of the file name" box, type:
hosts
- Verify that "Look in" is set to "Local Hard Drives" or to (C:).
- Click More advanced options.
- Check Search system folders.
- Check Search subfolders.
- Click Search.
- Click Find Now or Search Now.
- For each Hosts file that you find, right-click the file, and then click Open With.
- Deselect the Always use this program to open this program check box.
- Scroll through the list of programs and double-click Notepad.
- When the file opens, delete all the entries in Step 31 of the "Technical Details" section.
- Close Notepad and save your changes when prompted.
Antivirus Protection Dates
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Initial Rapid Release version March 22, 2005
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Latest Rapid Release version March 8, 2011 revision 004
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Initial Daily Certified version March 22, 2005 revision 002
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Latest Daily Certified version March 8, 2011 revision 020
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Initial Weekly Certified release date March 23, 2005
Click for a more detailed description of Rapid Release and Daily Certified virus definitions.
Threat Assessment
Wild
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Wild Level: Low
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Number of Infections: 0 - 49
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Number of Sites: 0 - 2
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Geographical Distribution: Low
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Threat Containment: Easy
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Removal: Moderate
REMOVAL
The following instructions pertain to all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.
- Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP).
- Update the virus definitions.
- Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Trojan.Magise.
- Delete the value that was added to the registry.
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:
Note: When you are completely finished with the removal procedure and are satisfied that the threat has been removed, re-enable 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: These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually on Wednesdays), unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, refer to the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
- 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. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available: Read "How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater" for detailed instructions.
Note: If you see an error, such as LU1418, when you try to run LiveUpdate and you cannot get the Web site hosting the Intelligent Updater, it is likely that the worm has modified the Hosts file. You can either download and install LiveUpdate 2.5, which can remove Symantec entries from that file, or you can edit it yourself. See the instructions for both in the "Additional Information" section below.
3. To scan for and delete the infected files
- Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.
- Run a full system scan.
- If any files are detected as infected with Trojan.Magise, click Delete.
Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete an infected file, Windows may be using the file. To fix 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 section 4.
4. To delete the value from the registry
Important: 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. Read the document, "
How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.
- Click Start > Run.
- Type regedit
Then click OK.
- Navigate to and delete the subkeys:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{A6790AA5-C6C7-4BCF-A46D-0FDAC4EA90EB}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{D7BF3304-138B-4DD5-86EE-491BB6A2286C}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FFF5092F-7172-4018-827B-FA5868FB0478}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\TypeLib\{84C94803-B5EC-4491-B2BE-7B113E013B77}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ZToolbar.activator.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ZToolbar.activator
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ZToolbar.ParamWr.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ZToolbar.ParamWr
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ZToolbar.StockBar.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ZToolbar.StockBar
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\MagicSearchCo
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\ZToolbar.activator
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\ZToolbar.activator.1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\ZToolbar.ParamWr
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\ZToolbar.ParamWr.1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\ZToolbar.StockBar
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\ZToolbar.StockBar.1
- Exit the Registry Editor.