Backdoor.Helios - Removal

Risk Level 1: Very Low

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Discovered: September 12, 2002
Updated: February 13, 2007 11:47:57 AM
Also Known As: Backdoor.Helios.12.d [AVP]
Type: Trojan Horse
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP


NOTE: These instructions are for all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.
  1. Update the virus definitions.
  2. Run a full system scan, and delete all files that are detected as Backdoor.Helios.
  3. Delete the value

    SCANSTRTUP   %system%\Scanstartup.exe

    from the registry keys

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\Run
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\RunServices
  4. Delete the value

    StubPath %system%\Scanstartup.exe

    from the registry key

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\ActiveSetup\Installed Components
For details on how to do this, read the following instructions.

To update the virus definitions:
All virus definitions receive full quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response before being posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:
  • Run LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions. These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers one time each week (usually Wednesdays) unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, look at the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate) line at the top of this write-up.
  • Download the definitions using the Intelligent Updater. Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). They must be downloaded from the Symantec Security Response Web site and installed manually. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, look at the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) line at the top of this write-up.

    Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available here. For detailed instructions on how to download and install the Intelligent Updater virus definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site, click here.

To scan for and delete the infected files:
  1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and make sure that it is configured to scan all files.
  2. Run a full system scan.
  3. If any files are detected as infected with Backdoor.Helios, click Delete.

To delete the values from the registry:

CAUTION: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before you make any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify only the keys that are specified. Read the document How to make a backup of the Windows registry for instructions.
  1. Click Start, and click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
  2. Type regedit and then click OK. The Registry Editor opens.
  3. Navigate to each of these keys:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\Run
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\RunServices
  4. In the right pane of each one, delete the value

    SCANSTRTUP   %system%\Scanstartup.exe
  5. Navigate to the key

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\ActiveSetup\Installed Components
  6. In the right pane, delete the value

    StubPath %system%\Scanstartup.exe
  7. Exit the Registry Editor.


Writeup By: Kaoru Hayashi
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