Backdoor.Cybspy - Removal

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 the files detected as Backdoor.Cybspy
3. Delete the value:
   
   mswincfg
   
   from the registry keys:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
   
4. Reverse the changes made to System.ini (Windows 95/98/Me only).
5. Replace the file Netstat.exe from a known clean backup copy.
   

For specific details on each of these procedures, read the following instructions.

1. Updating 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 the 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), in the "Protection" section, at the top of this writeup.
• Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater. The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). 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), in the "Protection" section, at the top of this writeup.

The 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.

2. Scanning for and deleting the infected files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.
   • For Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document, "How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files."
   • For Symantec AntiVirus Enterprise products: Read the document, "How to verify that a Symantec Corporate antivirus product is set to scan All Files."
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected as infected with Backdoor.Cybspy, click Delete.

3. Deleting the value 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 the specified keys only. Read the document, "How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.

1. Click Start, and then click Run. (The Run dialog box appears.)
2. Type regedit, and then click OK. (The Registry Editor opens.)
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value: mswincfg
5. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
   
6. In the right pane, delete the value: mswincfg
7. Exit the Registry Editor.

4. Reversing the changes made to system.ini

NOTE for Windows Me users only: Due to the file-protection process in Windows Me, a backup copy of the file you are to edit exists in the C:\Windows\Recent folder. Symantec recommends that you delete this file before you continue with the steps in this section. To do this using Windows Explorer, go to C:\Windows\Recent, and in the right pane select the Win.ini file and delete it. It will be regenerated as a copy of the file you are to edit (when you save your changes to that particular file).

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type the following, and then click OK.
   
   edit c:\windows\system.ini
   
   (The MS-DOS Editor opens.)
   
   NOTE: If Windows is installed in a different location, make the appropriate path substitution.
   
3. Look for an entry similar to:
   
   shell=Explorer.exe c:\windows\mswincfg32.exe
   
4. Select all the text after Explorer.exe (including the space). Verify that other text is not selected, and then press delete. When you are finished, the text should like:
   
   shell=Explorer.exe
   
5. Click File, and then click Save.
6. Click File, and then click Exit.

5. Replacing Netstat.exe
Replace this file from a clean backup or re-install it.

Technical Details