W32.Dedler.Worm

Risk Level 1: Very Low

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Discovered: March 9, 2004
Updated: February 13, 2007 12:22:46 PM
Also Known As: Worm.Win32.Dedler [Kaspersky], W32/Dedler.worm.gen [McAfee]
Type: Worm
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP


W32.Dedler.Worm is a network-aware worm that copies itself to open network shares.



To delete the DNS entries added to the Windows hosts file
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
    1. Click Start, point to Find or Search, and then click Files or Folders.
    2. Make sure that "Look in" is set to (C:) and that "Include subfolders" is checked.
    3. In the "Named" or "Search for..." box, type:

      hosts

    4. Click Find Now or Search Now.
    5. For each Hosts file that you find, right-click the file, and then click Open With.
    6. Deselect the Always use this program to open this program check box.
    7. Scroll through the list of programs and double-click Notepad.
    8. When the file opens, delete all the entries in the Hosts file, except for the following line:

      127.0.0.1     localhost

    9. Close Notepad and save your changes when prompted.

  • Windows XP
    1. Click Start > Search.
    2. Click All files and folders.
    3. In the "All or part of the file name" box, type:

      hosts

    4. Verify that "Look in" is set to "Local Hard Drives" or to (C:).
    5. Click More advanced options.
    6. Check Search system folders.
    7. Check Search subfolders.
    8. Click Search.
    9. Click Find Now or Search Now.
    10. For each Hosts file that you find, right-click the file, and then click Open With.
    11. Deselect the Always use this program to open this program check box.
    12. Scroll through the list of programs and double-click Notepad.
    13. When the file opens, delete all the entries in the Hosts file except for the following line:

      127.0.0.1     localhost

    14. Close Notepad and save your changes when prompted.

Protection

  • Initial Rapid Release version March 10, 2004
  • Latest Rapid Release version November 6, 2009 revision 009
  • Initial Daily Certified version March 10, 2004
  • Latest Daily Certified version November 6, 2009 revision 023
  • Initial Weekly Certified release date March 10, 2004

Click here for a more detailed description of Rapid Release and Daily Certified virus definitions.

Threat Assessment

Wild

  • Wild Level: Low
  • Number of Infections: 50 - 999
  • Number of Sites: More than 10
  • Geographical Distribution: Low
  • Threat Containment: Easy
  • Removal: Moderate

Damage

  • Damage Level: Medium

Distribution

  • Distribution Level: Medium

Writeup By: Scott Gettis
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