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Removal instructions for Additional Guard

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Metallica

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What is Additional Guard?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that Additional Guard 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 Additional Guard?

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

main.png

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

icons.png

And see these warnings:

installing.png

warning1.png

warning2.png

How did Additional Guard get on my computer?

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

How do I remove Additional Guard?

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 Additional Guard?

  • The rogue intercepts calls to your task manager. You can download Process Explorer. Run it and click "Options" > "Replace Task Manager". Enjoy the added value that Process Explorer has over your standard Task Manager.
  • The rogue replaces your hosts file, so you may have to restore the old one. You can find third-party hosts file alternatives at hpHosts or at mvps.org or you can simply reset the default hosts file as outlined here by Microsoft.

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 Additional Guard rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

protection1.png

protection.png

Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.exe

O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 4-open-davinci.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 securitysoftwarepayments.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 privatesecuredpayments.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 secure.privatesecuredpayments.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 getantivirusplusnow.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 secure-plus-payments.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 www.getantivirusplusnow.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 www.secure-plus-payments.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 www.getavplusnow.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 safebrowsing-cache.google.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 urs.microsoft.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 www.securesoftwarebill.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 secure.paysecuresystem.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 paysoftbillsolution.com
O1 - Hosts: 74.125.45.100 protected.maxisoftwaremart.com
O1 - Hosts: 67.215.245.21 www.google-analytics.com
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ae
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.as
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.at
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.az
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ba
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.be
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.bg
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.bs
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ca
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.cd
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.gh
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.hk
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.jm
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.mx
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.my
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.na
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.nf
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.ng
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ch
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.np
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.pr
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.qa
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.sg
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.tj
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.com.tw
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.dj
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.de
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.dk
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.dm
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ee
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.fi
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.fm
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.fr
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ge
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.gg
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.gm
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.gr
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ht
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ie
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.im
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.in
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.it
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ki
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.la
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.li
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.lv
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ma
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ms
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.mu
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.mw
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.nl
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.no
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.nr
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.nu
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.pl
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.pn
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.pt
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ro
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ru
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.rw
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.sc
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.se
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.sh
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.si
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.sm
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.sn
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.st
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.tl
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.tm
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.tt
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.us
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.vu
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.ws
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.ck
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.id
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.il
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.in
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.jp
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.kr
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.ls
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.ma
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.nz
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.tz
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.ug
O1 - Hosts: 95.211.99.110 google.co.uk
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Additional Guard] "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.exe" /s /d

Notes:

The name of the folder is random (but all I have seen were hexadecimal numbers).

The name of the executable is semi-random (but all I have seen started with WI).

Alterations made by the installer:

  File System
  ===============
	Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47
	  Adds the file WINAG.ico"="19:45 29/12/09 4286 bytes
	  Adds the file 6317.mof"="19:45 29/12/09 330 bytes
	  Adds the file WI0518.exe"="19:44 29/12/09 1916928 bytes
	Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\Quarantine Items
	Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WINAGSys
	  Adds the file vd952342.bd"="19:45 29/12/09 11694 bytes
	Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Additional Guard
	  Adds the file Instructions.ini"="19:46 29/12/09 1255 bytes
	In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
	  Adds the file Additional Guard.lnk"="19:45 29/12/09 1703 bytes
	In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop
	  Adds the file Additional Guard.lnk"="19:45 29/12/09 1685 bytes
	In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu
	  Adds the file Additional Guard.lnk"="19:45 29/12/09 1685 bytes
	In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs
	  Adds the file Additional Guard.lnk"="19:45 29/12/09 1691 bytes
	In the existing folder C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc
	  Alters the file hosts
		12:00 28/02/06 734 bytes ==> 19:47 29/12/09 7438 bytes

  Registry
  ===============
	[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WI0518.DocHostUIHandler]
	  "(Default)"="'Implements DocHostUIHandler'"
	[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WI0518.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)"="'WI0518.DocHostUIHandler'"
	[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}\LocalServer32]
	  "(Default)"="'C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\0518f47\WI0518.exe'"
	[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
	  "URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=158&q={searchTerms}'
	[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
	  "Additional Guard"="'"C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.exe" /s /d'"
	[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'"

<snipped, a long list of image file execution options hijacks>

	[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\install.exe]
	  "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
	[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List]
	  "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.EXE"="'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.EXE:*:Enabled:Additional Guard'"
	[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List
	  "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.EXE"="'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.EXE:*:Enabled:Additional Guard'"
	[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
	  "URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=158&q={searchTerms}'"
	[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\BrowserEmulation]
	  "MSCompatibilityMode"="0"
	[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
	  "URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=158&q={searchTerms}'"
	[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download]
	  "RunInvalidSignatures"="1"
	  "CheckExeSignatures"
		'yes' ==> 'no'

Note: The CLSID {3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF} was used in a popular coding example, so could also be in use by legitimate applications.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.42
Database version: 3450
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.2180

12/29/2009 7:56:09 PM
mbam-log-2009-12-29 (19-56-07).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 94099
Time elapsed: 2 minute(s), 42 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 1
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 753
Registry Values Infected: 14
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 1
Files Infected: 7

Memory Processes Infected:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.exe (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Unloaded process successfully.

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\antiVirus.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

<snipped, a long list of image file execution options hijacks>

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\seccenter.exe\debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Application Data\Additional Guard (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Files Infected:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\0518f47\WI0518.exe (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\CZYLI5QL\xp_ca5bf[1].exe (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Application Data\Additional Guard\Instructions.ini (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Desktop\Additional Guard.lnk (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Additional Guard.lnk (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Start Menu\Additional Guard.lnk (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Start Menu\Programs\Additional Guard.lnk (Rogue.AdditionalGuard) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

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):

  • IP-blocks
  • Execution protection

Save yourself the hassle and get protected.

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