Adware:W32/Midadle

Classification

Category :

Spyware

Type :

Adware

Summary

This program is designed to delivers advertising contents to the user. It is usually annoying but harmless, unless it is combined with spyware or trackware.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it may block the file from running, move it to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or ask you to select an action.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

This advertisement delivery software is distributed by MidADdle (also known as "ADS IN THE MIDDLE"). MidADdle was aquired by InterClick in 2005.

The program can perform the following activities:

  • Display pop-ups advertisements
  • Download, install and& run adware
  • Connect to remote site to download components for upgrading itself

Installation

The executable file needs to be executed manually in order to install the program. Upon execution, it will create files and drop a copy of itself at:

  • %temp%\[Random name].exe

&It will also create randomly-named file components in the temporary folder, such as:

  • %temp%\XzojPHIV.dll
  • %temp%\0W9DGM0.dll
  • %temp%\tFLIVc.dll
  • %temp%\VAfDi.dll
  • %temp%\g.dll

Registry

During installation, the program creates this registry subkey to run itself run automatically after system restart:

  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] "[Random name]"="%temp%\[Random name].exe"

And this key, registering the program as a browser helper object (BHO), in order to monitor the user's browser's activity:

  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{E8EAEB34-F7B5-4C55-87FF-720FAF53D841}] "@"="WinPage Affiliate"

The program also creates these registry subkeys as well:

  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\MidADdle]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AppID\WinAffiliateBHO.DLL]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\midADdle]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\WinAffiliateBHO.WinAffiliateIEExtensi.1]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\CLSID\{E8EAEB34-F7B5-4C55-87FF-720FAF53D841}]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\TypeLib\{ECB25A48-E6E0-49AF-99AF-07C763E31389}]
  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Interface\{E318D698-27B3-44D5-8998-C35EAFB9C034}]
  • [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\{E8EAEB34-F7B5-4C55-87FF-720FAF53D841}]

File System Changes

Creates these files:

  • %temp%\clicks.dll
  • %temp%\Updater.exe
  • %temp%\ma.dll
  • %temp%\ma
  • %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\midaddle\clicks.dll

Network Connections

Attempts to download files from:

  • https://www.yellow-sticky.com
  • https://www.midaddle.com