Threat Descriptions

Adware:W32/Searchcolor

Classification

Category :

Spyware

Type :

Adware

Platform :

W32

Aliases :

-

Summary

This program delivers advertising content 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 is a generic description for Adware:W32/Searchcolor adware family. There are multiple variants in this family.

This adware may be distributed bundled with other applications. It may also be silently downloaded onto the system when an unsuspecting user browses a malicious website.

Installation

During installation, the adware drops the following:

  • %Program Files%\VSToolbar\VSToolBar.dll

This is the file detected as Adware:W32/Searchcolor.& The file is installed as a Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) toolbar, known as VSToolbar.

The adware also drops the following files as part of its installation:

  • %User%\Application Data\SearchToolbarCorp\Toolbar Vision\PageHistory.txt
  • %User%\Application Data\SearchToolbarCorp\Toolbar Vision\WebHistory.txt

The adware also creates some registry keys (see above).

Activity

This is what the toolbar looks like:

The dropped DLL will be referenced every time IE is launched.

The adware will run hidden in the background, unknown from the user.

Registry Modifications

Sets these values:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Search Toolbar Corp
  • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{821F87FF-8245-4972-9E28-732E92EC2F51}
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{821F87FF-8245-4972-9E28-732E92EC2F51}&&&
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{821F87FF-8245-4972-9E28-732E92EC2F51}

Removal

This adware also includes an uninstallation functionality, and it is listed as "VSToolbar for Internet Explorer" in the Add/Remove Application menu in Control Panel.& Once uninstalled, it will delete its registries keys. The DLL file however will still remain in the system.