Threat Descriptions

TOX

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Virus

Platform :

W97M

Aliases :

Detox

Summary

Detox is the third known macro virus to infect Access databases. This virus infects all database files all directories on the same drive as the virus.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

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

Detox consists of a module called TDU and has a macro called Autoexec. Autoexec is automatically executed when an infected MDB file is opened. This virus can not be stopped by holding the shift key while opening the database. This is because the virus changes Access Properties incuding AllowSpecialKeys, AllowBreakIntoCode and AllowBypassKey respectively.

The virus does not activate in anyway but it does contain these comments: 

The Detox Unit Access Macro Virus
 written by Sin Code IV
 (an old friend by any other name...)

Since the virus turns off the Show Hidden Objects flag and deletes the Tools/Options menu, the macro code can not be easily viewed. This can be bypassed by choosing View/Toolbar/Customize Reset command. When doing this, the an infected database should be kept open - otherwise the virus in Autoexec macro would delete the Tools menu again.