Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

-

Aliases :

Switcher

Summary

WM/Switcher is a Word macro virus that infects the global template when an infected document is opened. After this is done, the virus infects every document that is saved.

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

It also replaces the "Tools/Macro" and "File/Tempates" menu selections with the following message box:

Configuration conflict - menu item is not available.

This virus has two destructive payloads. The first activates if Word is started at the exact minute - then it attepts to delete the following files: All Excel worksheets ("*.XLS") from Excel directory, All Access databases ("*.MDB") from Access directory, all program groups ("*.GRP") from Windows directory and all help files from the current directory.

The second payload activates if the document is closed when the seconds from the current time is less than eleven. At this point the virus will search for ten different numbers and replace them with other random numbers.