[ VAKSIN VIRUS ] - Remove W32.HLLP.Sality Risk

Discovered: June 4, 2003
Updated: February 13, 2007 12:50:41 PM
Also Known As: Win32.Sality.A [Computer Assoc, Virus.Win32.Sality.{a-j} [Kasp, W32.Sality.{a, b, d-l} [McAfee], W32/Sality-{A, B, E-H} [Sophos], PE_SALITY.{A, H-K} [Trend Micro]
Type: Virus
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP


The following instructions pertain to all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.

1. Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP).
2. Update the virus definitions.
3. Restart the computer in Safe mode or Safe mode with Command Prompt.
4. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected.
5. Remove the lines that the worm added to the System.ini file.

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. To disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP)
If you are running Windows Me or Windows XP, we recommend that you temporarily turn off System Restore. Windows Me/XP uses this feature, which is enabled by default, to restore the files on your computer in case they become damaged. If a virus, worm, or Trojan infects a computer, System Restore may back up the virus, worm, or Trojan on the computer.

Windows prevents outside programs, including antivirus programs, from modifying System Restore. Therefore, antivirus programs or tools cannot remove threats in the System Restore folder. As a result, System Restore has the potential of restoring an infected file on your computer, even after you have cleaned the infected files from all the other locations.

Also, a virus scan may detect a threat in the System Restore folder even though you have removed the threat.

For instructions on how to turn off System Restore, read your Windows documentation, or one of the following articles:

* How to disable or enable Windows Me System Restore
* How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore


Note: When you are completely finished with the removal procedure and are satisfied that the threat has been removed, reenable System Restore by following the instructions in the aforementioned documents.

For additional information, and an alternative to disabling Windows Me System Restore, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article: Antivirus Tools Cannot Clean Infected Files in the _Restore Folder (Article ID: Q263455).

2. To update the virus definitions
Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:

* Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions:
o If you use Norton AntiVirus 2006, Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition 10.0, or newer products, LiveUpdate definitions are updated daily. These products include newer technology.
o If you use Norton AntiVirus 2005, Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition 9.0, or earlier products, LiveUpdate definitions are updated weekly. The exception is major outbreaks, when definitions are updated more often.
* Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted daily. You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).

The latest Intelligent Updater virus definitions can be obtained here: Intelligent Updater virus definitions. For detailed instructions read the document: How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater.


3. To restart the computer in Safe mode or Safe mode with Command Prompt
Follow the instructions for your operating system.

Windows 95/98/Me
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document: How to start the computer in Safe Mode.

Once in Safe mode (this could take some time) proceed with the next section.

Windows 2000

1. Shut down the computer, and then turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer
2. When you see the black and white Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen, press the F8 key (usually on the top row of the keyboard).
3. In the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu, select Safe mode with Command Prompt, and then press Enter.

Once the computer opens to a window with a command prompt (you should see a line of text and a blinking cursor), proceed with the next section.


Windows XP

1. Shut down the computer, and then turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer. The computer begins processing a set of instructions known as the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). What is displayed depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some computers display a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS, while others may not display any indication that this process is occurring.
2. As soon as the BIOS has finished loading, begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Continue to do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers will display a "keyboard error" message. To avoid this, restart the computer and try again.
3. In the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu, select Safe mode with Command Prompt, and then press Enter.

Once the computer opens to a window with a command prompt (you should see a line of text and a blinking cursor), proceed with the next section.


4. To scan for and delete the infected files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.
* For Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document: How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files.
* For Symantec AntiVirus Enterprise products: Read the document: How to verify that a Symantec Corporate antivirus product is set to scan all files.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected, click Delete.


5. To remove the lines that the worm added to the System.ini file.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type the following:

notepad c:\windows\system.ini

and then click OK.

(Notepad opens)

Note: If Windows is installed in a different location, make the appropriate path substitution.
3. In the [TFTempCache] section of the file, look for lines similar to the following and delete them:

id=[RANDOM_NUMBER]
RtlMoveMeory=[RANDOM_NUMBER]
PING=[NUMBER]
TIME=[TIME]
4. Click File > Save.
5. Click File > Exit.



Writeup By: Elia Florio