Virus Encyclopedia
Welcome to the Virus Encyclopedia of Panda Security.
Startpage.AUZ | |
Threat Level Damage Distribution |
 |
Common name: | Startpage.AUZ |
Technical name: | Adware/Startpage.AUZ |
Threat level: | Low |
Type: | Spyware |
Subtype:
| Adware |
Effects: |
It collects information on Internet usage and the applications installed in the computer and uses it to display pop-up advertisements.
|
Affected platforms:
|
Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95 |
First detected on: | Aug. 12, 2006 |
Detection updated on: | Sept. 7, 2006 |
Statistics | No |
Brief Description | |
Adware refers to programs that display advertising using any means: pop-ups, banners, changes to the browser home page or search page, etc. The advertisements could be associated with the products or services offered by the creator of the program or by third-parties. Adware can be installed in a number of ways, on some occasions without users' consent, and either with or without users' knowledge of its function. It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out: - In the affected computer:
it displays pop-up windows.
It reduces the security level of the computer:
it changes the security settings of Internet Explorer, decreasing its security level. It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user: - It deletes the original file from which it was run once it is installed on the computer.
- It modifies system permissions in order to hide itself.
Startpage.AUZ uses the following propagation or distribution methods: - Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.
- Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.
- It is dropped or downloaded to the computer by other malware specimens, for example: MultiDropper.BNP.
|