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[Metallica]

Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is CodeSecure?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that CodeSecure is a fake anti-malware application. These so-called "rogues" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have been compromised. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.

How do I know if I am infected with CodeSecure?

This is how the main screen of the rogue application looks:



You will find this icon in your taskbar:



And see these warnings:







How did CodeSecure get on my computer?

Rogue programs use different methods for spreading themselves. This particular one was downloaded from their site.

How do I remove CodeSecure?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this rogue application.

• Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.
• Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
• At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:
  
  
  • Update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• Then click Finish.
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
• Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
• Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. Reboot your computer if prompted.
• When completed, a log will open in Notepad. The rogue application should now be gone.

Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of CodeSecure?

• No, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware removes CodeSecure completely.

How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application has helped you eradicate this malicious software. If your current security solution let this infection through, you might please consider purchasing the FULL version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for additional protection.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware would have protected you against the CodeSecure rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:

C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CodeSecure.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CodeSecureMain] "C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CodeSecure.exe" /Boot
[/code]

Alterations made by the installer:
[code]

  File System
  ===============
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
      Adds the file �ڵ��ť��.lnk"="10:02 16/06/13 734 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Local Settings\Temp\CodeSecure
      Adds the file window_option.bmp"="10:54 15/04/13 391158 bytes
      Adds the file TrayMsg.bmp"="11:12 15/04/13 300294 bytes
      Adds the file top_txt5.bmp"="12:34 09/01/12 35144 bytes
      Adds the file top_txt4.bmp"="12:35 09/01/12 40376 bytes
      Adds the file top_txt3.bmp"="12:36 09/01/12 20216 bytes
      Adds the file top_txt2.bmp"="12:37 09/01/12 20216 bytes
      Adds the file top_txt1.bmp"="12:37 09/01/12 17592 bytes
      Adds the file Thumbs.db"="17:48 17/04/13 135168 bytes
      Adds the file tab2.bmp"="17:48 17/04/13 21834 bytes
      Adds the file tab1.bmp"="17:46 17/04/13 21834 bytes
      Adds the file skin.xml"="11:25 15/04/13 17755 bytes
      Adds the file show_realtime.bmp"="11:06 15/04/13 53926 bytes
      Adds the file service_bg.bmp"="12:04 30/04/10 80564 bytes
      Adds the file scan_txt_disc2.bmp"="15:52 27/04/10 3540 bytes
      Adds the file scan_txt_disc1.bmp"="15:52 27/04/10 2252 bytes
      Adds the file scan_txt4.bmp"="15:53 27/04/10 1496 bytes
      Adds the file scan_txt3.bmp"="15:53 27/04/10 1496 bytes
      Adds the file scan_txt2.bmp"="15:52 27/04/10 1496 bytes
      Adds the file scan_txt1.bmp"="15:52 27/04/10 1496 bytes
      Adds the file scan_list_bgdel_bg.bmp"="17:13 16/04/13 646310 bytes
      Adds the file scan_btn_ok.bmp"="18:26 24/08/10 3780 bytes
      Adds the file scan_btn_cancel.bmp"="18:27 24/08/10 3780 bytes
      Adds the file scaning_progresbar.bmp"="18:41 27/04/10 524 bytes
      Adds the file re_scan.bmp"="18:26 24/08/10 3780 bytes
      Adds the file report.bmp"="16:51 28/09/12 3116 bytes
      Adds the file repair_msg_bg2.bmp"="16:50 28/09/12 122048 bytes
      Adds the file repair_msg_bg.bmp"="16:50 28/09/12 122048 bytes
      Adds the file realtime_stop.bmp"="14:03 09/01/12 273756 bytes
      Adds the file realtime_start.bmp"="14:01 09/01/12 254436 bytes
      Adds the file pop_end_bg.bmp"="16:49 28/09/12 122048 bytes
      Adds the file pattern_layer.bmp"="15:06 07/05/10 60792 bytes
      Adds the file option.bmp"="16:47 28/09/12 3388 bytes
      Adds the file normal.bmp"="03:13 21/01/06 452 bytes
      Adds the file minmize.bmp"="19:12 06/01/12 3524 bytes
      Adds the file medical_btn_set.bmp"="18:27 24/08/10 3780 bytes
      Adds the file medical_btn_detail.bmp"="18:28 24/08/10 3780 bytes
      Adds the file maxmize.bmp"="18:41 24/11/05 584 bytes
      Adds the file main_btn06.bmp"="16:44 28/09/12 434756 bytes
      Adds the file main_btn05.bmp"="16:37 28/09/12 434756 bytes
      Adds the file main_btn04.bmp"="15:43 28/09/12 434756 bytes
      Adds the file main_btn03.bmp"="15:00 28/09/12 434756 bytes
      Adds the file main_btn02.bmp"="14:58 28/09/12 434756 bytes
      Adds the file main_btn01.bmp"="16:36 28/09/12 434756 bytes
      Adds the file logo.bmp"="14:51 28/09/12 34936 bytes
      Adds the file last_scan_date.bmp"="15:53 27/04/10 1748 bytes
      Adds the file img_scan3.bmp"="12:41 09/01/12 12376 bytes
      Adds the file img_scan2.bmp"="12:40 09/01/12 47576 bytes
      Adds the file img_scan1.bmp"="13:45 09/01/12 12376 bytes
      Adds the file help.bmp"="16:52 28/09/12 2776 bytes
      Adds the file engine_ver.bmp"="15:53 27/04/10 2132 bytes
      Adds the file common_exit.bmp"="15:48 27/04/10 728 bytes
      Adds the file common_dlg_backpattern.bmp"="16:41 27/04/10 30056 bytes
      Adds the file close.bmp"="18:46 06/01/12 3524 bytes
      Adds the file btn_update.bmp"="15:53 27/04/10 2300 bytes
      Adds the file btn_tray_close.bmp"="16:36 01/09/10 920 bytes
      Adds the file btn_scan_list_delete.bmp"="18:49 31/08/10 57656 bytes
      Adds the file btn_scan_list_close.bmp"="10:55 29/03/12 3944 bytes
      Adds the file btn_scan.bmp"="19:20 06/01/12 56648 bytes
      Adds the file btn_restore.bmp"="19:20 06/01/12 56648 bytes
      Adds the file btn_repair_msg_cancel.bmp"="10:52 29/03/12 9164 bytes
      Adds the file btn_popup_sett.bmp"="10:52 29/03/12 9164 bytes
      Adds the file btn_popup_ndel.bmp"="15:54 14/06/10 45596 bytes
      Adds the file btn_popup_end.bmp"="10:52 29/03/12 9164 bytes
      Adds the file btn_popup_cancel.bmp"="15:57 14/06/10 25796 bytes
      Adds the file btn_pattern.bmp"="11:10 29/03/12 13832 bytes
      Adds the file btn_del2.bmp"="10:48 15/04/13 56646 bytes
      Adds the file btn_del.bmp"="19:20 06/01/12 56648 bytes
      Adds the file btn_cancel.bmp"="18:54 24/08/10 56648 bytes
      Adds the file bg.bmp"="14:20 28/09/12 720056 bytes
      Adds the file 5.bmp"="15:17 07/05/10 1388 bytes
      Adds the file 4.bmp"="15:18 07/05/10 1388 bytes
      Adds the file 3.bmp"="15:18 07/05/10 1388 bytes
      Adds the file 2.bmp"="15:18 07/05/10 1388 bytes
      Adds the file 1.bmp"="15:18 07/05/10 1388 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Local Settings\Temp\CodeSecure\list_control
      Adds the file VerticleScrollBarUpArrow.bmp"="18:35 27/04/10 716 bytes
      Adds the file VerticleScrollbarTop.bmp"="18:35 27/04/10 672 bytes
      Adds the file VerticleScrollBarThumb.bmp"="18:35 27/04/10 848 bytes
      Adds the file VerticleScrollBarSpan.bmp"="18:33 27/04/10 276 bytes
      Adds the file VerticleScrollBarDownArrow.bmp"="18:35 27/04/10 672 bytes
      Adds the file VerticleScrollbarBottom.bmp"="18:35 27/04/10 672 bytes
      Adds the file Thumbs.db"="17:45 17/04/13 5632 bytes
      Adds the file right_pattern.bmp"="18:32 27/04/10 1232 bytes
      Adds the file pattern.bmp"="05:58 10/12/05 2344 bytes
      Adds the file left_pattern.bmp"="18:32 27/04/10 192 bytes
      Adds the file HorizontalScrollBarThumb.bmp"="18:34 27/04/10 840 bytes
      Adds the file HorizontalScrollBarSpan.bmp"="18:34 27/04/10 840 bytes
      Adds the file HorizontalScrollBarRightArrow.bmp"="18:35 27/04/10 728 bytes
      Adds the file HorizontalScrollBarLeftArrow.bmp"="18:35 27/04/10 728 bytes
      Adds the file height_blank.bmp"="23:13 09/12/05 120 bytes
      Adds the file ColumnHeaderStart.psd"="19:11 28/04/10 23454 bytes
      Adds the file ColumnHeaderStart.bmp"="19:11 28/04/10 464 bytes
      Adds the file ColumnHeaderSpan.psd"="19:11 28/04/10 22768 bytes
      Adds the file ColumnHeaderSpan.bmp"="19:11 28/04/10 508 bytes
      Adds the file ColumnHeaderEnd.bmp"="19:12 28/04/10 680 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Local Settings\Temp\nsz2.tmp
      Adds the file stack.dll"="10:00 16/06/13 10240 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu
      Adds the file �ڵ��ť��.lnk"="10:02 16/06/13 1590 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs\�ڵ��ť��
      Adds the file �ڵ��ť��.lnk"="10:02 16/06/13 1602 bytes
      Adds the file �ڵ��ť�� ����.lnk"="10:02 16/06/13 1595 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\CodeSecure
      Adds the file Uninstall.exe"="10:02 16/06/13 213840 bytes
      Adds the file SoCSUpdateServer.dat"="11:40 15/04/13 192 bytes
      Adds the file partner.ini"="10:02 16/06/13 23 bytes
      Adds the file Ep.dat"="03:11 04/10/12 1632 bytes
      Adds the file CSUpdateServer.dat"="10:02 16/06/13 632 bytes
      Adds the file CSEng.dll"="04:12 04/10/12 655360 bytes
      Adds the file CSAutoUpdate.exe"="04:34 04/10/12 462848 bytes
      Adds the file conf.ini"="10:02 16/06/13 234 bytes
      Adds the file CodeSecure.exe"="05:09 16/04/13 495616 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\update
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\temp
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\skin
      Adds the file default.avs"="10:48 17/04/13 800404 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\etc
      Adds the file csReg.exe"="04:40 04/10/12 278528 bytes
      Adds the file CSmonRemote.dll"="04:37 04/10/12 221184 bytes
      Adds the file csMon.exe"="04:36 04/10/12 290816 bytes
      Adds the file CSFilterDriver.SYS"="03:20 04/10/12 35840 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db
      Adds the file vsdb.dat"="07:11 21/02/12 172472 bytes
      Adds the file pwdb.dat"="07:11 21/02/12 380936 bytes
      Adds the file inter.dll"="07:11 21/02/12 231616 bytes
      Adds the file filter.dll"="07:11 21/02/12 232 bytes
      Adds the file avmon.dat"="07:11 21/02/12 226064 bytes
      Adds the file adtc.dat"="07:11 21/02/12 1024 bytes
      Adds the file adsub.dat"="10:02 16/06/13 242088 bytes
      Adds the file addb.dat"="02:31 31/01/13 903000 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\Lang
      Adds the file kr.xml"="11:15 15/04/13 8876 bytes


  Registry
  ===============
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CodeSecure]
      "Install_Dir"="'C:\Program Files\CodeSecure'"
      "ver"="'20130401'"
      "pid"="'home'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
      "CodeSecureMain"="'"C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CodeSecure.exe" /Boot'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\CodeSecureMain]
      "INSTDATE"="'20130401'"
      "DisplayIcon"="'"C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\Uninstall.exe"'"
      "UninstallString"="'"C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\Uninstall.exe"'"
      "DisplayName"="'�ڵ��ť��'"

[/code]

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:
[code]Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.75.0.1300
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2013.06.15.07

Windows XP Service Pack 3 x86 NTFS
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702
{username} :: MBAM-D3E8C91ACC [administrator]

6/16/2013 10:09:11 AM
mbam-log-2013-06-16 (10-09-11).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 184611
Time elapsed: 51 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 1
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CodeSecure.exe (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> 1832 -> Delete on reboot.

Memory Modules Detected: 1
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CSEng.dll (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Delete on reboot.

Registry Keys Detected: 1
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\CodeSecureMain (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Detected: 1
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run|CodeSecureMain (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Data: "C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CodeSecure.exe" /Boot -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 7
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\etc (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\Lang (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\skin (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\temp (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\update (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Files Detected: 24
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CodeSecure.exe (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\CodeSecure_setup.exe (Rogue.Ebiz.K) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\Ep.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\conf.ini (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CSAutoUpdate.exe (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CSEng.dll (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\CSUpdateServer.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\partner.ini (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\SoCSUpdateServer.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\Uninstall.exe (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db\addb.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db\adsub.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db\adtc.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db\avmon.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db\filter.dll (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db\inter.dll (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db\pwdb.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\db\vsdb.dat (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\etc\CSFilterDriver.SYS (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\etc\csMon.exe (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\etc\CSmonRemote.dll (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\etc\csReg.exe (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\Lang\kr.xml (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\CodeSecure\skin\default.avs (Rogue.CodeSecure) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

(end)

As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware could have protected your computer against this threat.
We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):

• Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
• Malware Execution Prevention

Save yourself the hassle and get protected.