SubSearch is an adware program that detects when the user peforms a search in a particular Internet search engine and then opens its own sidebar, which contains sponsored links. SubSearch also displays undesirable pop-up advertisements and silently updates itself via the Internet. It is able to download and install arbitrary software. The threat can get into the system from several advertising sites. It runs every time the user starts Internet Explorer.
SubSearch manual removal:
Kill processes:
ieservice.exe, restore.exe, rmvold.exe
Delete registry values:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\ieservice.exe
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\MsnIeUpdate
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\IeMsnSbSrch_1
Unregister DLLs:bho2.dll, mscheck.dll, msnie.dll, msvcn.dll, sbsrch_[XVS].dll
Delete files:ieservice.exe, estore.exe, rmvold.exe, bho2.dll, mscheck.dll, msnie.dll, msvcn.dll, sbsrch_[XVS].dll
Misc:[XVS] is the version number.
SubSearch/v2 is a version rewritten as a single DLL, from January 2003. Its controlling server is www.popunder.info (with www.cpcads.com apparently acting as a backup). It opens a characteristic 'Enhanced Search' with sponsored links when you use any other search engine.
SubSearch/v21 and SubSearch/v22 are updates to v2. v22 adds an explorer-bar-search hijacker pointed at www.dothesearch.com.
Currently there is no unique ID or cookie being used to track search usage.
It can be directed by any web page to download any file and write it anywhere to the filesystem, including over other program files which may then get run.
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