How to remove malware infections caused by Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882?
Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 is an exploit designed to abuse a vulnerability (CVE-2017-11882) in Microsoft Equation Editor, a component of the Microsoft Office programs. While this weak link has been addressed in the latest MS versions, unpatched ones remain vulnerable.
This exploit is used as the initial point of entry for various malicious programs. When users open a malicious document tailored to use the CVE-2017-11882 vulnerability, the infection process is triggered, culminating in malware infiltration of the system. Our researchers have sampled a Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 exploit using document from VirusTotal.
Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 overview
Theoretically, exploits like Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 can be used to infect systems with any malware. Therefore, the potential threats posed by such infections are vast.
To expand upon the most common malicious software classifications: ransomware operates by encrypting data and/or locking the device's screen - to demand payment for the decryption/ access recovery. Cryptominers are a type of malware that use system resources to generate cryptocurrency.
The term "trojan" encompasses malicious programs with a broad range of harmful functionalities. Trojans can operate as loaders (download/install additional malware), spyware (record keystrokes [keylogging], audio/video via microphones and cameras, etc.), RATs - Remote Access Tools (enable access/control over infected machines), stealers (exfiltrate information and files), clippers (replace copy-paste buffer data), and so on.
To summarize, Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 could infect systems with malware possessing any of the aforementioned malicious capabilities. Hence, opening a virulent document that uses the CVE-2017-11882 vulnerability can result in a malware infection that could cause decreased system performance or failure, permanent data loss, hardware damage, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
If you suspect that your system is already infected, we highly recommend using an anti-virus to remove the threats immediately.
| Name | Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (OLE:CVE-2017-11882-B [Expl]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.48541014), ESET-NOD32 (Probably A Variant Of Win32/Exploit.CVE-2017-1), Kaspersky (UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic), Microsoft (Exploit:O97M/CVE-2017-11882.KA!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar infection examples
We have analyzed thousands of malware samples. Purple Fox, BazarLoader, Groooboor, and BLADABINDI are just a few examples of those capable of infiltrating additional malicious programs into systems.
Malicious software of this kind can be designed to inject devices with any malware or a specific program. Like all malicious programs, this type can have varied functionalities, not limited to malware infiltration. However, regardless of how this software operates, its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
How did Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 infiltrate my computer?
The Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 exploit is incorporated in malicious documents, which are most commonly distributed through spam campaigns. Scam emails and other deceptive messages can contain such files as attachments or links (leading to websites designed to lure users into download/installation or ones capable of doing so stealthily).
The malware download/installation process is triggered when a document that abuses the CVE-2017-11882 vulnerability is opened in unpatched Microsoft Office versions.
It is pertinent to mention that infectious files spread through spam mail can be in various formats, e.g., PDF documents, archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth.
In general, malware is proliferated using various phishing and social engineering techniques. Hence, documents using the Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 exploit could have other origins aside from spam mail. Malicious software is often offered (under the guise of ordinary content) on dubious download channels, e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial, free file-hosting, and freeware websites, etc.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly advise against opening the attachments and links present in suspicious and irrelevant emails/messages, as they can contain malware. Additionally, we recommend using the latest versions of Microsoft Office.
Another recommendation is downloading only from official and trustworthy channels. It is just as important to activate and update software with tools provided by genuine developers.
We must emphasize that having a dependable anti-virus installed and updated is paramount to device/user safety. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Screenshot of a malicious document that uses Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 ("Leiser Order .xlsx"):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 malware.
- STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.
How to remove malware manually?
Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:
If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:
Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:
Restart your computer into Safe Mode:
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.
Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".
Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".
In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.
In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.
Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.
You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".
After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.
Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.
These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 infections can be removed without resorting to such drastic measures.
What are the biggest issues that Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 malware can cause?
Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 is an exploit - it is designed to abuse a vulnerability in Microsoft Office programs to infect the device with malware. The infiltrated malicious program could be a trojan, ransomware, cryptominer, or a different type. The threats posed by such infections include - decreased system performance or failure, hardware damage, data loss, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 malware?
Most cyber criminals use malware to generate revenue. However, other reasons are possible, e.g., attackers' amusement, process disruption (e.g., sites, services, organizations, etc.), political/geopolitical motivations, personal vendettas, and so on.
How did Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 malware infiltrate my computer?
Win/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882 is incorporated into document files, and such are commonly spread through spam emails. However, other sources are possible. Generally, malware is proliferated through spam mail, drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, online scams, freeware and third-party download websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, fake updates, and so on. Some malicious programs are also capable of self-spreading through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. However, performing a complete system scan is vital - since high-end malicious software usually hides deep within systems.
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