Ave.exe Background

• Ave.exe is a trojan malware app that infiltrates the "%AppData%" folder and modifies the registry so that the file reactivates each time an executable file runs. The program hijacks a browser window to display a fake alert called the "Windows Security Center" or "Windows Action Center." Infection by ave.exe makes it difficult to install and run security programs. Users become infected by ave.exe after visiting affected web pages.
  
  

Issue

• Bitdefender first discovered the existence of the malware in March 2010. The Bitdefender Antivirus failed to detect the presence of ave.exe, although a 2008 PC World report indicated the presence of such viruses. Bitdefender technical support advised customers to remove the virus by scanning their computers with the antivirus, but many customers turned to spyware removal programs such as MalwareBytes and Spyware Doctor to remove the infected files or resorted to deleting the affected entries manually.
  
  

Resolution

• Bitdefender released a complicated virus update to remedy the problem. However, the update also quarantined many legitimate files, causing the operating system to crash. As a result, Bitdefender users demanded refunds for money and time spent fixing their computers, which Bitdefender finally did do. The antivirus is capable of detecting the infected files, although manual intervention may still be necessary.