AswMBR
aswMBR: History and Development
aswMBR was a rootkit detection and removal tool developed by Avast Software. It was designed to identify and remove advanced malware, including Master Boot Record (MBR) infections, rootkits, and stealth malware.
Purpose and Features
aswMBR was specifically designed to detect and eliminate threats that operate at the kernel and boot level. Unlike traditional antivirus software, it could scan areas of the system often hidden from standard security tools.
Key Features
- Scans the Master Boot Record (MBR) for infections.
- Detects and removes advanced rootkits, including TDL4/Alureon, Sinowal, and Whistler.
- Utilizes Avast's virus definitions for up-to-date detection.
- Provides detailed system logs for manual analysis.
- Offers an option to repair infected MBRs.
Evolution and Discontinuation
aswMBR was widely used in the cybersecurity community, particularly by security researchers and malware analysts, due to its ability to detect and neutralize deep-seated infections.
End of Support
In 2020, Avast officially discontinued support for aswMBR, shifting its focus to modern rootkit detection technologies integrated within Avast Free Antivirus and Avast Premium Security.
Alternative Tools
Since aswMBR is no longer actively maintained, users looking for similar rootkit detection tools may consider the following alternatives:
Legacy Usage
While aswMBR is no longer supported, users can still use it for historical analysis on legacy systems. To run aswMBR:
- Download the archived version from BleepingComputer.
- Run aswMBR.exe as an administrator.
- Click Scan to analyze system boot sectors for infections.
- Review the scan log for potential threats.
- Click Fix (if necessary) to remove detected rootkits.
Conclusion
aswMBR played a critical role in the detection and removal of advanced malware threats, particularly during the rise of MBR-based rootkits. While it has been discontinued, its methodologies continue to influence modern anti-rootkit technologies.
See Also: