Quarantine function query

[Dhruv2193]

Have you ever come across security software that does not ask what is to be done with quarantined files while uninstalling? What happens to these files in case of software not asking for action while removal of software?

 

[EndangeredPootis]

Quarantined objects have been completely disabled by the AV, even if the quarantine folder is not deleted there is 0% chance malware can escape.

 

[Dhruv2193]

Quarantined objects have been completely disabled by the AV, even if the quarantine folder is not deleted there is 0% chance malware can escape.

But why does this happen as after removal, won't the restrictions placed by the antivirus be removed?

 

[roger_m]

But why does this happen as after removal, won't the restrictions placed by the antivirus be removed?

Quarantined files are usually encrypted, stored in a hidden folder and don't have an exe extension. Even if this was not the case and the files were stored without being encrypted and still had the .exe extension, they would be harmless unless you actually opened the quarantine folder and manually opened some of the files.

 

[RoboMan]

But why does this happen as after removal, won't the restrictions placed by the antivirus be removed?

I think you're thinking of quarantine as a malware jail, but it's not.

Once a file is detected as malicious and "moved to quarantine", what really happens is that the antivirus deletes the file from its original location and then modifies it (call it permissions, strings) in order for it NOT to be able to run as a program/executable. This modified file is moved to a hidden folder aforementioned by @roger_m that nobody can access. If you then choose to empty quarantine, this folder and its content is deleted for good.

If upon uninstall an antivirus doesn't let you choose what to do with quarantine objects (usually it should), then probably this folder will remain hidden full of modified, harmless objects.

 

[Dhruv2193]

Quarantined files are usually encrypted, stored in a hidden folder and don't have an exe extension. Even if this was not the case and the files were stored without being encrypted and still had the .exe extension, they would be harmless unless you actually opened the quarantine folder and manually opened some of the files.

Thanks. Solved my query. But as Robbie mentioned that the files cannot be run as a program/executable, so will manuallu opening do anything malicious to the system?

 

[RoboMan]

Thanks. Solved my query. But as Robbie mentioned that the files cannot be run as a program/executable, so will manuallu opening do anything malicious to the system?

You can't manually execute them, they're modified not to. Plus they're hidden so you can't see them

 

[Dhruv2193]

You can't manually execute them, they're modified not to. Plus they're hidden so you can't see them

So it is practically impossible for us and other people to execute it by any way/tool?

 

[RoboMan]

So it is practically impossible for us and other people to execute it by any way/tool?

Correct, that's the purpose of quarantine. Isolating malware in a way nobody, not hackers not even you can make them work (unless you restore it).

 

[Dhruv2193]

Thanks to @Robbie @roger_m and @EndangeredPootis for the replies.Now I fully understand.