Windows Update Icon Duplicating Virus

[jimskea]

Hi all.

I seem to have the same problem as this previous post: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=118769.0 on my laptop (Toshiba running Vista), which essexboy managed to solve.

I'm fairly sure it was infected on or soon after July 12 (30 days ago), via a USB drive which I used to take photos to a lab on that date.

Since whatever it is appears to get worse when the laptop is connected to the internet, I've been booting it up in Safe Mode without Networking
(like the previous user, I can't install  AdwCelaner, Malwarebytes or OTL in normal mode), and am using a Memory card to transfer files from my computer to the laptop.

In safe mode, I can install and run Malwarebytes, but it doesn't find anything (log attached).
Also attached are the logs from OTL (run in Safe mode) and aswMBR (which I managed to run in standard mode)


Thanks in advance for the help.

[mchain]

hi jimskea,

Since you've done what you should in attaching the logs requested, I've gone and notified a certified malware expert to come and help you.

You can also use this program to block USB malware in the future:  http://www.mcshield.net/downloads.html

Please wait for your expert to come in and assist you.

[jimskea]

Thanks!

[essexboy]

Hi, first we will clean the USB

Download McShield to your desktop and install
It will initially run a scan and show the result as a toaster by the system clock
Then in the control centre select scanner and tick unhide items on flash drives

Plug in the drive and McShield will start a scan

Then get the log which will be here :

Start > all programs > MCShield > logs > all scans

And post that

Then run the OTL fix and follow with a fresh scan

Warning This fix is only relevant for this system and no other, using on another computer may cause problems

Be advised that when the fix commences it will shut down all running processes and you may lose the desktop and icons, they will return on reboot

Run OTL

• Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following
  
  
  

Code: [Select]

:Commands
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]

:OTL
O4 - HKU\S-1-5-21-3597928278-2673301062-3740650116-1000..\Run: [be] C:\Users\Jim\AppData\Roaming\a80\be.js ()
O4 - Startup: C:\Users\Jim\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\ec5.js ()
O33 - MountPoints2\{1a7e076c-c13e-11df-9d87-001e3343dde6}\Shell\AutoRun\command - "" = AUnvXP.ExE
O33 - MountPoints2\{1a7e076c-c13e-11df-9d87-001e3343dde6}\Shell\Open\coMmand - "" = aUnVxp.eXE
O33 - MountPoints2\{1fa44621-3a75-11df-b391-001e3343dde6}\Shell\AutoRun\command - "" = VGRSeY.EXE
O33 - MountPoints2\{1fa44621-3a75-11df-b391-001e3343dde6}\Shell\OpeN\commANd - "" = vgrSEy.exE
[2013/07/18 12:18:56 | 000,000,000 | -HSD | C] -- C:\Users\Jim\AppData\Roaming\a80
[2013/07/18 12:18:55 | 000,000,000 | -HSD | C] -- C:\a9d
[2013/08/12 17:06:46 | 000,047,850 | ---- | C] () -- C:\Users\Jim\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\ec5.js

:Files
C:\Users\Jim\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\*.js
:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
  
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done
• Open OTL again and click the Quick Scan button. Post the log it produces in your next reply.

[jimskea]

essexboy: many thanks. That seems to have worked. At least the replicating Windows Update icons no longer appear and I can now run OTL in standard mode. I'll post the resulting logs when OTL finishes its quick scan.

[jimskea]

And here are the logs from McShield & OTL.

By the way, any idea what malware that was?

Many thanks once again.

[essexboy]

On the USB is this folder G:\a8a8 could you delete that please

This was a downloader/redirector  I am surprised that AVG did not alert you to it when it connected to the internet

Any further problems before I tidy up ?

[jimskea]

No, that's it all fixed I think.

Don't know why AVG didn't pick up this threat. As soon as I saw what was happening, I switched off wireless networking (thankfully there's a physical switch which makes this very quick to do). Maybe the malware ever even got the chance to make a connection?

Good work!

[essexboy]

Subject to no further problems   

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems 

Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean  :thumbsup:

A good workman always cleans up after himself so..The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset  System Restore points:

Run OTL and hit the cleanup button.  It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself. 

Clear Restore Points

Go Start > All Programmes > Accessories > System tools
Right click Disc Cleanup and select run as administrator
When it pops up at the first prompt select OK after it has done some calculations the tabs will appear
Select More Options tab
Press Sytem Restore and Shadow Copies Cleanup button



: Keep Java Updated :

WARNING: Java is the #1 exploited program at this time. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java
See this article and this article.
I would recommend that you completely uninstall Java unless you need it to run an important software.
In that instance I would recommend that you disable Java in your browsers until you need it for that software and then enable it. (See How to diasble Java in your web browser and How to unplug Java from the browser)

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker and run it monthly it will show you which programmes on your system need updating and give a download link

If you use on-line banking then as an added layer of protection install Trusteer Rapport

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated. To keep your operating system up to date visit

• Microsoft Windows Update

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide  How did I get infected in the first place ?Keep safe  :wave: