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Other => Viruses and worms => Topic started by: pasrus01 on November 24, 2012, 08:53:36 AM

Title: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 24, 2012, 08:53:36 AM
I searched around a bit but was unable to find a topic addressing this.

I recently purchased a new laptop running windows 7 home premium. I then installed both dropbox and the free version of avast. The problem is, every time I start dropbox, a get notifications about every minute that avast has blocked malware coming from dropbox. It's associated with the dropbox.exe *32 process. Avast repeatedly moves a temp file to the virus chest, saying that it is a Win32:Trojan-gen. I'm not sure if this is a false positive or not, but I've never had problems between avast and dropbox before. To get the pop-ups to stop I just start task manager and kill the dropbox.exe *32 process, but it would be nice of course to use the program. Here's the name of the file that avast keeps moving to the virus chest:

C:\Users\<username>\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache\~e84ddb1c.tmp

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Asyn on November 24, 2012, 08:55:29 AM
Test it at VT (https://www.virustotal.com/) and post the result.
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 24, 2012, 02:24:28 PM
Here's the report from virustotal.com:

SHA256:   205f0caedf82989588eda2d4a292557697f07d7eb11bc5cf126c8153a2f8036b
SHA1:   57bb7ef65c549f3c9d547cdbc387591c94774e85
MD5:   cc541892fabf1aba5b7172cf1f50e6cd
File size:   29.0 KB ( 29743 bytes )
File name:   ~e84ddb1c.tmp
File type:   Win32 EXE
Detection ratio:   15 / 36
Analysis date:    2012-11-24 13:21:25 UTC ( 1 minute ago )
00
Less details
Analysis
Comments
Votes
Additional information
Antivirus   Result   Update
Agnitum   -   20121124
AntiVir   -   20121124
Antiy-AVL   -   20121123
Avast   Win32:Trojan-gen   20121124
AVG   -   20121124
BitDefender   -   20121124
ByteHero   -   20121116
CAT-QuickHeal   -   20121124
ClamAV   -   20121124
Commtouch   W32/Backdoor2.HMDI   20121124
Comodo   UnclassifiedMalware   20121124
Emsisoft   -   20121124
ESET-NOD32   -   20121124
F-Prot   W32/Backdoor2.HMDI   20121124
F-Secure   -   20121124
Fortinet   W32/Barys.A6AA!tr   20121124
GData   Win32:Trojan-gen   20121124
Ikarus   Trojan-Dropper.Win32.KGen   20121124
Jiangmin   Trojan/Generic.aayzx   20121124
K7AntiVirus   Backdoor   20121123
Kingsoft   -   20121119
Microsoft   -   20121124
MicroWorld-eScan   -   20121124
nProtect   -   20121124
Panda   Trj/CI.A   20121124
PCTools   Trojan.Gen   20121124
Rising   -   20121123
Sophos   -   20121124
SUPERAntiSpyware   -   20121124
Symantec   Trojan.Gen   20121124
TheHacker   Posible_Worm32   20121124
TotalDefense   -   20121123
TrendMicro   TROJ_GEN.RCBZ1JR   20121124
TrendMicro-HouseCall   TROJ_GEN.RCBZ1JR   20121124
VIPRE   -   20121124
ViRobot   -   20121124
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Pondus on November 24, 2012, 02:26:34 PM
much easier to just post the scan link  ;)
https://www.virustotal.com/file/205f0caedf82989588eda2d4a292557697f07d7eb11bc5cf126c8153a2f8036b/analysis/


seems like it is correct

First seen by VirusTotal
 2012-03-10 14:35:19 UTC ( 8 mÃ¥neder, 2 uker ago )

Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 24, 2012, 03:08:20 PM
Whoops, sorry about that. I'm new to this stuff.  ;D

Okay, so it's a real virus. Next question then, how do I get it to stop popping up every minute? The file is never permanently removed but just gets created over and over again. Any ideas on that?
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on November 24, 2012, 03:13:22 PM
I have dropbox on my system and Avast is quite happy with it plus there is not a folder/file with that name in my folder

So I would suspect that there is an infection in there somewhere
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 24, 2012, 03:43:21 PM
Ok, I guess I'm not sure what to do about it. I scanned the entire dropbox folder, and no threats were found. Then I thought the program itself was the problem, so I uninstalled it, deleted all my synced info, and re-downloaded and re-installed the program. Same result, except this time the temp file has a different name. Also checked that one on virustotal.com, and interestingly enough, it stated it was the same file as the one I had tried earlier today.

So what to do? The problem isn't with the files I have on dropbox, and it's not with the program itself. I don't disagree that there's an infection, but I don't know how to find and permanently remove it.
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on November 24, 2012, 04:00:22 PM
Download OTL (http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/OTL.exe)  to your Desktop
Secondary link  (http://www.itxassociates.com/OT-Tools/OTL.exe)
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/OTL_Main_Tutorial.gif)

netsvcs
BASESERVICES
%username%/dropbox /s
%SYSTEMDRIVE%\*.exe
/md5start
services.*
explorer.exe
winlogon.exe
Userinit.exe
svchost.exe
winsock.*
/md5stop
CREATERESTOREPOINT


Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 24, 2012, 04:28:15 PM
Ok, here are the logs. Thanks for the guidance on this!
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on November 24, 2012, 07:27:41 PM
OK numpty used the wrong switch

Run OTL again and paste the following line in the custom scans box and press run scan.  There will be just one log this time

C:\Users\ben\Dropbox\*.* /s
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 25, 2012, 01:27:02 AM
Hmmm... tried attaching the log but was rejected because the file size is too big (680 kb) for attachments. Is there a way around that limitation?
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Pondus on November 25, 2012, 01:28:30 AM
Hmmm... tried attaching the log but was rejected because the file size is too big (680 kb) for attachments. Is there a way around that limitation?
split the log on two....and use two posts   ;)
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 25, 2012, 01:35:57 AM
I ended up uploading it mediafire. Here's the link:

http://www.mediafire.com/view/?634np53sjc9wunh
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 25, 2012, 01:41:05 AM
I tried my own link, but didn't get the file, so here it is split in two as you suggested.

Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 25, 2012, 01:41:32 AM
Part 2
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Pondus on November 25, 2012, 01:43:21 AM
Essexboy is in bed now...but back tomorrow   ;)
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on November 25, 2012, 12:16:16 PM
Ta .. Found it .. Lets see if OTL can kill it

You will need to resynch on completion as removal from the computer should then remove it from online

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
Code: [Select]
:OTL
[2012/11/24 21:35:17 | 000,026,879 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Users\ben\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache\IF8Mrt-CmJWI7aLUopJVdpfwfX6xG8XPEmyBU6L4A2s

:Files
C:\Users\ben\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache

:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]
[Reboot]
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 25, 2012, 02:34:47 PM
I've got two logs for you - one OTL produced after running the fix, then one after the quick scan. Unfortunately, it didn't work. After the reboot, dropbox also started automatically, and the popups started coming again one after another.
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on November 25, 2012, 02:43:01 PM
OK lets use a stronger tool for this

Download and Install Combofix
 
Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:
Link 1  (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)
Link 2 (http://www.forospyware.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)
 
VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop
 
* IMPORTANT - Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. If you have difficulty properly disabling your protective programs, refer to this link here  (http://forums.whatthetech.com/How_Disable_your_Security_Programs_t96260.html&pid=494216#entry494216)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/NSIS_disclaimer_ENG.png)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/NSIS_extraction.png)

Notes:
1. Do not mouse-click Combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
2. Do not "re-run" Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
3.  If after the reboot you get errors about programmes being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.


Please make sure you include the combo fix log in your next reply as well as describe how your computer is running now
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 25, 2012, 03:04:47 PM
Here's the log. After reboot, the result is the same. Still get the popups when Dropbox tries to sync.
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 25, 2012, 03:06:41 PM
Question: does the dropbox process need to be running for these fixes to work? I always kill the process after I reboot to stop the popups. Just want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong there.
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on November 25, 2012, 03:50:13 PM
No that is OK as OTL will remove it even if it is running

A question .. Are you synching with another dropbox account ?

1. Close any open browsers.
 
2. Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix. 
 
3. Open notepad and copy/paste the text in the quotebox below into it:
 
Quote

Folder::
C:\Users\ben\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache
 

 
Save this as CFScript.txt, in the same location as ComboFix.exe
 
 
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/sUBs/CFScriptB-4.gif) 
 
Refering to the picture above, drag CFScript into ComboFix.exe
 
When finished, it will produce a log for you at C:\ComboFix.txt which I will require in your next reply.
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: pasrus01 on November 25, 2012, 04:13:56 PM
Here's the latest log. I think it worked this time! Rebooted, and so far no popups after re-enabling avast. Any last steps?

Thanks so much for helping me out!!!
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on November 25, 2012, 04:24:35 PM
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:

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

We will now confirm that your hidden files are set to that, as some of the tools I use will change thatNow that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

(http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7729/mbamicontw5.gif) Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php).

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker (http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/) 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  (http://www.trusteer.com/Products/Trusteer-Rapport-for-Online-Banking)

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 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 ? (http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/225044-preventing-malware-and-safe-computing/)Keep safe  :wave:
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Dellu on January 01, 2013, 04:37:05 AM
Hello.
I am having the same issue. Avast pop up is not going away.

One point I didn\t understand from the above discussion is:

is the instruction about Combofix a followup of that of the OTL, or you are taking Combofix as an alternative since  the first (OTL) failed to solve the problem?

I am assuming the latter, that the OTL and the Combofix are independent fixes and tried combofix as instructed above. But, my problem is still persisting. I have attached my logs of the Combofix. Can you help me please?
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on January 01, 2013, 12:25:00 PM
They are different fixes.. And are only suitable for that system.  Luckily I had not unsubscribed from this thread 

Could you run an OTL scan please so that I can see what you have
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Dellu on January 01, 2013, 10:24:20 PM
Thank you for the fast reply. Here, I have attached the log file generated in OTL generated with the customization text ( as you stated above):
 
netsvcs
BASESERVICES
%SYSTEMDRIVE%\*.exe
/md5start
services.*
explorer.exe
winlogon.exe
Userinit.exe
svchost.exe
/md5stop
CREATERESTOREPOINT

 
thanks
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on January 01, 2013, 10:44:47 PM
Looks like whitesmoke may be the culprit

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
Code: [Select]
:Files
C:\Users\Desalegn\Dropbox\WhiteSmoke 2012 With Trial Reset v6.zip
C:\Users\Desalegn\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache

:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]
[Reboot]
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Dellu on January 01, 2013, 11:40:59 PM
The problem doesn't go yet, apparently. Avast is keeping popping up still.

Here is the log after the reboot (quick scan).


Thanks
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on January 02, 2013, 03:48:27 PM
OK lets try one more time..  They appear to have updated this malware

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
Code: [Select]
:OTL
[2013.01.01 23:26:05 | 000,000,029 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Windows\SysWow64\TempWmicBatchFile.bat
@Alternate Data Stream - 80 bytes -> C:\ProgramData\sdpsenv.dat:naughtypirates

:Files
C:\Users\Desalegn\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache

:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]
[Reboot]
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Dellu on January 02, 2013, 08:49:43 PM
Oh,  this is not fixing the problem.  I  scanned my system with Malwarebytes Antimalware. It finds no virus. I couldn't manually delete the virus file (~3609c714 file in the dropbox catch folder). It also disappears when I close the Avast Popup. Then, the popup comes back and the temp file also reappears.   Do you think removing Avast and Dropbox would help?
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on January 02, 2013, 09:42:13 PM
Save all the files that you want to keep from dropbox to your desktop
Then fully uninstall Dropbox and ensure no folders remain
Then let me know if Avast alerts again..

There should not be a cache folder in dropbox
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Dellu on January 02, 2013, 10:42:55 PM
1. I removed one of the suspect folders in the dropbox that contain some  windows softwares
2. I logged into the safe mood, and cleared all the stuff in the cache folder

Now, I am in the normal mood;  and Avast is not popping up so far.

Thank you for the help  ;D
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on January 02, 2013, 10:53:02 PM
OK if it is still good tomorrow let me know and I will tidy up
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Dellu on January 03, 2013, 10:16:52 PM
No problem so far. I will follow the guides you provide above and clear my pc.

regards,
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: essexboy on January 03, 2013, 10:19:11 PM
Are you happy to follow that or would you like your own copy  ;D
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: Dellu on January 03, 2013, 10:30:40 PM
It is fine. thanks
Title: Re: avast sees dropbox as malware
Post by: eydpot28 on January 19, 2013, 02:02:21 AM
Hi guys...

I've encountered the same problem:

Everytime I sync my dropbox, Avast shows malware popups.

It keeps on detecting the process:

C:\Users\user\AppData\Roaming\Dropbox\bin\Dropbox.exe

Newbie here so please be gentle :)

Any help? TIA!