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Other => Viruses and worms => Topic started by: swerang on May 16, 2012, 06:55:14 AM

Title: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 16, 2012, 06:55:14 AM

Hi,
My system has been behaving weirdly in the last few days and seems to have been infected with malware. Whenever I open a webpage in my browser(firefox),
it is being redirected to a different page in the first attempt. When I try opening the page the second time, it mostly goes to the right page. The system crashes and reboots while
running flash videos from time to time. Also, when I open a thumbnail image in the internet, it opens a different image. I hear pings in my system as if some process is executing in the background. When I checked taskmgr, I found some unfamiliar exes running. I tried to kill them, but they kept reappearing.

As advised in your forum, I ran MalwareBytes Anti-Malware, OTL and aswMBR.

MalwareBytes helped clean up some errors(I have attached the logs of it that came up when I ran it the first time).

I am unable to run OTL. The system crashes with a blue screen every time I try to run it. So I skipped running it.

I ran aswMBR and saved the logs. I have attached it here.

Can you please look in the logs and suggest ways to clean up the malware in my system?  It would be great if you could.

Looking forward to hearing from you.


Thanks,
Swetha

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 16, 2012, 01:38:46 PM

Hi,

Are you able to run OTL in Safe Mode?  If so do that and then attach the logs.  :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 16, 2012, 07:45:25 PM

Hi jeffc,
I ran OTL in safe mode and I have attached logs of the same. Please look in to it and let me know.

Thanks

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 16, 2012, 08:18:49 PM

I need to ask...is this a business/corporate computer? 

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 16, 2012, 08:31:25 PM

This was a laptop that I purchased from my previous employer when I moved out of my company. It is my personal laptop now and is not a business/corporate laptop.

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 16, 2012, 09:35:53 PM

Ok....great!

I am at work right now but will return shortly.  :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 16, 2012, 10:06:39 PM

Sure. Thanks. :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 17, 2012, 03:05:05 AM

Hi,

Please download and run ERUNT (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/erunt.html) (Emergency Recovery Utility NT).  This program allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed. The standard registry backup options that come with Windows back up most of the registry but not all of it. ERUNT however creates a complete backup set, including the Security hive and user related sections. ERUNT is easy to use and since it creates a full backup, there are no options or choices other than to select the location of the backup files. The backup set includes a small executable that will launch the registry restore if needed.  **Remember if you are using Windows Vista as your operating system right-click the executable and Run as Administrator.
----------

Run OTL.exe

• Copy/paste the following text written inside of the code box into the Custom Scans/Fixes box located at the bottom of OTL
  
  

Code: [Select]

:Services

:OTL
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope = {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}: "URL" = http://search.live.com/results.aspx?q={searchTerms}&src={referrer:source?}
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-73586283-299502267-725345543-1003\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope = {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-73586283-299502267-725345543-1003\..\SearchScopes\{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}: "URL" = http://search.live.com/results.aspx?q={searchTerms}&src=IE-SearchBox&Form=IE8SRC
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-73586283-299502267-725345543-1003\..\SearchScopes\{afdbddaa-5d3f-42ee-b79c-185a7020515b}: "URL" = http://search.conduit.com/ResultsExt.aspx?q={searchTerms}&SearchSource=4&ctid=CT2786678
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-73586283-299502267-725345543-1003\..\SearchScopes\{F1CA1342-EA47-4F5D-A283-9D556A1AF29D}: "URL" = http://websearch.ask.com/redirect?client=ie&tb=FTB&o=41648106&src=crm&q={searchTerms}&locale=en_US&apn_ptnrs=9C&apn_dtid=YYYYYYU8US&apn_uid=C46C247C-E317-493A-BBB7-A2E34C44724B&apn_sauid=5573F6FE-9C76-481E-A76A-3931E4767EE
[2012/04/20 18:18:25 | 000,002,252 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Program Files\mozilla firefox\searchplugins\bing.xml
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-21-73586283-299502267-725345543-1003\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {D4027C7F-154A-4066-A1AD-4243D8127440} - No CLSID value found.
O4 - HKU\S-1-5-21-73586283-299502267-725345543-1003..\Run: [QNPlus]  File not found
[7 C:\WINDOWS\*.tmp files -> C:\WINDOWS\*.tmp -> ]
[1 C:\WINDOWS\System32\*.tmp files -> C:\WINDOWS\System32\*.tmp -> ]
[1 C:\Documents and Settings\Swetha Ranganathan\My Documents\*.tmp files -> C:\Documents and Settings\Swetha Ranganathan\My Documents\*.tmp -> ]
[2011/10/10 12:54:56 | 000,020,480 | ---- | C] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\Swetha Ranganathan\Local Settings\Application Data\DCBC2A71-70D8-4DAN-EHR8-E0D61DEA3FDF.ini

:Commands
[purity]
[emptytemp]
[start explorer]
[Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
  
• Let the program run unhindered.  There will be a log created when it completes that I will need in your next reply.  Reboot when it is done.
• Then run a new scan and post a new OTL log ( don't check the boxes beside LOP Check or Purity this time )
  

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 17, 2012, 10:00:48 AM

Hi jeffce,
Thanks for the prompt response. I ran ERUNT and OTL as you advised. I have attached the logs of OTL after running fix and doing a scan after reboot. 

Thanks,
Swetha

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 17, 2012, 01:44:54 PM

Hi,

Good job running those.

Malwarebytes

I see that you have Malwarebytes already on your computer.  Please open Malwarebytes, update it and then run a Quick Scan.  Save the log that is created for your next reply.
----------

ESET Online Scanner
I'd like us to scan your machine with ESET Online Scan

Note: It is recommended to disable on-board anti-virus program and anti-spyware programs while performing scans so there are no conflicts and it will speed up scan time.
Please don't go surfing while your resident protection is disabled!
Once the scan is finished remember to re-enable your anti-virus along with your anti-spyware programs.


As a Vista/Win7 user you will need to right click your browser icon and select "Run as Administrator" in order to run this scan.

• Do not use this instance of your browser for anything besides doing this scan
• When the scan is complete and the results saved, close that instance of your browser
• Open a new one the usual way and post the results in this topic.

[list=1]

• Right-click and Run as Administartor on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.

ESET OnlineScan (http://eset.com/onlinescan)

• Click the (http://billy-oneal.com/Canned%20Speeches/speechimages/eset/esetOnline.png) button.
  
• For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)[list=1]
• Click on (http://billy-oneal.com/Canned%20Speeches/speechimages/eset/esetSmartInstall.png) to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
  
• Double click on the (http://billy-oneal.com/Canned%20Speeches/speechimages/eset/esetSmartInstallDesktopIcon.png) icon on your desktop.
  

• Check (http://billy-oneal.com/Canned%20Speeches/speechimages/eset/esetAcceptTerms.png)
  
• Click the Start button.
  
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
• Check (http://billy-oneal.com/Canned%20Speeches/speechimages/eset/esetScanArchives.png)
  
• Make sure that the option "Remove found threats" is Unchecked
• Push the Start button.
  
• ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin

scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.

• When the scan completes, push (http://billy-oneal.com/Canned%20Speeches/speechimages/eset/esetListThreats.png)
  
• Push (http://billy-oneal.com/Canned%20Speeches/speechimages/eset/esetExport.png), and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as
  ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
  
• Push the Back button.
  
• Push Finish
  

http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/
----------

In your next reply please post the logs made by Malwarebytes and ESET online scanner.  :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 17, 2012, 10:31:08 PM

I ran MalwareBytes and ESET following your instructions. I have attached logs of both runs. MalwareBytes didn't find any infections whereas ESET did show some trojans. Please look at the logs and let me know the next step. :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 18, 2012, 12:55:44 AM

Hi,

Run OTL.exe

• Copy/paste the following text written inside of the code box into the Custom Scans/Fixes box located at the bottom of OTL
  
  

Code: [Select]

:Services

:Files
C:\Documents and Settings\Swetha Ranganathan\Local Settings\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\14\292386ce-1c59ce8b
C:\Documents and Settings\Swetha Ranganathan\Local Settings\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\34\26ac7ea2-3c73e2bb
C:\Documents and Settings\Swetha Ranganathan\Local Settings\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\41\29b4c469-44a4431a
C:\Documents and Settings\Swetha Ranganathan\Local Settings\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\54\4c4f8d76-39211c4b

:Commands
[purity]
[emptytemp]
[resethosts]
[clearallrestorepoints]
[start explorer]
[Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
  
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot when it is done
• Then run a new scan and post a new OTL log ( don't check the boxes beside LOP Check or Purity this time )
  

----------

In your next reply please attach the log made by OTL and let me know how your system is running. 

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 18, 2012, 04:02:40 AM

Hi jeffce,
I ran OTL and have attached the logs of the two runs. Thanks.

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 18, 2012, 01:44:40 PM

Hi,

How is your system running now?  :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 18, 2012, 08:45:40 PM

Hi jeffce,
Thanks for those steps. The system seems better, however, webpages are still getting re-directed and videos are freezing from time to time. :(

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 18, 2012, 09:11:37 PM

Hi,

Ok lets dig further...  :)

Please download TDSSKiller.zip (http://support.kaspersky.com/downloads/utils/tdsskiller.zip)

• Extract it to your desktop
• Double click TDSSKiller.exe
  
• when the window opens, click on Change Parameters
  
• under ”Additional options”, put a check mark in the box next to “Detect TDLFS File System”
  
• click OK
  
• Press Start Scan
  
  • Only if Malicious objects are found then ensure Cure is selected
    
  • Then click Continue > Reboot now
    
• Copy and paste the log in your next reply
• A copy of the log will be saved automatically to the root of the drive (typically C:\)
  

----------

Please read through these instructions to familarize yourself with what to expect when this tool runs

Download ComboFix from one of these locations:

Link 1 (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)
Link 2 (http://www.infospyware.net/antimalware/combofix/)

* IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop

• Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools.  Note: If you are having difficulty properly disabling your protective programs, or are unsure as to what programs need to be disabled, please refer to the information available through this link : How to Disable your Security Programs (http://"http://forums.whatthetech.com/How_to_Disable_your_Security_Programs_t96260.html")
  
  
• Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
• As part of it's process, ComboFix will check to see if the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed. With malware infections being as they are today, it's strongly recommended to have this pre-installed on your machine before doing any malware removal.  It will allow you to boot up into a special recovery/repair mode that will allow us to more easily help you should your computer have a problem after an attempted removal of malware.
• Follow the prompts to allow ComboFix to download and install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console, and when prompted, agree to the End-User License Agreement to install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console.

**Please note: If the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is already installed, ComboFix will continue it's malware removal procedures.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/RCUpdate1.png)

Once the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed using ComboFix, you should see the following message:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/RC2-1.png)

Click on Yes, to continue scanning for malware.

When finished, it shall produce a log for you.  Please include the C:\ComboFix.txt in your next reply.

Notes:

1.Do not mouse-click Combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
2. ComboFix may reset a number of Internet Explorer's settings, including making I-E the default browser.
3. CF disconnects your machine from the internet.  The connection is automatically restored before CF completes its run.  If CF runs into difficulty and terminates prematurely, the connection can be manually restored by restarting your machine.
----------

In your next reply please attach the logs made by TKSSKiller and ComboFix.  :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 19, 2012, 09:34:58 AM

Thanks jeffce. I ran the two software as per the instructions and attached the logs for you to look at.

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 19, 2012, 09:29:18 PM

Hi,

Looks like we found a nasty one...

Re-run TDSSKiller and this time remove the following entries and attach the new log.

Quote

\Device\Harddisk0\DR0 ( TDSS File System ) - skipped by user
\Device\Harddisk0\DR0 ( TDSS File System ) - User select action: Skip

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 20, 2012, 09:13:57 AM

I removed that entry jeffce. Here is the log generated.

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 20, 2012, 03:15:16 PM

Good job!  That was a nasty one. 

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 20, 2012, 10:29:04 PM

How is your system running?  :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 21, 2012, 08:31:33 AM

Thanks jeffce. It seems much better since I haven't seen any webpage redirection since morning. I am still facing flash video hanging once in a while and later crashing the system with blue screen. The system seems ok otherwise. :)

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 21, 2012, 06:20:40 PM

Hi,

Let's check to be sure you have the most recent Flash updates...

Go to Start >> Control Panel >> double click Flash Player >> select Advanced tab >> press Check Now 
If there are updates needed be sure to download them.  :) 

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 22, 2012, 09:40:20 AM

It was one version before the latest version, jeffce. I updated it. Thanks. Hope it works without problems in the future. :)

Now that I ran a series of antivirus software to remove the viruses, would you recommend running any of the software from time to time to ensure that the system is clean?

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 23, 2012, 03:40:38 AM

When we finish up I will give you some good information but for now....how is your system running?

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 25, 2012, 07:32:32 PM

I haven't seen any webpage redirection in the last few days, jeffce. So the system is definitely better. The video freezing is still happening(but not as often as before).

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 25, 2012, 08:06:36 PM

Hi,

Quote

I haven't seen any webpage redirection in the last few days

That is great!  :)  As for the video freezing I believe that is going to be a software/hardware problem and to be honest that is not my best area. 
If it is really bothersome I would register for a free account at Geeks to Go >> http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/ and start a topic here >> http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/forum/5-windows-xp-2000-2003-nt/  The techs there will be able to better help you than I can here.   
---------

Providing there are no other malware related problems...

IT APPEARS THAT YOUR LOGS ARE NOW CLEAN :D  SO LETS DO A COUPLE OF THINGS TO WRAP THIS UP!! :D

This infection appears to have been cleaned, but I can not give you any absolute guarantees.  As a precaution, I would go ahead and change all of your passwords as this is especially important after an infection.
----------

The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Click Start > Run  and copy/paste the following text into the Run box as shown and click OK.
  Combofix /Uninstall
  (Note: There is a space between the ..X and the /U that needs to be there.)

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/jeffce74/CF.jpg)
----------

Clean up with OTL:

• Double-click OTL.exe to start the program.
  
• Close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot
• On the OTL main screen, press the CLEANUP button
  
• Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.
  

----------

Any of the logs that you created for use in the forums or remaining tools that have not yet been removed can be deleted so they aren't cluttering up your desktop.

Here are some tips to reduce the potential for spyware infection in the future:

1. Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:

• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
  
• Click once on the Security tab
  
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
  
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
  
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
  
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
  
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
  
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
  
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
  
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
  
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
  
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
  
• Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

2. Enable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer.  This helps Windows Vista users stay more protected from attack by running Internet Explorer with restricted privileges as well as reducing the ability to write, alter or destroy data on your system or install malicious code.  To make sure this is running follow these steps:

• Open Internet Explorer
  
• Click on Tools > Internet Options
  
• Press Security tab
  
• Select Internet zone then place check next to Enable Protected Mode if not already done
  
• Do the same for Local Intranet, Trusted Sites and Restricted Sites and then press Apply
  
• Restart Internet Explorer and in the bottom right corner of your screen you will see Protected Mode: On showing you it is enabled.

3. Use and update an anti-virus software - I can not overemphasize the need for you to use and update your anti-virus application on a regular basis.  With the ever increasing number of new variants of malware arriving on the scene daily, you become very susceptible to an attack without updated protection.

4. Firewall
Using a third-party firewall will allow you to give/deny access for applications that want to go online. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.  A tutorial on firewalls can be found here[/color] (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial60.html).  **There are firewalls listed in this tutorial that could be downloaded and used but I would personally only recommend using one of the following two below:
Online Armor Free (http://download.cnet.com/Online-Armor-Free/3000-10435_4-10426782.html)
Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free (http://download.cnet.com/Agnitum-Outpost-Firewall-Free/3000-10435_4-10913746.html)

5. Make sure you keep your Windows OS current.  Windows XP users can visit Windows update  (http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp)  regularly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. Windows Vista/7 users can open the Start menu > All Programs > Windows Update > Check for Updates (in left hand task pane) to update these systems.  Without these you are leaving the back door open.

6.   WOT   (http://www.mywot.com/) (Web of Trust) As "Googling" is such an integral part of internet life, this free browser add on warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. It is especially helpful when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites.  WOT has an add-on available for Firefox, Internet Explorer as well as Google Chrome.

7.Finally, I strongly recommend that you read TonyKlein's good advice So how did I get infected in the first place?  (http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?autocom=custom&page=How_did_I)
 
Please reply to this thread once more if you are satisfied so that we can mark the problem as resolved.

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: swerang on May 30, 2012, 08:04:49 AM

Hi Jeffce,
I followed the final steps and also read the tips for future infection prevention. Thanks a lot. :) The firewall tutorial link isn't working for me. Says the page has an error.

Should I remove the MalwareBytes anti-malware and other anti-virus software that I installed during the course of the clean up? Please let know.

Thanks,
Swetha

Title: Re: Computer infected with malware
Post by: jeffce on May 30, 2012, 01:28:58 PM

Hi,

Sorry about the broken link.  I think it may have been recently removed or moved someplace else.  I will have to find another.

As for Malwarebytes and ESET you can and should keep those.  Run Malwarebytes once a week and ESET maybe once a month just to be on the safe side.  :)