MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested.

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by 35KEN, Jun 10, 2010.

  1. 35KEN

    35KEN Private E-2

    Hi there.

    This is my first ever post so bear with me if I get things wrong.

    The problem is on my daughter’s laptop. It started back in May with the XP Defender virus, the Google results hijack virus and possibly more (all at the same time). It seems that AVG had also been attacked and whilst it was disabled she suffered multiple infections.

    By following your Malware removal instructions, I had managed to get to a state where just the Google hijack seemed to remain. However, she suffered a further attack which, amongst other things, stopped the DHCP client from auto-starting and is overriding the Windows theme, mouse pointer, etc.

    Current state is that after re-running the programs as advised in your Cleaning XP procedure, DHCP starts OK, Windows theme is still compromised, and other tasks that should run at startup (see list below) aren’t. MSCONFIG is in the correct state and I’m sure that some scanning software that I’ve run during the last few weeks has flagged the associated startup registry items as having missing code (even though all the programs exist). Affected startup items are:-

    c:\program files\Apoint\Apoint .exe
    c:\program files\Belkin\F5D9010\Belkinwcui .exe
    c:\program files\CheckPoint\ZAForceField\ForceField .exe
    c:\program files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleSyncNotifier .exe
    c:\program files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier .exe
    c:\program files\iTunes\iTunesHelper .exe
    c:\program files\QuickTime\qttask .exe
    c:\program files\Sony\ISB Utility\ISBMgr .exe
    c:\program files\Sony\Prepare your VAIO\PYVAlert .exe
    c:\program files\Sony\VAIO Camera Utility\VCUServe .exe
    c:\program files\Sony\VAIO Power Management\SPMgr .exe
    c:\program files\Sony\VAIO Update 5\VAIOUpdt .exe
    c:\program files\Sony\Wireless Switch Setting Utility\Switcher .exe
    c:\program files\Windows Live\Messenger\MsnMsgr .exe
    c:\program files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG .exe
    c:\windows\system32\ICO .exe

    ** I’ve just noticed that they have spaces inserted before the ‘.exe’?

    I also haven’t noticed the Google results hijack happening again yet, but it was sporadic before so I’m not convinced it is cured.

    The only deviation I made from your script is that RootRepeal wouldn’t run even though ant-virus (AVG) and firewall (ZoneAlarm) were disabled (it just hung in ‘initialising’ state). I also performed a repair installation of AVG to get it to run at startup again as I was worried about further attacks. Just as well as AVG Resident Shield is still reporting odd item.

    That’s about it. Logs attached are :-

    SASlog.txt – SuperAntiSpyware
    MBAMlog.txt – MalwareBytes
    Combofixlog.txt - Combofix
    MGLogs.zip - MGTools


    Many Thanks in anticipation for your help.
     

    Attached Files:

    35KEN, Jun 10, 2010
    #1
  2. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    Re: MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested

    Welcome to MajorGeeks, 35Ken.

    I am currently reviewing your logs and will get back to you with a set of instructions as soon as possible. Our queue is working the oldest threads first.

    Thanks for your patience.
    dr.m
     
    dr.moriarty, Jun 11, 2010
    #2
  3. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    Re: MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested

    WARNING: The following advice and fixes are created specifically to this member's problem and should be used for the issue(s) with this machine only.

    Hello, 35Ken

    Questions: Do you know what this is? c:\documents and settings\All Users\Application Data\iGNoE6.dat

    If you don't know what this file is for, then delete it:
    Code:
    "C:\WINDOWS\"
winstart.bat   8 Jun 2010           2  "winstart.bat"
    Step 1:
    *You are way out of date with your version of SUPERAntiSpyware.
    • Please uninstall your current version (this is necessary).
    • Then download this SUPERAntiSpyware
    • Install this new version. It may tell you that you need to reboot to complete the installation. You must reboot at this time.
    • After the reboot, run SUPERAntiSpyware and immediately click the Check for Updates button to get more updates for the database.
    • Now run a new "Quick scan" of your system. And attach this new log.

    Step 2:
    Please look in Add/Remove Programs for the following and uninstall if found. If you get any errors just make a note and continue on.
    Step 3:
    Run C:\MGtools\analyse.exe by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator). This is really HijackThis (select Do a system scan only) and select the following lines but DO NOT CLICK FIX until you exit all browser sessions including the one you are reading in right now:
    After clicking Fix, exit HJT.

    Step 4:
    Now we need to use ComboFix.
    • Make sure that combofix.exe that you downloaded while doing the READ & RUN ME is on your Desktop but Do not run it!
      • If it is not on your Desktop, the below will not work.
    • Make sure you have shut down all protection software (antivirus, antispyware, firewall...etc) programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix. *Remember to re-start them before coming back online.
    • If ComboFix tells you it needs to update to a new version, make sure you allow it to update.
    • Open Notepad and copy/paste the text inside of the below code box into it (make sure you scroll all the way down in the code box to get all lines selected ):
    • Save the above as CFscript.txt and make sure you save it to the same location (should be on your Desktop) as ComboFix.exe
    • At this point, you MUST EXIT ALL BROWSERS NOW before continuing!
    • You should have both the ComboFix.exe and CFScript.txt icons on your Desktop.
      If it asks you to overide the previous file with the same name, click YES.
    • Now use your mouse to drag CFscript.txt on top of ComboFix.exe
      [​IMG]
    • Follow the prompts.
    • When it finishes, a log will be produced named c:\combofix.txt
    • I will ask for this log below

    Note:
    Do not mouseclick combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.

    Step 5:
    Open CCleaner - select "Cleaner" > "Run Cleaner" <---use this function ONLY!

    Step 6:
    Now run the below in normal boot mode and attach the log.

    GMER - running with a random name

    Step 7:
    Now go to this link MGTools and download the new version of MGtools....overwrite your previous MGtools.exe file with this one.

    Then run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Windows 7, use right click and select Run As Administrator).

    Please attach the below logs to your next reply:
    • C:\MGlogs.zip
    • updated SASlog.
    • GMER log

    * Make sure you tell me if you had any problems running this procedure; and answer this - "What malware problems are you still experiencing?"

    dr.m
     
    dr.moriarty, Jun 11, 2010
    #3
  4. 35KEN

    35KEN Private E-2

    Re: MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested

    Dr M.

    Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I’ve spent a day or so trying (unsuccessfully) to get GMER to run. It either crashed and rebooted or just hung the pc – usually after a couple of hours running. Therefore, I haven’t been able to get the GMER log for you. Other than that, the update is as follows :-

    Step 0:
    i) I’ve no idea what C:\documents and settings\All Users\Application Data\iGNoE6.dat is. Do you want me to delete it?

    ii) C:\WINDOWS\winstart.bat has been deleted as requested.

    Step 1:
    i) SUPERAntiSpyware updated and re-run. New log attached.

    Step 2:
    i) Messenger Plus! Live removed as requested.

    Step 3:
    i) C:\MGTools\analyse.exe run and requested items fixed.

    Step 4:
    i) ComboFix updated and re-run using supplied parameters. Log attached.

    Step 5:
    i) CCleaner run OK.

    Step 6:
    i) Couldn’t get GMER to run to end. Problems as described above. No log available.

    Step 7:
    i) Latest MGTools downloaded and C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat re-run. Log(s) attached.

    At the moment, things appear to be OK. Desktop theme has been put back as required. Internet connection is established at startup and Google results no longer seem to be hijacked. Items that weren’t being run at startup (Touch Pad Driver Control Panel, Belkin Wireless Client Utility, Wireless Switch Setting Utility, etc) have also re-appeared on the taskbar. Fingers crossed, we might almost be there (although I’ll feel happier once you’ve had chance to check the latest logs). Thanks again for your help.

    Attached updated logs (minus GMER log) are :-

    SASlog.txt – SuperAntiSpyware
    MBAMlog.txt – MalwareBytes
    Combofixlog.txt - Combofix
    MGLogs.zip - MGTools
     

    Attached Files:

    35KEN, Jun 14, 2010
    #4
  5. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    Re: MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested

    Sorry to the wait, 35Ken

    Yes.

    Step 1:
    Please rename this, adding .old to the folder name:
    c:\documents and settings\Jenso\Application Data\38D7A67FFC4EF8AE8317BAAC5C9F908B

    If you don't experience troubles in a few days, it should be safe to go ahead and delete it.

    Step 2:
    *This file (nor any executables)does not belong on your desktop"
    C:\Documents and Settings\Jenso\Desktop\itwd139v.exe

    What is it anyway?

    Step 3:
    Now we need to use ComboFix again.
    • Make sure that combofix.exe that you downloaded while doing the READ & RUN ME is on your Desktop but Do not run it!
      • If it is not on your Desktop, the below will not work.
    • Make sure you have shut down all protection software (antivirus, antispyware, firewall...etc) programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix. *Remember to re-start them before coming back online.
    • If ComboFix tells you it needs to update to a new version, make sure you allow it to update.
    • Open Notepad and copy/paste the text inside of the below code box into it (make sure you scroll all the way down in the code box to get all lines selected ):
    • Save the above as CFscript.txt and make sure you save it to the same location (should be on your Desktop) as ComboFix.exe
    • At this point, you MUST EXIT ALL BROWSERS NOW before continuing!
    • You should have both the ComboFix.exe and CFScript.txt icons on your Desktop.
      If it asks you to overide the previous file with the same name, click YES.
    • Now use your mouse to drag CFscript.txt on top of ComboFix.exe
      [​IMG]
    • Follow the prompts.
    • When it finishes, a log will be produced named c:\combofix.txt
    • I will ask for this log below

    Note:
    Do not mouseclick combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.

    Step 4:
    Delete all files and subfolders in the below folders except ones from the current date (Windows will not let you delete the files from the current day).
    Step 5:
    Open CCleaner - select "Cleaner" > "Run Cleaner" <---use this function ONLY!

    Step 6:
    Then run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Windows 7, use right click and select Run As Administrator).

    Please attach the new C:\MGlogs.zip file to your next reply.

    * Make sure you tell me if you had any problems running this procedure; and answer this - "What malware problems are you still experiencing?"

    dr.m
     
    dr.moriarty, Jun 18, 2010
    #5
  6. 35KEN

    35KEN Private E-2

    Re: MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested

    Dr M.

    All tasks completed as requested. Update is as follows :-

    Step 0:
    i) C:\documents and settings\All Users\Application Data\iGNoE6.dat is now deleted.

    Step 1:
    i) c:\documents and settings\Jenso\Application Data\38D7A67FFC4EF8AE8317BAAC5C9F908B folder re-named to .old (folder was empty anyway).

    Step 2:
    i) C:\Documents and Settings\Jenso\Desktop\itwd139v.exe is the randomly-named GMER. I’ve moved this to D:\TEMP and placed a shortcut on the desktop.

    Step 3:
    i) ComboFix updated and re-run using supplied parameters. Log attached.

    Step 4:
    i) All old files deleted from folders C:\WINDOWS\Temp and
    C:\Documents and Settings\Jenso\Local Settings\TEMP (they only contained files from current date anyway).

    Step 5:
    i) CCleaner run OK.

    Step 7:
    i) C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat re-run. Log(s) attached.

    No problems running the requested tasks. At the moment, everything else appears to be OK. No obvious signs of malware. Hopefully, we’re there. Let me know if there is anything suspicious in the latest logs. Thanks again for your invaluable help.

    Attached updated logs are :-

    SASlog.txt – SuperAntiSpyware
    MBAMlog.txt – MalwareBytes
    Combofixlog.txt - Combofix
    MGLogs.zip - MGTools
     

    Attached Files:

    35KEN, Jun 20, 2010
    #6
  7. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    Re: MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested

    :)

    You're welcome!

    Your logs look good! If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

    You can now delete:
    the D:\TEMP\GMER_itwd139v.exe <--- file
    c:\documents and settings\Jenso\Application Data\Lavasoft <--- folder
    1. We recommend you keep SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware. Unless you purchase them, they provide no protection. They do not use any significant amount of resources ( except a little disk space ) until you run a scan.
    2. If we had you use ComboFix, uninstall ComboFix (This uninstall will only work as written if you installed ComboFix on your Desktop like we requested.)
      • Click START then RUN and enter the below into the run box and then click OK. Note the quotes are required
      • "%userprofile%\Desktop\combofix" /uninstall
        • Notes: The space between the combofix" and the /uninstall, it must be there.
        • This will uninstall ComboFix and also reset hidden files and folders settings back to Windows defaults.
    3. Go back to step 6 of the READ ME and re-enable your Disk Emulation software with Defogger if you had disabled it.
    4. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
    5. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others), you can delete these files now.
    6. If running Vista, it is time to make sure you have re-enabled UAC by double clicking on the C:\MGtools\enableUAC.reg file and allowing it to be added to the registry.
    7. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
    8. Goto the C:\MGtools folder and find the MGclean.bat file. Double click on this file to run this cleanup program that will remove files and folders
      related to MGtools and some other items from our cleaning procedures.
    9. If you are running Win 7, Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below:
      • Refer to the cleaning procedures pointed to by step 7 of the READ ME
        for your Window version and see the instructions to Disable System Restore which will flush your Restore Points.
      • Then reboot and Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.
    10. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
    Safe surfing! [​IMG]
     
    dr.moriarty, Jun 20, 2010
    #7
  8. 35KEN

    35KEN Private E-2

    Re: MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested

    Dr M.

    All tasks completed as requested. Final (hopefully) update is as follows :-

    Step 0:
    D:\TEMP\GMER_itwd139v.exe ( file deleted).
    C:\documents and settings\Jenso\Application Data\Lavasoft (folder deleted).

    Step 1:
    SUPERAntiSpyware & Malwarebytes retained and definitions updated.

    Step 2:
    Combofix Uninstalled.

    Step 3:
    Not Required (no disk emulation software in use).

    Step 4:
    RootRepeal, Spybot Search & Destroy uninstalled.

    Step 5:
    Not Required (no registry patches downloaded).

    Step 6:
    Not Required (not running Vista).

    Step 7:
    HijackThis uninstalled.

    Step 8:
    C:\Mgtools\MGclean.bat file run.

    Step 9:
    System Restore disabled / enabled.

    Step 10:
    Worked through the Malware Protection link.


    Only other changes made :-

    C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\MsnMsgr.exe renamed correctly (had somehow become MsnMsgr .exe (i.e. extra spaces before the .exe)).

    C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask .exe deleted (i.e. extra spaces before the .exe). There was already a file called QTTask.exe which had the same attributes (size, creation date, version) as the incorrectly named file.

    I’ll now hand the laptop back to my daughter now. She’s aware of the need to keep AVG etc. up-to-date and to surf carefully.

    Many Thanks again for all your assistance. Here’s hoping we don’t need too much of your time in the future!
     
    35KEN, Jun 21, 2010
    #8
  9. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    Re: MALWARE - Problems remain after following the READ & RUN ME guide. Help requested

    You're welcome.

    dr.m
     
    dr.moriarty, Jun 21, 2010
    #9

MajorGeeks.Com Menu

Downloads All In One Tweaks \ Android \ Anti-Malware \ Anti-Virus \ Appearance \ Backup \ Browsers \ CD\DVD\Blu-Ray \ Covert Ops \ Drive Utilities \ Drivers \ Graphics \ Internet Tools \ Multimedia \ Networking \ Office Tools \ PC Games \ System Tools \ Mac/Apple/Ipad Downloads

Other News: Top Downloads \ News (Tech) \ Off Base (Other Websites News) \ Way Off Base (Offbeat Stories and Pics)

Social: Facebook \ YouTube \ Twitter \ Tumblr \ Pintrest \ RSS Feeds