anitvirus and anitspyware tools not updating

Discussion in 'Malware Help (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by RW123, Jan 9, 2010.

  1. RW123

    RW123 Private E-2

    Hi.

    I think I may be infected with some malware that is keeping my anitvirus software from being able to manually update. I use avast home edition and run Windows XP Home SP2.

    I received a real-time alert while browsing with firefox, followed the avast instructions, etc. However, I then started getting pop-ups from a look-alike/fake anti-spyware/anti-malware program. Was finally able to kill it using the Windows task manager, restarted in safe mode, and unchecked from startup using msconfig. I then ran avast and malwarebytes anti-malware, it picked up some items and deleted them. I don't remember all of these details since I thought the problem was solved.

    However, I then noticed that malwarebytes anti-malware and avast would not let me update their definitions manually. When I try to update I get a message that the program cannot connect to the servers (or a variation of that message depending upon what program I am trying to update). It does appear though that avast is updating its definitions automatically. All of this led me to believe that I may still be infected.

    Anyway, I found this site (which has been very helpful!) and followed the instructions on the read me and windows xp cleaning threads. I tested the Super Anti-spyware after following the cleaning procedure, and it will not let me update manually from within the program either.

    I have attached the SASlog.txt, MalwareBytes Anti-Malware log, RRlog.txt, and MGlogs.zip files to this message. I could not download combofix (I got the message listed in the cleaning procedure instructions).

    Any help that someone can provide to either assure that I do not still have malware or help me clean what I have is most appreciated. Thank you in advance!

    RW123
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    What message?


    I am currently reviewing your logs and will get back to you with a set of instructions as soon as possible. :)
     
  3. RW123

    RW123 Private E-2

    I do not remember the exact error message, but it was something like what is posted in the XP cleaning procedure thread:

    "ComboFix is currently not available for download until an issue with the program is resolved"

    However, I just tried it now, and was able to download it. I have not run it (not sure if it would mess up your diagnostics). Please let me know if/when I should run it.

    Thanks!
     
  4. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Let's see how things are after you complete the following:

    1. If you do not use Windows Messenger Run this Disable/Remove Windows Messenger to remove Windows Messenger. Do not confuse Windows Messenger with MSN Messenger because they are not the same. Windows Messenger is a frequent cause of popups.

    2. Tidy up your desktop. A cluttered desktop is the ideal playground for malwarea, is also a great way to lose important files/folders and can also impact on performance.

    3. Please disable all anti-virus and anti-spyware programs while we do the following (re-enable when you are finished):

    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:

    Are you set up to use this proxy? If not then please include it in our list of fixables.

    After clicking Fix exit HJT.


    4. Download HostsXpert and then follow the below steps.
    • Unzip HostsXpert.zip
    • It will create a folder named HostsXpert in whatever folder you extract it to.
    • Run HostsXpert.exe by double clicking on it.
    • Click the Make Writeable? button. (if you only see a Make Read-Only selection, it is already writeable so skip this button).
    • Click Restore Microsoft's Hosts File and then click OK.
    • Click the X to exit the program

    5. Now download The Avenger by Swandog469, and save it to your Desktop.

    • Extract avenger.exe from the Zip file and save it to your desktop
    • Run avenger.exe by double-clicking on it.
    • Do not change any check box options!!
    • Copy everything in the Quote box below, and paste it into the Input script here: part of the window:
    • Now click the Execute button.
    • Click Yes to the prompt to confirm you want to execute.
    • Click Yes to the Reboot now? question that will appear when Avenger finishes running.
    • Your PC should reboot, if not, reboot it yourself.
    • A log file from Avenger will be produced at C:\avenger.txt and it will popup for you to view when you login after reboot.


    6. You are using an outdated version of MGTools, please follow the below instructions to correct this:

    Now go to this MGTools and download the new version of MGtools.exe. Overwrite your previous MGtools.exe file with this one. Do not run MGTools.exe yet!

    7. You said you downloaded combofix so ensure that is is indeed on your desktop and then you can double click it to run it. A log should be retrivable at C:\combofix.txt.

    8. Now run the new MGTools.exe by double clicking it. Attach lthe Mglogs.zip from running this, and also attach logs from avenger and combofix.

    9. Let me know how your machine is running now.
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2010
  5. RW123

    RW123 Private E-2

    This may have done the trick! :)

    I followed your instructions and did not have any problems with the exception of 2 issues.

    The first is that I did not include the proxy server on the list of fixes with HijackThis (I wasn't sure if I really was supposed to be set up to use this 127.0.0.1:5555 proxy, so I did not select it for fear of messing something else up). If you think this still needs to be addressed, please let me know.

    The second item was when I tried the very last step you listed of rerunning the newly downloaded MGTools.exe. It showed a very brief pop up (looked like a dos window) and then did nothing else. The MGlogs.zip file did not update from what I ran previously. Based on the quick pop up and a new MGlogs.zip not being generated, I don't think it really ran.

    I have attached the avenger and combofix logs.

    Regardless, I can now update definitions from within avast and superantispyware, so I think the issue may be resolved. Is there a way for you to confirm this with the logs?

    Also, please advise on any further instruction that may be needed.

    Thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

  6. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    You would know if you were setting up to use a proxy yourself. If the HJT log is indicating that you are using a proxy but you have no idea about it then it would be indicative that it was done by malware. You can access these settings by opening up IE and under Tools > Options > connections > LAN settings, the proxy set up can be found there. If you know you did not set up to use a proxy then you should fix the line with HJT as I previously instructed.

    I need to see a complete Mglogs.zip so that I can verify that my earlier steps worked.

    Please do this, click Start, Run and enter cmd and click OK. This will open a command prompt window. In the command prompt window, enter the below commands each followed by the enter key. Note there is a space after the cd
    Attach the MGlogs.zip if succesful.
     
  7. RW123

    RW123 Private E-2

    Kestrel13! - I tried to private message you so this would not be considered a 'bump', but it was not allowed since I don't have 50 posts.

    Wanted to let you know that it may be a few days before I get to this. Coincidentally (I suppose) my monitor died on me, and I found that my backup monitor is dead too, so I have no way to view my problem desktop. Once I get a working monitor, I'll get right on your suggestions.

    None of the latest actions I performed would have caused a monitor hardware problem would they?

    Thanks!
     
  8. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    No. I'll be here waiting when you are ready. :)

    Sorry to hear about your monitor.
     
  9. RW123

    RW123 Private E-2

    I fixed the proxy server line within HJT as suggested.

    Also, I ran the MGTools from the command prompt as suggested. The log file is attached.

    Do you think this fixed it? If so, and it's not too much trouble, could you provide a brief synopsis in layman's terms as to what the problem was?

    Thanks.
     

    Attached Files:

  10. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Yes, we are almost done.

    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.
    • Also make sure you have shut down all protection software (antivirus, antispyware...etc) or they may get in the way of allowing ComboFix to run properly.
    • 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 in the below quote box. Ensure you scroll down to select ALL the lines:
    Code:
    KILLALL::
    
    Registry::
    [-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentVersion\Run\DSS]
    
    DirLook::
    C:\Documents and Settings\Joey\Desktop\MGhelp
    
    Folder::
    C:\WINDOWS\BBStore\DSS
    
    • 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.
    • Now use your mouse to drag CFscript.txt on top of ComboFix.exe

      http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/sUBs/CFScriptB-4.gif

    • 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.

    Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it. Then attach the new C:\MGlogs.zip file that will be created by running this and also attach the log from Combofix.
     
  11. RW123

    RW123 Private E-2

    Here are the new MGlogs.zip and combofix logs.
     

    Attached Files:

  12. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:
    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 used Pocket Killbox during your cleanup, do the below
      • Run Pocket Killbox and select File, Cleanup, Delete All Backups
    3. 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.
    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 reenabled 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 Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below:
      • Refer to the cleaning procedures in step 3 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:
     
  13. RW123

    RW123 Private E-2

    Kestrel13! -

    Thank you for all of your help. It appears that everything is working as it should. :cool

    Your assistance is much appreciated. Keep up the good work!
     
  14. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    You're welcome! :) Safe surfing
     

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