Computer Totally Messed - Malware

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by linuxpowers, Aug 13, 2011.

  1. linuxpowers

    linuxpowers Specialist

    Ok, a while back I was having malware issues and registered here for some help. I did everything in the "READ & RUN ME FIRST", got my computer cleaned out and everything was running just fine. I installed Avira Antivirus to run as my background protection, and Malwarebytes & SuperAntiSpyware as my scanning programs. I also installed Comodo Firewall and have kept everything updated. Everything was doing it's job great until my wife, while logged into her account, allowed some malware to enter the computer.

    She told me she was running firefox and searching when a comodo alert popped up and then she said the computer went blank and started rebooting. I viewed comodos events log and noticed activity at that time:
    I'm not sure exactly what happened during her activity but, when I logged on to my account, I noticed a new desktop icon labeled, "Windows Security". I right-clicked on that to scan it with MB and MB found:
    Code:
    Begin scan in 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\defender.exe'
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\defender.exe
  --> Object
      [DETECTION] Is the TR/Crypt.ZPACK.Gen2 Trojan

Beginning disinfection:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\defender.exe
  [DETECTION] Is the TR/Crypt.ZPACK.Gen2 Trojan
  [NOTE]      The file was moved to the quarantine directory under the name '4a44d357.qua'.
    So, I checked out c:\documents and settings\all users\application data\ for the executable file defender and found none, therefore I deleted the desktop icon and rebooted. This is when my troubles started! I was able to run MB and it found 7 more instances of infection:
    Code:
    Files Infected:
c:\documents and settings\Cindy\local settings\temp\0.9627516806792594.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Cindy\local settings\temp\45.tmp (Spyware.Passwords.XGen) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Cindy\local settings\temp\47.tmp (Rootkit.TDSS) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Cindy\local settings\temp\49.tmp (Rootkit.TDSS) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Cindy\application data\Adobe\shed\thr1.chm (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Cindy\application data\Adobe\plugs\mmc151.exe (Trojan.Agent.Gen) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Cindy\application data\Adobe\plugs\mmc25129421.txt (Trojan.Agent.Gen) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
    Once again, I rebooted but now the computer started giving me issues booting up. At one point, I got a light blue screen with white lettering and it looked as though it was running chkdsk. Finally it allowed me to start windows but when I got into my account, none of my programs would run. I then tried to run SuperAntiSpyware but it locked up on a file called c:\windows\0.txt

    I ended up resetting the computer with the reset button and then the boot process started going haywire again....something about an error and then it took me straight to the "advanced options". The first time I chose to open windows with "last known working settings" but once again my programs would not start. After rebooting again, I chose "safe mode" but couldn't get firefox to connect to the internet. Had to shut down again and reboot.

    Right now, I, for some strange reason, have been able to get windows to start normally and have my programs working...at least firefox is. So, I'm real hesitant to do anything until I hear from someone here at MG.

    BTW...I'm running Windows XP with SP 3. All my programs are up to date.

    Thanks in advance,
    Roger
     
    linuxpowers, Aug 13, 2011
    #1
  2. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    Hello, linuxpowers

    Please read ALL of this message including the notes before doing anything.

    Let's start by doing the following:

    TDSSkiller - How to run

    Now please follow the instructions in the below link:

    READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide


    and then attach the requested logs to your next reply when you finish these instructions.
    • **** If something does not run, write down the info to explain to us later but keep on going. ****
    • Do not assume that because one step does not work that they all will not. MGtools will frequently run even when all other tools will not.
    • After completing the READ & RUN ME and attaching your logs, make sure that you tell us what problems still remain ( if any still do )!
    Helpful Notes:

    1. If you run into problems trying to run the READ & RUN ME or any of the scans in normal boot mode, you can run the steps in safe boot mode but make sure you tell us what you did later when you post logs. See the below if you do not know how to boot in safe mode:
    2. If you have problems downloading on the problem PC, download the tools and the manual updates for SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes ( links are given in the READ & RUN ME) onto another PC and then burn to a CD. Then copy them to the problem PC. You will have to skip getting updates if (and only if) your internet connection does not work. Yes, you could use a flash drive too, but flash drives are writeable and infections can spread to them.
    3. If you cannot seem to login to an infected user account, try using a different user account (if you have one) in either normal or safe boot mode and running only SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes while logged into this other user account. Then reboot and see if you can log into the problem user account. If you can then run SUPERAntiSpyware, Malwarebytes, ComboFix and MGtools on the infected account as requested in the instructions.
    4. To avoid additional delay in getting a response, it is strongly advised that after completing the READ & RUN ME you also read this sticky:
    * Any additional post is a bump which will add more delay. Once you attach the logs, your thread will be in the work queue and as stated - our system works the oldest threads FIRST.
    ​
     
    dr.moriarty, Aug 13, 2011
    #2
  3. linuxpowers

    linuxpowers Specialist

    Thanks Doc and hello to you as well.

    I've done all that you say up until I got to the download section, "Step 7: Windows OS Specific Cleaning Instructions". The first two tools that I'm asked to download are SUPERAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes Anti-Malware but, after the the last time I went through this process, I decided to keep those two programs for weekly/emergency scanning purposes. Keep in mind, they don't run in the background from startup, I have to manually load them.

    Maybe there's a possibility I misunderstood STEP 2: Uninstalling Multiple Protection Applications? I didn't uninstall these due to the fact that I only use them to scan periodically. I did keep Avira Antivirus as my only running protection.

    I'll wait for further instructions!

    Roger
     
    linuxpowers, Aug 13, 2011
    #3
  4. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    ;)

    Good! Just make sure that they're updated and run them as instructed in the R&R ME guide.
    This instruction deals with those who erroneously have more than one anti-virus or "real-time" anti-spyware blocking applications installed. Your "on demand" anti-malware/anti-spyware programs are fine.

    Please continue on with the steps.

    dr.m
     
    dr.moriarty, Aug 13, 2011
    #4
  5. linuxpowers

    linuxpowers Specialist

    OK...everything went pretty well. Here are the logs that were generated from the first four scans:
     

    Attached Files:

    linuxpowers, Aug 14, 2011
    #5
  6. linuxpowers

    linuxpowers Specialist

    I want make note that when I ran RootRepeal, I received an error window at startup which said, "error - invalid image found". I clicked "OK" and the program continued to scan and produce a log. Otherwise, everything went pretty smooth.
     

    Attached Files:

    linuxpowers, Aug 14, 2011
    #6
  7. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    Hello, linuxpowers


    *You are 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 "Complete scan" of your system. And attach this new log.
    *Other than the tools our guide instructed you to save there, I strongly recommend that you clean up this account's Desktop immediately leaving only shortcut links. [ C:\Documents and Settings\Roger\Desktop ] Do not store downloads, exe files, iso files....etc on your Desktop. First it is not a safe place to keep them (i.e., you may loose them due to malware, and a cluttered Desktop is an easy hiding place for malware), and last but not least - it can have an effect on your PCs performance.

    Step 1:
    Please look in Add/Remove Programs (Programs and Features if using Vista or Windows 7) for the following and uninstall if found. If you get any errors just make a note and continue on.
    Please disable all anti-virus and anti-spyware programs while we do the following (re-enable when you are finished):

    Step 2:

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

    *If after running Combofix you discover none of your programs will open up, and you receive the following error: "Illegal operation attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion", then you will need to reboot your computer which will normally fix this problem.

    Step 3:
    Please download MBRCheck to your desktop.


    See the download links under this icon http://forums.majorgeeks.com/chaslang/images/MGDownloadLoc.gif
    • Double click MBRCheck.exe to run (vista and Win 7 right click and select Run as Administrator)
    • It will show a Black screen with some information that will contain either the below line if no problem is found:
      • Done! Press ENTER to exit...
    • Or you will see more information like below if a problem is found:
      • Found non-standard or infected MBR.
      • Enter 'Y' and hit ENTER for more options, or 'N' to exit:
    • Either way, just choose to exit the program at this point since we want to see only the scan results to begin with.
    • MBRCheck will create a log named similar to MBRCheck_07.16.10_00.32.33.txt which is random based on date and time.
    • Attach this log to your next message. (See: HOW TO: Attach Items To Your Post )
    Step 4:
    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
    • MBRCheck log.txt
    * 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
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 15, 2011
    dr.moriarty, Aug 15, 2011
    #7
  8. linuxpowers

    linuxpowers Specialist

    Ok Doc, not sure how SUPERAntiSpyware got outdated like that. I run that program every week and I guess I just assumed that when I run "update", it would update the program as well as file signatures...need to keep an eye on that...thanks. Anyway, I've attached the log file generated from that new version.

    Also, I've removed Java(TM) 6 Update 26 as instructed...no error messages indicated.

    Thanks for the reminder on the desktop icons. It has become my "pet peeve" with the other users on this computer. I normally have "Recycle Bin", "Unused Desktop Icons Folder" and maybe one or two midi files of music I'm working on. I suppose I could find another way to quickly load those.

    I did notice two other icons that popped up when we started this cleanup procedure...one of them is called "Thumbs.db" and it is faded to indicate a hidden file. Not sure what that is. I checked it's properties and found it opens with "unknown application", created back in 2009. I ran a search on my computer because I've seen this file in other places and found it associated with ICQ, located in 13 other areas.

    The other icon, "settings.dat" popped up on my desktop when I ran RootRepeal and I thought at the time it was part of that program. Now that I look at it's properties, I find it opens with, "Nero ShowTime Essen..", "0 bytes" in size, created Aug 2011.

    I was also able to run ComboFix as indicated and attached that log file as well. The only problem I had with that process is that when ComboFix finished it's scan process, it indicated it would reboot my computer itself. Upon shutting down, when my screen got to the part where it says, "Windows is shutting down"...it hung up. I let it stay that way for about 10 minutes, watching the hard-drive light to make sure it was not accessing the hard-drive before I had to hit the reset button. Once it came back up, CF came up and said it was preparing the log file. Not sure if that's a problem!

    Anyway, I've got to get to work right now, I'll finish off your instructions with MBRCheck and attach said logs when I get back home tonight.

    Thanks for all you do Doc, I really appreciate you taking the time.
    Roger
     

    Attached Files:

    linuxpowers, Aug 16, 2011
    #8
  9. linuxpowers

    linuxpowers Specialist

    Ok, I've attached the log files for "MBRCheck" and "C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat".

    I didn't have any problems running these two. My computer seems to be running alright but I have received 14 detections from avira in the past 24 hrs. Avira reports it this way:
    Avira reports 13 "access denied" for the same file before this last report moving it to quarantine.
     

    Attached Files:

    linuxpowers, Aug 17, 2011
    #9
  10. linuxpowers

    linuxpowers Specialist

    Hey Doc, I remembered I had issues earlier with avira flagging MGTools. I went back further in the events logs and sure enough, I found this:

    Since avira kept sending up flags about MGTools, I figured I was done with MGTools anyway so, I allowed avira to quarantine MGTools.exe. I figured if I needed the file again, I could "restore" it from avira. Did I mess something up? The thing that bothers me is that it no longer reports it as MGTools but rather
    TR/Drop.Agent.Flak.1
    Roger
     
    linuxpowers, Aug 17, 2011
    #10
  11. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    You're welcome, linuxpowers.

    :) Your logs are clean.

    Please move SUPERAntiSpyware.exe from your desktop to your Downloads folder, if you haven't already.
    Not something to be concerned about, we will flush your restore points and create a new one during our final steps.
    As mentioned in the Using MGtools lnk:
    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 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 through the below link:
    Safe surfing! http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj5/drmoriarty/Emoticons/char145.gif
     
    dr.moriarty, Aug 17, 2011
    #11
  12. linuxpowers

    linuxpowers Specialist

    OK Doc,

    I've went through the final process, reset my restore point and I'm happily on my way. I'm going back and making sure all my protection as well as cleaning software (CCleaner) is up to date. I'm even going to give my other users a lesson on malware and how security software is dealt with.

    Thank you very much Doc for everything. You've been a real lifesaver for me...all of you at MG's are just fantastic. I tell everyone that has computer issues to go to MG's. I only wish there was some way I could contribute some of my time to your efforts.

    Thanks again,
    Roger
     
    linuxpowers, Aug 18, 2011
    #12
  13. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    :cool

    You're very welcome, Roger! I hope to see you around the forums.

    dr.m
     
    dr.moriarty, Aug 19, 2011
    #13

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