Infinite Werfault.exe Errors, Various Access Violations

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by BobGatson, Apr 9, 2016.

  1. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Thank you for your time.

    Major issues began roughly 3 weeks ago; I am unable to open PDFs or run Chrome. I believe they came from a pirated copy of Adobe Acrobat. The program will be deleted and this process of trying-before-you-buy will not be repeated. Computer has also for a while struggled with high CPU usage.

    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1
    HP Pavillion dm1 notebook
    AMD E1-1200 APU, Radeon HD Graphics, 1.40GHz
    4.00 GB RAM
    64-bit

    Problems:
    • Opening PDF in adobe reader results in endlessly spawning error message (dozens of werfault.exe processes running): "The instruction at 0x6562654b referenced memory at 0x6562654b. The memory could not be written"
    • Chrome will not open (standard Google Chrome has stopped working message)
    • ProcessExplorer will not open (standard message)
    • High-to-max CPU usage
    • Firefox (barely) runs and will produce "failure to establish secure connection" in-window errors from google if adblock is disabled.

    On startup:
    • I have been booting with wifi off
    • wmpnetwk.exe runs with high CPU for a couple minute
    • trustedinstaller.exe then begins to run at 20-50% CPU
    • one svchost.exe then runs at 50% CPU and stays there

    Scans and logs:
    • Malware Bytes produced: "runtime error (at 58:94): access violation at address 002DEE32 write of address 00000000"
    • Rogue Killer produced same error
    • TDSS was able to just begin scanning before producing a Stopped Working message. Log attached.
    • Hitman Pro ran fine. I accidentally began to run the deletion process post-scan (misunderstood UI directions); I killed the process as soon as I realized what was happening--I do not believe it deleted anything. Log attached.
    • MGTools ran fine. Log attached.

    Again,
    Thank you.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Welcome to Major Geeks!

    It may become necessary to uninstall all Adobe software but for now let's just begin with the below fix.


    Please download OTM by Old Timer and save it to your Desktop.
    • Run OTM.exe by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista, Win7 or Win8, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).
    • Copy the lines from the below codebox to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C
      (or, after highlighting, right-click and choose Copy): Do not include the word Code: which is just a title line of the code box
    • Make sure that you scroll all the way to the bottom of the code box to get the whole fix!
    Code:
    :Processes
    explorer.exe
    
     
    :Files
    C:\ProgramData\APN
    C:\Users\Prof. Ben Coonley\Documents\Software\Adobe Acrobat XI Pro 11.0.13 Multilingual+update incl Patch-=TEAM OS=-\
    C:\Users\Prof. Ben Coonley\AppData\Roaming\cmut9_26
    C:\Users\Prof. Ben Coonley\AppData\Local\KebeZqof
    C:\Users\Prof. Ben Coonley\Desktop\Adobe Indesign CS6.exe
    C:\ProgramData\AsIoIns.sys.exe
    C:\ProgramData\printui.sys.dll
    C:\Users\Prof. Ben Coonley\AppData\Local\Temp\*.*
    
    
    :Reg
    [-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{2fa28606-de77-4029-af96-b231e3b8f827}]
    [-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Conduit]
    [-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{2fa28606-de77-4029-af96-b231e3b8f827}]
    [-HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\AskPartnerNetwork]
    [-HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\Software\AskPartnerNetwork]
    [-HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1797385688-4073053178-3891419424-1001\Software\Conduit]
    [-HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1797385688-4073053178-3891419424-1001\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{2fa28606-de77-4029-af96-b231e3b8f827}]
    [-HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1797385688-4073053178-3891419424-1005\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{2fa28606-de77-4029-af96-b231e3b8f827}]
    [-HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1797385688-4073053178-3891419424-501\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{2fa28606-de77-4029-af96-b231e3b8f827}]
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
    "cmluxapi"=-
    "{FFDF56CE-EF01-4CFC-ABB9-11DA3F6B8CE8}"=-
    "AsIoIns.sys"=-
    
    [-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{2fa28606-de77-4029-af96-b231e3b8f827}]
    [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{2fa28606-de77-4029-af96-b231e3b8f827}]
    :Commands
    [purity]
    [EmptyTemp]
    [start explorer]
    [Reboot]
    • Return to OTM, right click in the Paste List of Files/Folders to Move window (under the yellow bar) and choose Paste.
    • Now click the large http://forums.majorgeeks.com/chaslang/images/MoveIt!.png button.
    • If OTM asks to reboot your computer, allow it to do so. The report should appear in Notepad after the reboot.
    • Close OTM.
    Now navigate to the C:\_OTM\MovedFiles folder ( assuming your Windows drive is C). This is where your log will be
    saved in the form of Date and Time mmddyyyy_hhmmss.log. Just look for the most recent .log file. Attach
    this log file to your next message.

    Now please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.
    • Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts.
    • Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista, Win7, 8 or 10, right-mouse click it and select Run as Administrator.
    • The tool will open and start scanning your system.
    • Note: That JRT may reset your home page to a google default so you will need to restore your home page setting if this happens.
    • Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications.
    • On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
    • Attach JRT.txt to your next message.
    Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista, Win7, Win8 or Win10, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).

    Then attach the below logs:
    • the C:\_OTM\MovedFiles log
    • the JRT.TXT log
    • C:\MGlogs.zip
    Make sure you tell me how things are working now!
     
  3. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Here you are. Programs ran smoothly.

    Firefox is running much faster and taking up less CPU. One svchost.exe is running at 50% (CPU/fan continues its hard-at-work whirring). Chrome opens and is running fairly quick.

    Same error with PDFs is occurring.

    -Thank you

    EDIT: Noting that this reply posted fine with the WerFault.exe error currently displayed
     

    Attached Files:

  4. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Okay it looks like a few items we tried to fix did not get fixed. Let's run a different scan tool to see what it shows. We will then create a new fix from these results.

    Please download the latest version of FRST the below link.

    Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your Desktop.

    Note: Make sure you download the proper version ( 32 bit or 64 bit ) for your PC. Only one will run, the correct one. So it you make a mistake and download the wrong one, go back and get the other.
    • Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
    • Press Scan button.
    • It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach it to your next reply.
    • The first time the tool is run, it makes also another log (Addition.txt). Please attach it to your reply.
     
  5. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Also there is a newer version of MGtools available that I want to get a log from.

    Please download the current version of MGtools and save it to your root folder. Overwrite your previous MGtools.exe file with this one.

    Run MGtools.exe ( Note: If using Vista, Win7, Win8, or Win10, make sure UAC is still disabled. Also don't double click on it, use right click and select Run As Administrator )

    Now attach the below log:
    • C:\MGlogs.zip
     
  6. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Done and attached.
     

    Attached Files:

  7. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Download the attached fixlist.txt file found at the bottom of this message and save fixlist.txt on your Desktop. Make sure you save it as a txt file.
    • You should now have both fixlist.txt and FRST64.exe on your Desktop.
    • Now I want you to disconnect your PC connection to the internet by unplugging the cable ( if it is wireless then temporarily shutdown the wireless network ).
    • Run FRST64.exe by right clicking on it and selecting Run As Adminstrator
    • Click the Fix button just once and wait.
    • Your computer should reboot after the fix runs.
    • Reconnect your internet connection after reboot so you can come back here to continue.
    • The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) please attach this new log to your next reply (attach or paste)

    Then attach the below log:
    • Fixlog.txt
    Please attach the above log first before you continue with the below.

    Also at this point, I want to double check your status by having you run another scan with FRST like in my last message and attach the new FRST.txt log
     

    Attached Files:

  8. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Chrome has started sporadically crashing on me and firefox has started producing the same werfault.exe that opening a pdf would trigger. I believe it started doing this again before running the last fixes we just did. Firefox also is giving:
    "A script on this page may be busy, or it may have stopped responding. You can stop the script now, open the script in the debugger, or let the script continue.
    Script: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/js/jquery/jquery-1.11.0.min.js:2"

    FRST ran no problem.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Okay now that we deleted a couple more items there are a few more that showed up that were being hidden. Malware removal can frequently be like peeling layers of an onion. So let's continue.

    Download the attached fixlist.txt file found at the bottom of this message and save fixlist.txt on your Desktop. Make sure you save it as a txt file.
    • You should now have both fixlist.txt and FRST64.exe on your Desktop.
    • Now I want you to disconnect your PC connection to the internet by unplugging the cable ( if it is wireless then temporarily shutdown the wireless network ).
    • Run FRST64.exe by right clicking on it and selecting Run As Adminstrator
    • Click the Fix button just once and wait.
    • Your computer should reboot after the fix runs.
    • Reconnect your internet connection after reboot so you can come back here to continue.
    • The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) please attach this new log to your next reply (attach or paste)

    Then attach the below log:
    • Fixlog.txt
    Please attach the above log first before you continue with the below.

    Also at this point, I want to double check your status by having you run another scan with FRST like in my last message and attach the new FRST.txt log


    Now please run the below anti-rootkit tool from Malwarebytes.
    • Download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit
    • If you happened to get a ZIP file version instead of an EXE file then unzip the contents to a folder in a convenient location.
    • Open the folder where you saved Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to. Now run mbar-1.07.0.1009.exe ( If running Vista, Win7 or Win 8, use right click and Select Run As Administrator )
      • Note: This filename will change as new versions are released, so this is just an example ).
    • Follow the instructions in the wizard to update and allow the program to scan your computer for threats.
    • Click on the Cleanup button to remove any threats and reboot if prompted to do so.
    • Wait while the system shuts down and the cleanup process is performed.
    • Perform another scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to verify that no threats remain. If they do, then click Cleanup once more and repeat the process.
    • If no additional threats were found, verify that your system is now running normally, making sure that the following items are functional:
      • Internet access
      • Windows Update
      • Windows Firewall
    • If there are additional problems with your system, such as any of those listed above or other system issues, then run the 'fixdamage' tool included with Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit and reboot.
    • Verify that your system is now functioning normally.

    There will now be two log files created in the mbar folder called system-log.txt and one that starts with mbar-log. The mbar-log file will always start with mbar-log, but the rest will be named using a timestamp indicating the time it was run. For example, mbar-log-2012-11-12 (19-13-32).txt corresponds to mbar-log-year-month-day (hour-minute-second).txt. The system-log.txt contains information about each time you have run MBAR and contains diagnostic information from the program. A new mbar-log is created every time you run MBAR and will contain information about what was detected and removed. Please attach these logs.
     

    Attached Files:

  10. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Hello, thank you so much. PDFs and browsers are running fine. The only issue I have left is regular 50% cpu usage from a single svchost.exe process. I ran the fixdamage tool and restarted.
     

    Attached Files:

  11. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    The logs are looking better. Let's be safe and run Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit one more time just to make sure nothing has come back after the last fixes and after more reboots.
     
  12. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    No threats found. Is this likely more of a technical problem than malware? If so would you be able to direct me to a good resource for resolving it, or the most useful google search. There is always so much trash polluting search results for these sorts of things.

    Thank you again so much for your help and instruction; you all do great work!
     

    Attached Files:

  13. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    You're welcome.
    Well you did have malware and we removed it. I assume the trouble you are trying to resolve now is the high CPU use? If yes then
    please address the below
    • Does this high CPU use occur in safe boot?
    • Also if you disconnect your PC from the internet ( unplug the cable or disable wi-fi ) and then reboot your PC in NORMAL boot mode, do you notice high CPU use while in this state?
      • If you do not see high use when disconnected then reconnect to the internet ( with no rebooting! Just reconnect. ) and see if it changes.
    There is a possibly that some damage was cause to some programs you run including your Panda Antivirus program. You could try uninstalling it ( just a temporary measure to test or possibly fix ) and test whether the CPU use issue still occurs with Panda uninstalled. Then reinstall and see what happens.
     
  14. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Uninstalled Panda Antivirus (was never very happy w/ it, will choose another one from one of the MG security guides). Svchost still hogging half available CPU.

    I am having trouble booting into safemode. After holding F8 before windows 7 boots, it brings me to Advanced Boot Options except I can't provide any button input; the menu is unresponsive. Arrows, enter, and esc do not trigger any actions. It boots into regular mode normally with no problems except for the cpu hog.

    Edit: Forgot to mention that it shuts down no problem from the Advanced Boot screen when I push the laptop's power button.
     
  15. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    When loading windows 7 normally, cpu usage was low for a couple minutes, then wmpnetwk.exe ran off and on at ~20 CPU, then trustedinstaller.exe ran at about 20-40 CPU for a few minutes, and then was replaced with svchost at 50 (both with and w/out network connection).

    EDIT: Was able to reach Advanced Boot Options again holding down F8 from before the computer even turned back on. It gave me a brief glimpse of something, maybe a directory (unsure) saying something like butternutsquash, computer began emitting a high pitched noise, and then brought me to the menu. It responded fine and in safemode with wifi off CPU is normal, with system idle process at 96 CPU
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2016
  16. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Ah! It is sounding like you have Windows issues. You could try disabling the following Windows media player service WMPNetworkSvc
    You can do this by running services.msc as administrator and then locate this service and stop it and disable it.

    Also give the below a run just to see if it helps.


    Download Windows Repair by Tweaking.com and unzip the contents into a newly created folder on your desktop.
    • Now run Repair_Windows.exe by double clicking on it ( if you are running Vista or Win 7, use right click and select Run As Administrator)
    • Now select the + Repairs tab.
    • Then click the + Open Repairs button down on the bottom right.
    • This will automatically begin a registry backup, so wait for it to complete and when it finishes, you will see a list of many possible different repairs and they are all selected by default. At the bottom of this form there is a not so obvious Unselect All Repairs check box which is to the right of a check box with a green check mark in it. Please click the Unselect All Repairs box. The green check mark box is to Select All Repairs. The ony way you see what these boxes are is when your mouse hovers over them.
    • Now select the following repair options ( the numbers at the begin are the current repair numbers but this is subject to change.)
      • 01 - Reset Registry Permissions
      • 02 - Reset File Permissions
      • 03 - Reset Service Permissions
      • 04 - Register System Files
      • 05 - Repair WMI
      • 10 - Remove Policies Set By Infections
      • 13 - Network 15 - Repair Windows Updates
      • 21 - Repair MSI (Windows Installer) 26 - Restore Important Windows Services
      • 27 - Set Windows Services To Default Startup
    • Now on the right side under the When Repairs Complete title, check the box for Restart/Shutdown System and then make sure the Restart System radio button is enabled not the Shutdown System button.
    • Shutdown any other programs that you are running now before continuing.
    • Now click the Start Repairs button at the lower right.
    • Be patient while the tool repairs the selected items.
    • It should reboot automatically when finished. If it does not then reboot it yourself.
     
  17. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Still using half CPU :/
    Are there any logs to attach from the repair?
     
  18. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    No we do not require any logs from the repair. Let's take a quick look at new scans from FRST and MGtools again to make sure that Panda completely uninstalled. Since you stated it ran fine in safe mode, it seems likely that there is something you run/load in normal mode that is causing problems. But due note that it is not malware at this point. We are just trying to take a quick look for other potential Windows or other software issues and conflicts.

    So please run a new scan with FRST and attach a new log.

    Also run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista, Win7, Win8 or Win10, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).
    Then attach the below log:
    • C:\MGlogs.zip
     
  19. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Attached.
    FRST had a moment of being unresponsive toward the beginning of the scan, but returned and finished the scan fine.
    MG ran fine.
     

    Attached Files:

  20. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Okay Panda is not fully uninstalled so lets finish removing it along with a few other items.

    Uninstall the below program. If you do not find it or it will not uninstall, just keep going.
    Panda Devices Agent


    Download the attached fixlist.txt file found at the bottom of this message and save fixlist.txt on your Desktop. Make sure you save it as a txt file.
    • You should now have both fixlist.txt and FRST64.exe on your Desktop.
    • Now I want you to disconnect your PC connection to the internet by unplugging the cable ( if it is wireless then temporarily shutdown the wireless network ).
    • Run FRST64.exe by right clicking on it and selecting Run As Adminstrator
    • Click the Fix button just once and wait.
    • Your computer should reboot after the fix runs.
    • Reconnect your internet connection after reboot so you can come back here to continue.
    • The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) please attach this new log to your next reply (attach or paste)
    Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Win7, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).

    Then attach the below logs:
    • Fixlog.txt
    • C:\MGlogs.zip

    Also at this point, I want to double check the your status by having you run another scan with FRST like in previous messages and attach the new FRST.txt log.
     

    Attached Files:

  21. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    No Pandas on the uninstall list.

    FRST fix ran, but didn't prompt a restart. (I performed a restart after)
    MG ran fine, but without the "SteelWerX has stopped working>close the program" prompt that would appear part-way through, before.
    FRST scan ran fine.
     

    Attached Files:

  22. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Okay that took care of the rest of Panda. If you are still having problems with CPU then it is likely just due to something you are running. My next guess would be the Slack Technologies software I see running which seems to spawn off a bunch of processes.
     
  23. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    Thanks a million for your help!

    Slack was just installed a couple days ago, but I'll go through and clear out the unneccessary programs and then un/reinstalling the necessary ones.

    Is there a better way than control panel > uninstall to cleanly remove a program?

    And last question!
    What's the best way to prepare for a fresh install of Windows 7?
     
  24. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Hi there BobGatson,

    I will be continuing with you here as Chaslang will be away for about a week.
    An alternative to uninstalling programs using the control panel, would be to use Revo Uninstaller.
    You can ask about preparing for fresh installs in the software forum.
    Are you having any more problems or has Chas sorted it all out?
     
  25. BobGatson

    BobGatson Private E-2

    All my malware problems are clear and done with. :] Again, thanks to all y'all for putting in the good work.
     
  26. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    You are most welcome. :) Safe surfing!

    If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:
    1. We recommend you keep Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware.
    2. Renable your Disk Emulation software with Defogger if you had disabled it in step 4 of the READ & RUN ME.
    3. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis. If you don't see it or it will not uninstall, don't worry about it. Just move on to the next step.
    4. If running Vista, Win 7 or Win 8, 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.
    5. Now goto the C:\MGtools folder and find the MGclean.bat file. Double click ( if running Vista, Win7, or Win 8 Right Click and Run As Administrator ) 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.
    6. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others) and running MGclean.bat did not remove them, you can delete these files now.
    7. If you are running Win 8, Win 7, Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below to flush restore points:
      • Refer to the instructions for your WIndows version in this link: Disable And Enable System Restore
      • What we want you to do is to first disable System Restore to flush restore points some of which could be infected.
      • Then we want you to Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.
    8. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
     

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