PDF exploit?

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by JCDenton_4, Dec 29, 2011.

  1. JCDenton_4

    JCDenton_4 Private E-2

    I just clicked on an online pdf [Edit: thisisu > potential malicious link removed] and shortly thereafter was greeted by a "restart now or later" small windows dialogue box. This computer is running fully patched windows (as of earlier this morning) but Adobe was unpatched. What should I do/should I be worried?

    Browser was firefox with noscript.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 29, 2011
  2. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Welcome to the Malware Removal Forum.

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

    Pleases follow the instructions in the below link:

    READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide


    and attach the requested logs 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.
     
  3. JCDenton_4

    JCDenton_4 Private E-2

    Sorry, I should have made this clearer.

    I am running a fully patched, very well-maintained computer (updated antivirus, firewall, peerblock, noscript in firefox, don't download bad exes, etc). I recently opened a PDF, and shortly thereafter was greeted with a "restart windows" box.

    I am not a computer novice, however I have no experience dealing with browser-based exploits. I am asking (before I restart, and potentially save any changes) if these symptoms are characteristic of an attack. If so, I can system restore to last night prior to restarting, and never get into this in the first place.

    So, what I am asking is: After opening a pdf in firefox, I was greeted by a "restart windows now or later" prompt box. I finished patching the system earlier in the morning. I would like to know if I should be worried at all. I am running Microsoft Security Essentials, it is up to date, and windows is up to date.

    I'm reposting here because I believe someone with some experience can look at this and respond yes or no with relative ease. I'm not looking for a solution - just confirmation that I need to be concerned. If I do, I'll handle it myself.
     
  4. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    The whole idea of me linking you to those procedures was for you to follow them, run tools, submit logs, and have me review them. ONLY THEN will I know what is going on. I cannot provide you with the simple yes or no answer which you are demanding. It's just not possible. If you do not wish to follow my instructions, then yes, my answer is, you should handle this yourself.

    Cheers.
     

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