Uber persistent router infection

Discussion in 'Malware Help (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by frustratedupdater, Feb 18, 2013.

  1. frustratedupdater

    frustratedupdater Private E-2

    Hi,

    I've been battling a monstrous malware infection for the better part of the past two months. It all started when Windows Update suddenly stopped working (error code 8024402F) and I noticed that specific downloads such as anti virus software installers, Adobe Reader etc. would fail. I then cleaned up my system and tried a bunch of malware removal procedures (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/479803/malware-prevents-windows-and-other-security-updates/) but nothing seemed to work.

    I then began to suspect my router had been infected and tried connecting to the Internet via a 3G data stick. This worked fine and I was able to get Windows Updates and security software installers. I then went and formatted my computer, reinstalled Windows 7, and got a brand new router. I set everything up today and suddenly the problem reappeared. Windows Updates and specific downloads don't work via the wired connection but work just fine with the 3G data stick. I am completely baffled by this as I haven't loaded anything on to the computer after formatting it and have no idea how the router became infected within seconds. Could this be a BIOS virus? I have run Malwarebytes and TDDS Killer and both the scans came out fine. I would really appreciate any help as I have no idea what to do. Thanks!
     
  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. frustratedupdater

    frustratedupdater Private E-2

    Hi Kestrel13!

    Thanks for looking into this. I am attaching the logs that you requested. As far as I can tell the scans have come out clean. I have no idea how my brand new router got the same bug as my old one (inability to download specific files and Windows Updates) seconds after connecting it to my seemingly clean computer. Look forward to hearing from you!
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    I am not seeing any malware at all in those logs, so I suggest you post in the software forum, best of luck getting it resolved. :)

    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. 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.)
      • Press and hold the Windows key http://forums.majorgeeks.com/chaslang/images/Windows_Logo_key.gif and then press the letter R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box.
      • Copy and paste 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 4 of the READ ME and renable your Disk Emulation software with Defogger if you had disabled it.
    4. 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.
    5. If running Vista or Win 7, 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.
    6. 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.
    7. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others) and running MGclean.bat did not remove, you can delete these files now.
    8. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
    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 6 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:
     
  5. frustratedupdater

    frustratedupdater Private E-2

    Quick question. Could my BIOS be infected? Also, is the following DNS related entry found in RogueKiller normal?

    [DNS] HKLM\[...]\ControlSet002\Services\Tcpip\Interfaces\{F8307B25-36EE-4082-933E-5529D79FE6FC} : NameServer (121.242.190.181 121.242.190.210) -> FOUND

    I am really bewildered as I don't understand why the router would subjectively block certain downloads if not for a malware that has changed its DNS settings. Thanks again for all your help!
     
  6. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    It's an Indian IP address, normal as this is your location. :)
     
  7. frustratedupdater

    frustratedupdater Private E-2

    Oh, ok. Thanks for all your help. Have posted in the software forum. Hope it gets resolved soon!
     
  8. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Yes, best of luck with it. :)
     

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