Persistent PUP/Malware in Browsers - MalwareBytes can't kill

[killbilly]

Hello. I've got the full/premium version of MalwareBytes. It is routinely detecting these "non-malware" threats which are hijacking my browser with ads, coupons, and tabs popping up telling me to update flash. I can't get rid of this, and it's a problem. 

 

I think this happened right after I downloaded Nitro PDF reader, which I have since uninstalled, but can't get rid of anything else. 

 

I appreciate any help. Thank you. Logs from FRST are attached. 

 

 

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,
    
 
They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.
 
     
    
Before we start please read and note the following:

• Limit your internet access to posting here, some infections just wait to steal typed-in passwords.
• Please be patient. I know it is frustrating when your PC isn't working properly, but malware removal takes time.
• Don't run any scripts or tools on your own, unsupervised usage may cause more harm than good.
• Do not paste the logs in your posts, attachments make my work easier. There is a More reply options button, that gives you Upload Files option below which you can use to attach your reports. Always attach reports from all tools.
• Always execute my instructions in given order. If for some reason you cannot completely follow one instruction, inform me about that.
• Stay with me to the end, the absence of symptoms doesn't mean that your machine is fully operational.
• Note that we may live in totally different time zones, what may cause some delays between answers.
• Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
• If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.

I can't foresee everything, so if anything unexpected happens, please stop and inform me!
There are no silly questions. Never be afraid to ask if in doubt!
 
 
 
  Rules and policies
 
We won't support any piracy.
That being told, if any evidence of illegal OS, software, cracks/keygens or any other will be revealed, any further assistance will be suspended. If you are aware that there is this kind of stuff on your machine, remove it before proceeding!
The same applies to any use of P2P software: uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Kazaa, Ares... We don't provide any help for P2P, except for their removal. All P2P software has to be uninstalled or at least fully disabled before proceeding!
 
Failure to follow these guidelines will result with closing your topic and withdrawning any assistance.
 
 
 
 

Scan with ZOEK
 
Please download ZOEK by Smeenk and save it to your desktop (preferred version is the *.exe one)
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

createsrpoint;autoclean;emptyalltemp;ipconfig /flushdns;b

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Wait patiently until the main console will appear, it may take a minute or two.
• In the main box please paste in the following script:
• Make sure that Scan All Users option is checked.
• Push Run Script and wait patiently. The scan may take a couple of minutes.
• When the scan completes, a zoek-results logfile should open in notepad.
• If a reboot is needed, it will be opened after it. You may also find it at your main drive (usually C:\ drive)

Post its content into your next reply.

[killbilly]

Thank you for the prompt response. Zoek log below:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Zoek.exe v5.0.0.0 Updated 15-01-2015

Tool run by bhutchison on Sat 01/17/2015 at 15:08:30.96.

Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise  6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 x64

Running in: Normal Mode Internet Access Detected

Launched: C:\Users\bhutchison\Desktop\zoek.exe [scan all users] [script inserted] 

 

==== System Restore Info ======================

 

1/17/2015 3:09:13 PM Zoek.exe System Restore Point Created Succesfully.

 

==== Deleting CLSID Registry Keys ======================

 

 

==== Deleting CLSID Registry Values ======================

 

 

==== Deleting Services ======================

 

 

==== Batch Command(s) Run By Tool======================

 

 

==== Deleting Files \ Folders ======================

 

C:\PROGRA~3\InstallMate deleted

C:\PROGRA~3\Package Cache deleted

C:\windows\SysNative\config\systemprofile\Searches deleted

C:\windows\SysNative\GroupPolicy\Machine deleted

C:\windows\SysNative\GroupPolicy\User deleted

C:\windows\SysNative\GroupPolicy\gpt.ini deleted

C:\windows\SysWow64\AI_RecycleBin deleted

 

==== Firefox Extensions Registry ======================

 

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions]

"{D19CA586-DD6C-4a0a-96F8-14644F340D60}"="C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\McAfee\SystemCore" [07/15/2013 03:20 PM]

 

==== Firefox Extensions ======================

 

==== Firefox Plugins ======================

 

Profilepath: C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ekfulf7k.default-1421420978481

7DA18C02BD866A2D99533912DE0E3FDB - C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\plugins\npatgpc.dll - ActiveTouch General Plugin Container

AF661355EBAB898EB92D5454AEF93CE0 - C:\windows\SysWOW64\npDeployJava1.dll - Java Deployment Toolkit 7.0.400.43

E3B4EA121F7BDEB0F6366E2BA9608CB5 - C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Local\Citrix\Plugins\104\npappdetector.dll - Citrix Online Web Deployment Plugin 1.0.0.104

66640A55AEFF3819C94E0A8D40D7E0AD - C:\windows\SysWOW64\Adobe\Director\np32dsw.dll - Shockwave for Director / Shockwave for Director

15E298B5EC5B89C5994A59863969D9FF - C:\windows\SysWOW64\npmproxy.dll - Microsoft® Windows® Operating System

 

 

==== Chromium Look ======================

 

Google Voice Search Hotword (Beta) - bhutchison\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\bepbmhgboaologfdajaanbcjmnhjmhfn

AdBlock - bhutchison\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom

Okta Secure Web Authentication Plug-in - bhutchison\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\glnpjglilkicbckjpbgcfkogebgllemb

ShoreTel Sky Web Dialer - bhutchison\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\hmciedknmdagddjhaakffmnkngdlpmjf

 

==== Chromium Startpages ======================

 

C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Preferences

"startup_urls": [ "http://www.shoretelsky.com/" ],

 

 

==== Set IE to Default ======================

 

Old Values:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]

"Start Page"="http://shorepoint"

"Default_Page_URL"="http://shorepoint"

 

New Values:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]

"Default_Page_URL"="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157"

"Start Page"="http://shorepoint"

 

==== All HKCU SearchScopes ======================

 

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes

"DefaultScope"="{1B2E9260-ED45-4193-8F6F-B3BD4582EB9D}"

{012E1000-F331-11DB-8314-0800200C9A66} Google  Url="http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}"

{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} Bing  Url="http://www.bing.com/search?q={searchTerms}&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IESR02"

{1B2E9260-ED45-4193-8F6F-B3BD4582EB9D} Google  Url="http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:{language}:{referrer:source}&ie={inputEncoding?}&oe={outputEncoding?}"

 

==== Reset IE Proxy ======================

 

Value(s) before fix:

"ProxyServer"="http=127.0.0.1:9880"

"ProxyOverride"="<local>"

"ProxyEnable"=dword:00000001

 

Value(s) after fix:

"ProxyEnable"=dword:00000000

 

==== Deleting Registry Keys ======================

 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{951D73C6-B2B4-4319-A4E0-0E393B3D20F3} deleted successfully

 

==== Empty IE Cache ======================

 

C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Local\Temp\acrord32_sbx\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\Users\Shoreuser\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\windows\SysNative\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\windows\sysWoW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

C:\windows\sysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

 

==== Empty FireFox Cache ======================

 

C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ekfulf7k.default-1421420978481\cache2 emptied successfully

 

==== Empty Chrome Cache ======================

 

C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache emptied successfully

 

==== Empty All Flash Cache ======================

 

Flash Cache Emptied Successfully

 

==== Empty All Java Cache ======================

 

Java Cache cleared successfully

 

==== C:\zoek_backup content ======================

 

C:\zoek_backup (files=18 folders=20 7625245 bytes)

 

==== Empty Temp Folders ======================

 

C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully

C:\Users\bhutchison\AppData\Local\Temp will be emptied at reboot

C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully

C:\Users\Default User\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully

C:\Users\Shoreuser\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully

C:\windows\serviceprofiles\networkservice\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully

C:\windows\serviceprofiles\Localservice\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully

C:\windows\Temp will be emptied at reboot

 

==== After Reboot ======================

 

==== Empty Temp Folders ======================

 

C:\windows\Temp successfully emptied

C:\Users\BHUTCH~1\AppData\Local\Temp successfully emptied

 

==== Empty Recycle Bin ======================

 

C:\$RECYCLE.BIN successfully emptied

 

==== EOF on Sat 01/17/2015 at 15:24:28.98 ======================

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. Let's use MalwareBytes again:
 
 
Scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
 
Please re-run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.

• First of all, select update.
• Once updated, click the Settings tab, in the left panel choose Detection & Protection and tick Scan for rootkits.
• Click the Scan tab, choose Threat Scan is checked and click Scan Now.
• If threats are detected, click the Apply Actions button. You will now be prompted to reboot. Click Yes.
• Upon completion of the scan (or after the reboot), click the History tab.
• Click Application Logs and double-click the newest Scan Log.
• At the bottom click Export and choose Text file.

Save the file to your desktop and upload your next reply.
 
 
 
 

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
 
Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Make sure that Addition option is checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please upload them into your next reply.

[killbilly]

Thank you. Files attached as requested.

Addition.txt

scan_log.txt

FRST.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
 

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.
Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

 
Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:
 
Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please post it to your reply.

fixlist.txt

[killbilly]

Hello. Instructions followed and FIXLOG.TXT attached to this post.

Fixlog.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. How is your PC now?

[killbilly]

Seems to have cleared the problem, thank you. I will be posting a donation here momentarily.

 

Follow-up questions:

 

1) What kind of problem was this? It seems like turning on the rootkit scan got MalwareBytes to find it?

2) Was there any lasting damage? Was my machine hijacked at all or was this merely heavy advertising?

3) What CAUSED it, and what will tell me that I might accidentally be doing it again?

 

Thank you,

 

Bill

[TwinHeadedEagle]

1) It was malware that caused all this mess.
2) No, it was only hijacked to show advertisement.
3) I don't know how you got infected, probably by downloading some application bundled with malware.
 
 
Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself
 
 

Recommended reading:

 
 
MUST READ - security tips:

• Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

MUST READ - general maintenance:

• What to do if your Computer is running slowly?

The Importance of Software Updating:

 

 
In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.
 
Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.

• How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
• How to update Java
• How to update Adobe Reader

Recommended additional software:

 
 
TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads! 
 
 

Post-cleanup procedures:

 

 
Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.

• Run the tool by right click on the icon and Run as administrator option.
• Make sure that these ones are checked:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset system settings
• Push Run.
• The program will run for a few seconds and display a notepad report. You do not need to attach it.

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning. 
 
 
 

My help is free for everybody.

If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation: 

 

Thank you!

 
 
Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle  

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

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