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Persistent adware

sjasogun
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sjasogun

sjasogun

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For several days now, I've been having problems with several adware programs that, even though MalwareBytes detects and removes them just fine keep returning every time I start up Google Chrome. The filenames are as follows, all contained in C:\Users\MyUsername\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage:

https_greatfind-a.akamaihd.net_0.localstorage

https_greatfind-a.akamaihd.net_0.localstorage-journal

http_nps.pastaleads.com_0.localstorage

http_nps.pastaleads.com_0.localstorage-journal

http_static.boostsaves.com_0.localstorage

http_static.boostsaves.com_0.localstorage-journal

 

I have run the following programs in an attempt to get rid of these permanently, but they've all failed:

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware Free Version

CCleaner (both regular cleanup and registry fixer)

AdwCleaner

HitmanPro (1 month free trial license)

Kasparsky's TDSSKiller

Microsoft Security Scanner

 

I also looked in my installed programs and my browser extensions and plugins to look for anything suspicious but found nothing. I also reset Google Chrome to the standard setting multiple times but this also had no effect whatsoever.

 

In addition to these, I also tried Spyhunter, which I discovered to be fakeware way too late, resulting in more adware being added (at least, this is what I suspect to be the cause.)

 

The current symptoms are:

Great Find popups randomly on websites - can appear on the top, on the right or in the middle obscuring most of the webpage. All can be freely closed.

Buzzdock Ads on google search

Random redirects to advertisement sites, somewhat rare so I've yet to determine the exact source

 

Attatched are the required scan logs, in addition to the MalwareBytes log of one of the removals of the above files.

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

MWBlog1.txt

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kevinf80

kevinf80

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Hello and welcome,

P2P/Piracy Warning:
 

If you're using Peer 2 Peer software such as uTorrent, BitTorrent or similar you must either fully uninstall them or completely disable them from running while being assisted here.Failure to remove or disable such software will result in your topic being closed and no further assistance being provided.If you have illegal/cracked software, cracks, keygens etc. on the system, please remove or uninstall them now and read the policy on Piracy.

 

 

Next,

 

Download attached fixlist.txt file (end of reply) and save it to the Desktop, or the folder you saved FRST into.
NOTE. It's important that both FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Run FRST and press the Fix button just once and wait.
The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or the folder it was ran from. Please post it to your reply.

 

Next,

 

Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

  • On the Settings tab > Detection and Protection sub tab, Detection Options, tick the box "Scan for rootkits".
  • Under Non-Malware Protection sub tab Change PUP and PUM entries to Treat detections as Malware
  • Click on the Scan tab, then click on Scan Now >> . If an update is available, click the Update Now button.
  • A Threat Scan will begin.
  • With some infections, you may or may not see this message box.

            'Could not load DDA driver'
  • Click 'Yes' to this message, to allow the driver to load after a restart.
  • Allow the computer to restart. Continue with the rest of these instructions.
  • When the scan is complete, click Apply Actions.
  • Wait for the prompt to restart the computer to appear, then click on Yes.
  • After the restart once you are back at your desktop, open MBAM once more.



To get the log from Malwarebytes do the following:

  • Click on the History tab > Application Logs.
  • Double click on the scan log which shows the Date and time of the scan just performed.
  • Click Export > From export you have three options:

      Copy to Clipboard - if seleted right click to your reply and select "Paste" log will be pasted to your reply
      Text file (*.txt)        - if selected you will have to name the file and save to a place of choice, recommend "Desktop" then attach to reply
      XML file (*.xml)      - if selected you will have to name the file and save to a place of choice, recommend "Desktop" then attach to reply
  • Please use "Copy to Clipboard, then Right click to your reply > select "Paste" that will copy the log to your reply…




If Malwarebytes is not installed follow these instructions first:

Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.

  • Double-click mbam-setup and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to the following:
  • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • A 14 day trial of the Premium features is pre-selected. You may deselect this if you wish, and it will not diminish the scanning and removal capabilities of the program.
  • Click Finish. Follow the instructions above....


Next,
 
Please follow these instructions:-

Download AdwCleaner by Xplode onto your Desktop.

  • Double click on Adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
  • Click on the Scan in the Actions box
  • Please wait fot the scan to finish..
  • When "Waiting for action.Please uncheck elements you want to keep" shows in top line..
  • Click on the Cleaning box.
  • Next click OK on the "Closing Programs" pop up box.
  • Click OK on the Information box & again OK to allow the necessary reboot
  • After restart the AdwCleaner(C*)-Notepad log will appear, please copy/paste it in your next reply. Where * is the number relative to list of scans completed...



Next,

 

thisisujrt.gif Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

  • Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts. (re-enable when done)
  • Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista, 7, or 8; instead of double-clicking, right-mouse click JRT.exe and select "Run as Administrator".
  • The tool will open and start scanning your system.
  • 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.
  • Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next message.



Next,

 

Download Microsoft's " Malicious Software Removal Tool" and save direct to the desktop

Ensure to get the correct version for your system....

32 Bit version:
https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/confirmation.aspx?FamilyId=AD724AE0-E72D-4F54-9AB3-75B8EB148356&displaylang=en

64 Bit version:
https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/confirmation.aspx?FamilyId=585D2BDE-367F-495E-94E7-6349F4EFFC74&displaylang=en

Right click on the Tool, select “Run as Administrator” the tool will expand to the options Window
In the "Scan Type" window, select Quick Scan
Perform a scan and  Click Finish when the scan is done.

Retrieve the MSRT log as follows, and post it in your next reply:

1) Select the Windows key and R key together to open the "Run" function
2) Type or Copy/Paste the following command to the "Run Line" and Press Enter:

notepad c:\windows\debug\mrt.log

Let me see those logs, also give an update on any remaining issues or concerns...

 

Thank you,

 

Kevin..
 

Fixlist.txt

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sjasogun

sjasogun

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I ran all the scans you requested, but the issue remains - the files mentioned in the OP just keep returning. Note that I already had MalwareBytes on the settings you mentioned when I ran the scan from the OP, but I re-ran it anyway. The logs are attatched.

 

I also discovered what is making the random redirect happen, it's also two files in the same folder as the other ones:

 

http_fugupdates120.com_0.localstorage

http_fugupdates120.com_0.localstorage-journal

 

Or at least, that's what I suspect since fugupdates is the name of the site that opened randomly.

AdwCleanerC1.txt

Fixlog.txt

JRT.txt

mbam.txt

mrt.log

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kevinf80

kevinf80

Posted
Posted

Run the following :-

 

51a612a8b27e2-Zoek.pngScan with ZOEK

Please download ZOEK by Smeenk from here: http://hijackthis.nl/smeenk/ and save it to your desktop (preferred version is the *.exe one)
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

  • Right-click on 51a612a8b27e2-Zoek.png icon and select RunAsAdmin.jpg 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:



services_list;standardsearch;autoclean;emptyclsid;emptyfolderscheck;deleteiedefaults;firefoxlook;chromelook;FFdefaults;CHRdefaults;


  • 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)



Please include its content in your next reply. Don't forget to re-enable security software!

 

Does the issue now cease?

 

Thanks,

 

Kevin.
 

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kevinf80

kevinf80

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the update, earlier you mention the issues return after opening Chrome, lets go for a re-install of Chrome see if that makes any difference..

 

First,

 

Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

  • On the Settings tab > Detection and Protection sub tab, Detection Options, tick the box "Scan for rootkits".
  • Under Non-Malware Protection sub tab Change PUP and PUM entries to Treat detections as Malware
  • Click on the Scan tab, then click on Scan Now >> . If an update is available, click the Update Now button.
  • A Threat Scan will begin.
  • With some infections, you may or may not see this message box.

            'Could not load DDA driver'
  • Click 'Yes' to this message, to allow the driver to load after a restart.
  • Allow the computer to restart. Continue with the rest of these instructions.
  • When the scan is complete, click Apply Actions.
  • Wait for the prompt to restart the computer to appear, then click on Yes.
  • After the restart once you are back at your desktop, open MBAM once more.



To get the log from Malwarebytes do the following:

  • Click on the History tab > Application Logs.
  • Double click on the scan log which shows the Date and time of the scan just performed.
  • Click Export > From export you have three options:

      Copy to Clipboard - if seleted right click to your reply and select "Paste" log will be pasted to your reply
      Text file (*.txt)        - if selected you will have to name the file and save to a place of choice, recommend "Desktop" then attach to reply
      XML file (*.xml)      - if selected you will have to name the file and save to a place of choice, recommend "Desktop" then attach to reply
  • Please use "Copy to Clipboard, then Right click to your reply > select "Paste" that will copy the log to your reply…


 

Next,

 

If your Chrome Bookmarks are important do this first:

Go to this link: http://www.wikihow.com/Export-Bookmarks-from-Chrome follow the instructions and Export your Bookmarks from Chrome, save to your Desktop or similar. Note the instructions can also be used to Import the bookmarks.....

Continue for a clean install:

Remove all synced data from Chrome go here: http://www.howtogeek.com/103655/how-to-delete-your-google-chrome-browser-sync-data/ follow those instructions...

Uninstall Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95319?hl=en-GB follow those instructions, ensure the option to "Also delete your browsing data" is selected. <<--- Very important!!

Install Google Chrome from here: https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html

Install Adblock Plus to Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-plus/cfhdojbkjhnklbpkdaibdccddilifddb

 

Finally,

 

Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

  • On the Settings tab > Detection and Protection sub tab, Detection Options, tick the box "Scan for rootkits".
  • Under Non-Malware Protection sub tab Change PUP and PUM entries to Treat detections as Malware
  • Click on the Scan tab, then click on Scan Now >> . If an update is available, click the Update Now button.
  • A Threat Scan will begin.
  • With some infections, you may or may not see this message box.

            'Could not load DDA driver'
  • Click 'Yes' to this message, to allow the driver to load after a restart.
  • Allow the computer to restart. Continue with the rest of these instructions.
  • When the scan is complete, click Apply Actions.
  • Wait for the prompt to restart the computer to appear, then click on Yes.
  • After the restart once you are back at your desktop, open MBAM once more.



To get the log from Malwarebytes do the following:

  • Click on the History tab > Application Logs.
  • Double click on the scan log which shows the Date and time of the scan just performed.
  • Click Export > From export you have three options:

      Copy to Clipboard - if seleted right click to your reply and select "Paste" log will be pasted to your reply
      Text file (*.txt)        - if selected you will have to name the file and save to a place of choice, recommend "Desktop" then attach to reply
      XML file (*.xml)      - if selected you will have to name the file and save to a place of choice, recommend "Desktop" then attach to reply
  • Please use "Copy to Clipboard, then Right click to your reply > select "Paste" that will copy the log to your reply…


 

Thanks,

 

Kevin...

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sjasogun

sjasogun

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  • Author
Posted

That seems to have worked, attatched are the MBAM logs, the first of the scan before the deinstall of chrome and the second one of the scan after. If the problem returns I'll get in contact again, but it seems to be gone now.

 

Also, I have still not successfully run ZOEK, is that okay?

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kevinf80

kevinf80

Posted
Posted

Excellent, run the following to clean up...

 

Download "Delfix by Xplode" and save it to your desktop.

Or use the following if first link is down:

"Delfix link mirror"

Double Click to start the program. If you are using Vista or higher, please right-click and choose run as administrator

Make Sure the following items are checked:



  •    
  • Remove disinfection tools
       
  • Purge System Restore <--- this will remove all previous and possibly exploited restore points, a new point relative to system status at present will be created.
       
  • Reset system settings



Now click on "Run" and wait patiently until the tool has completed.

The tool will create a log when it has completed. We don't need you to post this.

Any remnant files/logs from tools we have used can be deleted…

 

Next,

 

Regarding Zoek, I would not be too concerned if it froze, maybe your security interferes and cause problems...

 

Next,

 

Read the following link to fully understand PC security and best practices, you may find it useful....

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/407147/answers-to-common-security-questions-best-practices/#entry2316629
 

Run your system for maybe 24 hours, see how it responds. If no issues post back and we can close out...

 

Thank you,

 

Kevin..

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AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup

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  • Root Admin
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Glad we could help. :)

If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this thread with your request. This applies only to the originator of this thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!

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