Adnetechy/Adtech Hijack

[gsquared]

I just read the Removal instructions for adTech located here: https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?/topic/175217-removal-instructions-for-adtech/

 

Unfortunately, I have this hijacker on my system and I cannot install Malwarebytes to remove it. I'm running Windows 7 and when I try to run the Malwarebytes setup/installer from my desktop (as Admin), I get an Error message saying 'Unable to execute filein the temporary directory. Setup aborted. Error 31: A device attached to the system is not functioning.'

 

Before I tried to run the installer, I made sure to delete the Malwarebytes certificate that was added to the Untrusted Certificates.

 

Attached are the Farbar logs.

 

Any recommendations on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

 

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,

    

 

They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll try to help your with your issue.

 

     

    

Before we start please read and note the following:

• We're primarily oriented on malware removal here, so you must know that some issues just cannot be solved and you must be prepared for this. Some tools we use here will remove your browser search history, so backup your important links and all the files whose loss is unacceptable.
• Note that we may live in totally different time zones, what may cause some delays between answers.
• 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.
• 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 not covered in my instructions 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 ComboFix

This is a very powerful tool that should be used only if advised by Malware Analyst.

Do not run ComboFix on your own!

Referring to this instruction, please download ComboFix by sUBs and save it to your desktop.

Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Accept the disclaimer and agree if prompted to install Recovery Console.
• Do not take any actions while ComboFix goes through your System - it may cause it to stall!
• This scan may take some time!
• When finished - it will display a logfile (located also on your main drive, usually C:\ComboFix.txt).

Include that log in your next reply.

If you'll encounter any issues with internet connection after running ComboFix, please visit this link.

If an error about operation on the key marked for deletion will appear after running the tool, please reboot your machine.

[gsquared]

Hello,

 

Thank you for the instructions.

 

I ran the ComboFix scan and the log is attached.

 

 

ComboFix.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. How is the situation now?
 
 
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.

[gsquared]

Hello, the problem still existed after running Combofix, but since re-running Farbar Recovery Scan it seems like the browsers are not auto opening, etc., but the problem is still here. I cannot seem to get Google Chrome to open without it automatically opening a few unwanted tabs displaying spam websites.

 

Also, its still adding certificates to the Unwanted Certificates as described in this post: https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?/topic/175217-removal-instructions-for-adtech/#entry1002563

 

Attached are the two Farbar logfiles.

 

Thanks

 

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

[gsquared]

I spoke too soon. My Chrome browser started auto-opening windows and tabs again with spammy websites. Bummer!

[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 attach it to your reply.

fixlist.txt

[gsquared]

I ran it and I haven't Chrome hasn't auto-opened tabs like it was before. But when I open a new tab in Chrome, it does open up those same spam tabs and I can't seem to remove it. I tried right-clicking on the alias and viewing properties and making sure the Shortcut Target is clean and it is. There must be some remaining code somewhere that is causing this.

 

Attached is the Fixlog file.

 

Thanks again for your help.

 

 

Fixlog.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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 and Shortcut.txt options are checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce three logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt, Shortcut.txt and Addition.txt.

Please attach them into your next reply.

[gsquared]

Ok, I re-ran Farbar Recovery Scan and attached are the three logfiles FRST.txt, Shortcut.txt, and Addition.txt.

 

Thanks

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

Shortcut.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Uninstall Chrome

Export your bookmarks

https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/96816?hl=en

Close all Chrome windows and tabs.

Go to the Start menu > Control Panel.

Click Programs and Features.

Double-click Google Chrome.

Click Uninstall from the confirmation dialog. Delete your user profile information, like your browser preferences, bookmarks, and history, select the "Also delete your browsing data" checkbox.

Click Start, copy in search %LOCALAPPDATA%\ and remove folder Google

Download Chrome

https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/desktop/

[gsquared]

Thank you very much TwinHeadedEagle! The malware is gone! I was able to successfully download Malwarebytes and run it as well as a precaution and it quarantined some other junk that was still there!

 

Thanks again... a show of appreciation is coming your way via PayPal!

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Since there are no more problems, we can declare this PC clean

Now, we can proceed with post-cleanup procedures. Let's remove my tools and create a new, non infected restore point concurrently deleting old ones.

Step 1. - Creation of system restore point and tools removal.

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 and wait until the tool completes his work.
• All tools we used should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt). I don't need it for review.

Tool deletes old system restore points and creates a fresh system restore point after cleaning.

Step 2. - Tips and tricks to keep your computer clean, safe and in a good shape.

Security tips - highly recommended reading:

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

Maintenance tips:

• Optimize Windows for better performance

Additional software that I personally use and install on all my clients devices:

• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (paid version highly recommended) - 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!
• Qualys BrowserCheck - cloud service that scans your browsers and plugins to see if they’re all up-to-date.

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

[gsquared]

TwinHeadedEagle, I ran the post-cleanup procedures you recommended.

 

Thanks again for your help!

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

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