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What is OtherSearch?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that OtherSearch is adware. These adware applications display advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing.
This particular one is a search hijacker.

How do I know if my computer is affected by OtherSearch?

You may see this entry in your list of installed programs and features:

warning4.png

and this Scheduled Task in your Task Scheduler:

warning3.png

How did OtherSearch get on my computer?

Adware applications use different methods for distributing themselves. This particular one was bundled with other software.

How do I remove OtherSearch?

Our program Malwarebytes can detect and remove this potentially unwanted program.
  • Please download Malwarebytes to your desktop.
  • Double-click mb3-setup-consumer-{version}.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • Then click Finish.
  • Once the program has fully updated, select Scan Now on the Dashboard. Or select the Threat Scan from the Scan menu.
  • If another update of the definitions is available, it will be implemented before the rest of the scanning procedure.
  • When the scan is complete, make sure that all Threats are selected, and click Remove Selected.
  • Restart your computer when prompted to do so.
Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of OtherSearch?
  • No, Malwarebytes removes OtherSearch completely.
  • This adware changes some security settings that you may want to restore to your preference.
How would the full version of Malwarebytes help protect me?

We hope our application and this guide have helped you eradicate this adware.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes would have protected you against the OtherSearch adware. It would have warned you before the adware could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

 

protection1.png


Technical details for experts

Note: the foldernames are randomized.

Possible signs in FRST logs:
 
 R2 OtherSearch; C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\kl.dll [669696 2017-05-30] () [File not signed]
 R1 Lace514; C:\Windows\System32\drivers\Lace_wpf_x64.sys [69400 2017-05-05] (Lace514)
 C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\NBMXXYeVN7
 C:\END
 C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S
 (Lace514) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\Lace_wpf_x64.sys

OtherSearch (HKLM-x32\...\OtherSearch) (Version: 4.0.0.0 - Skyler Emil)
Task: {2CC813CA-E270-4015-8298-46C7716D1350} - System32\Tasks\NBMXXYeVN7 => C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\updengine.exe [2017-05-31] ()
Alterations made by the installer:
File system details [View: All details] (Selection)
---------------------------------------------------
    In the existing folder C:
       Adds the file END"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 2 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S
       Adds the file data.dt"="5/30/2017 2:52 AM, 3372068 bytes, A
       Adds the file kl.dll"="5/30/2017 2:52 AM, 669696 bytes, A
       Adds the file kl.ecf"="4/11/2017 12:29 PM, 7200 bytes, A
       Adds the file s.xml"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 771 bytes, A
       Adds the file slite.exe"="12/28/2016 2:24 PM, 465408 bytes, A
       Adds the file uninstall.exe"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 91149 bytes, A
       Adds the file updengine.exe"="5/31/2017 2:30 AM, 2612736 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss
       Adds the file certutil.exe"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 90112 bytes, A
       Adds the file mozcrt19.dll"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 718296 bytes, A
       Adds the file nspr4.dll"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 169432 bytes, A
       Adds the file nss3.dll"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 364544 bytes, A
       Adds the file plc4.dll"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 20440 bytes, A
       Adds the file plds4.dll"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 17368 bytes, A
       Adds the file smime3.dll"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 106496 bytes, A
       Adds the file softokn3.dll"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 372736 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\SSL
       Adds the file cert.db"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 2020 bytes, A
       Adds the file OtherSearch Inc CA 2.cer"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 780 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Windows\System32\drivers
       Adds the file Lace_wpf_x64.sys"="5/5/2017 4:11 PM, 69400 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Windows\System32\Tasks
       Adds the file NBMXXYeVN7"="5/31/2017 9:41 AM, 1996 bytes, A

Registry details [View: All details] (Selection)
------------------------------------------------
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\ROOT\Certificates\BC9225700593BE2B5B36B94B3E2D0C5C0105D7A9]
       "Blob"="REG_BINARY, ................ ....................................
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]
       "SmartScreenEnabled"="REG_SZ", "Off"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MRT]
       "DontReportInfectionInformation"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender]
       "DisableAntiSpyware"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Spynet]
       "SpyNetReporting"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "SubmitSamplesConsent"="REG_DWORD", 2
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer]
       "SmartScreenEnabled"="REG_SZ", "Off"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\OtherSearch]
       "DisplayIcon"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\uninstall.exe"
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "OtherSearch"
       "DisplayVersion"="REG_SZ", "4.0.0.0"
       "NoModify"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NoRepair"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Publisher"="REG_SZ", "Skyler Emil"
       "UninstallString"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\uninstall.exe"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\OtherSearch]
       "affid"="REG_SZ", "4435"
       "Path"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S"
       "uid"="REG_SZ", "D5A242CF40704512955AD0BB7626EF18"
       "ver"="REG_SZ", "4.0.0.0"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\OtherSearch\Components]
       "Main"="REG_SZ", "1"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Lace514]
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "Lace514"
       "ErrorControl"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Group"="REG_SZ", "PNP_TDI"
       "ImagePath"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, "\SystemRoot\System32\drivers\Lace_wpf_x64.sys"
       "Start"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Type"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "WOW64"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Lace514\Enum]
       "0"="REG_SZ", "Root\LEGACY_LACE514\0000"
       "Count"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NextInstance"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\OtherSearch]
       "AFID"="REG_SZ", "4435"
       "DependOnService"="REG_MULTI_SZ, "Lace514 "
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "OtherSearch Service"
       "ErrorControl"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "FailureActions"="REG_BINARY, <.....................
       "ImagePath"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, "rundll32.exe "C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\kl.dll",Svc"
       "ObjectName"="REG_SZ", "LocalSystem"
       "Start"="REG_DWORD", 2
       "Type"="REG_DWORD", 16
       "WOW64"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
       "DisableNotificationCenter"="REG_DWORD", 1
Malwarebytes log:
Malwarebytes
www.malwarebytes.com

-Log Details-
Scan Date: 5/31/17
Scan Time: 11:32 AM
Log File: mbamOtherSearch.txt
Administrator: Yes

-Software Information-
Version: 3.1.2.1733
Components Version: 1.0.122
Update Package Version: 1.0.2057
License: Premium

-System Information-
OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: {computername}\{username}

-Scan Summary-
Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 333270
Threats Detected: 29
Threats Quarantined: 29
Time Elapsed: 1 min, 40 sec

-Scan Options-
Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Disabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

-Scan Details-
Process: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Module: 1
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\kl.dll, Quarantined, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057

Registry Key: 4
Adware.OtherSearch, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\OtherSearch, Delete-on-Reboot, [2156], [384381],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\OtherSearch, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Rootkit.Komodia.PUA, HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\Lace514, Delete-on-Reboot, [1776], [365194],1.0.2057
PUP.Optional.OtherSearch, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\OTHERSEARCH, Delete-on-Reboot, [570], [305744],1.0.2057

Registry Value: 1
PUP.Optional.OtherSearch, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\OTHERSEARCH|AFFID, Delete-on-Reboot, [570], [305744],1.0.2057

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Data Stream: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folder: 3
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\SSL, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\M4zQG0dx1S, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057

File: 20
Adware.OtherSearch, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\M4ZQG0DX1S\UNINSTALL.EXE, Delete-on-Reboot, [2156], [384381],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\M4zQG0dx1S\SSL\OtherSearch Inc CA 2.cer, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss\certutil.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss\mozcrt19.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss\nspr4.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss\nss3.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss\plc4.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss\plds4.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss\smime3.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\nss\softokn3.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\SSL\cert.db, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\data.dt, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\dlog.txt, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\kl.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\kl.ecf, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\s.xml, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\slite.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\Program Files (x86)\M4zQG0dx1S\updengine.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [371199],1.0.2057
Adware.OtherSearch.TSKRST, C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\TASKS\NBMXXYeVN7, Delete-on-Reboot, [2808], [-1],0.0.0
Rootkit.Komodia.PUA, C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\LACE_WPF_X64.SYS, Delete-on-Reboot, [1776], [365194],1.0.2057

Physical Sector: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)
As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes could have protected your computer against this threat.
We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):
  • Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
  • Malware Execution Prevention
Save yourself the hassle and get protected.
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