Can't remove proxy hijacker PUP

[Charlotte1234]

Hi,

Can anyone help please? I have a proxy hijacker that keeps turning my proxy settings on. There are 7 files identified by malwarebytes, which I quarantined then deleted. I've also run Adwcleaner as instructed in previous topics on this. Would it help if I just left the files in quarantine on malwarebytes instead of deleting them? 

I've noticed on other forums that people have run a program called farbar recovery scan, then people have created a fix for them. Is anyone willing to do this for me?

Am getting desperate, my laptop is unusable currently. Thanks! 

UPDATE: Adwcleaner claims there are no malicious files

Edited November 24, 2017 by Charlotte1234
Ran a new scan

[kevinf80]

Hello Charlotte1234 and welcome to Malwarebytes, Follow the instructions at this link and post the requested logs: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/9573-im-infected-what-do-i-do-now/ Thank you, Kevin

[Charlotte1234]

Hi,

Here are the requested documents. Since the Malwarebytes scan, I tried to delete the quarantined files and remove them with Adwcleaner as explained above, but it hasn't worked. They have reappeared in a Malwarebytes scan that is likely to have the exact same results although its still ongoing. Let me know if I need to requarantine the files for whatever you tell me to do next.

Thanks!

 

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

malware scan.txt

[kevinf80]

Thanks for those logs Charolotte1234, continue as follows:

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

Open 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,

Open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.   On the Settings tab > Protection Scroll to and make sure the following are selected: Scan for Rootkits Scan within Archives   Scroll further to Potential Threat Protection make sure the following are set as follows: Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP`s) set as :- Always detect PUP`s (recommended) Potentially Unwanted Modifications (PUM`s) set as :- Alwaysdetect PUM`s (recommended)   Click on the Scan make sure Threat Scan is selected, A Threat Scan will begin. When the scan is complete if anything is found make sure that the first checkbox at the top is checked (that will automatically check all detected items), then click on the Quarantine Selected Tab If asked to restart your computer to complete the removal, please do so When complete click on Export Summary after deletion (bottom-left corner) and select Copy to Clipboard. 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 retrieve the log. To get the log from Malwarebytes do the following:   Click on the Reports tab > from main interface. Double click on the Scan log which shows the Date and time of the scan just performed. Click Export > From export you have two 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   Use "Copy to Clipboard, then Right click to your reply > select "Paste" that will copy the log to your reply… Next, Download Microsoft's " Malicious Software Removal Tool" and save direct to the desktop Ensure to get the correct version for your system.... https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/malicious-software-removal-tool-details.aspx 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 The log will include log details for each time MSRT has run, we only need the most recent log by date and time.... Let me see those logs in your reply, also tell me if there are any remaining issues or concerns.... Thank you, Kevin..

 

fixlist.txt

[Charlotte1234]

Hi Kevin,

Attached are the results. Seems to have worked so far r.e. the proxy issue but will keep you updated. Depends if it stays that way when I shut down the laptop overnight...

Malwarebytes as brought up a new threat now that seems to be related to google chrome. I've had trouble getting google chrome to open for a few weeks, could this be related to that? And if so, do you have any ideas on how to get rid of this new threat? I have of course quarantined it.

Thanks!

 

malware scan 2.txt

microsoft recovery.txt

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the logs/update Charlotte1234,

The issue showing in MB log is a current common issue with Chrome.....

Follow the instructions in this link to clear your current problem: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/214325-chrome-secure-preferences-detection-always-comes-back/ Be aware there are two posts in that thread, if the first instruction does not help move onto the second.... Let me know if the issue is cleared...   Thank you,   Kevin..

 

[Charlotte1234]

Hi Kevin,

I can't follow those instructions, my Google Chrome won't stay open more than two seconds unfortunately.

Proxy issue seems to be completely resolved, switched computer on this morning. Thank you very much.

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the update Charlotte1234,

As Chrome is still causing problems maybe best option is clean install of Chrome.....

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: Download Chrome installer and save to install later: https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html https://www.google.com/intl/en_usa/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html Remove all synced data from Chrome go here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6386691?hl=en-GB follow those instructions... It is essntial that any/all synced data is removed when the browser is hijacked or exploited in anyway... 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!! Navigate to C:\Users\Your user name\Appdata\Local from that folder delete the folder named Google (you will need to show hidden files/folders to see the folder Appdata) For XP that will be My Computer > C:\ Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Application Data\Roaming How to show hidden files and folders for windows: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/show-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-vista/ Install Google Chrome : Install Adblock Plus to Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-plus/cfhdojbkjhnklbpkdaibdccddilifddb Install DrWeb Link Ant-virus Link Checker: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/drweb-anti-virus-link-che/aleggpabliehgbeagmfhnodcijcmbonb?hl=en Does that help...?   Thank you,   Kevin

[Charlotte1234]

Hi Kevin,

Looking at your link for removing all synced data, the only instructions I can see on the page you have linked to involve opening chrome, which I can't do. Is there another way?

Thanks.

 

 

[Charlotte1234]

UPDATE: the proxy hijacker is back, the proxy server was switched on again randomly. What can I try next?

[kevinf80]

Proxy Hijacker is usually picked up from a exploited website, it will be loaded into a specific browser so that it is reinstalled when the browser is opened... do the following...

Use this tool to UNinstall Chrome:

Download GeekUninstaller from here: http://www.geekuninstaller.com/download (Choose free version) Save Geek.zip to your Desktop. (Visit the Home page at that link for necessary information) Extract Geek Uninstaller and save to your Desktop. There is no need to install, the executable is portable and can also be run from a USB if required. Run the tool, the main GUI will populate with installed programs list, Left click on Program name to highlight that entry. Select Action from the Menu bar, then Uninstall from there follow the prompts. If Uninstall fails open the "Action" menu one more time and use "Force Removal" option   Next,   Please download Zemana AntiMalware and save it to your Desktop.   Install the program and once the installation is complete it will start automatically. Without changing any options, press Scan to begin. After the short scan is finished, if threats are detected press Next to remove them. Note: If restart is required to finish the cleaning process, you should click Reboot. If reboot isn't required, please re-boot your computer manually.   Open Zemana AntiMalware again. Click on icon and double click the latest report. Now click File > Save As and choose your Desktop before pressing Save. Attach saved report in your next message. Post log from Zemana...

[Charlotte1234]

I've uninstalled Google Chrome using the program you mentioned, all seemed to go well. I can't use zemana as I have used it before and need to pay to use it again. Anything else I can do?

[kevinf80]

Download RogueKiller and save it on your desktop, ensure to download correct version.. RogueKiller (X86) RogueKiller (x64)   Exit all running applications. Double-click on RogueKiller.exe to launch the tool. On its first execution, RogueKiller will disply the software license (EULA), click on "Accept" to continue. If RogueKiller is unable to load, do not hesitate to try launching it several times or rename it winlogon. Click "Start Scan" to begin the analysis. This may take some time. Once the scan is complete, click the "Open TXT" button to display the scan report. Copy/Paste it's content in your next reply. Do not use the Remove Selected option until i`ve had a look at the log..

[Charlotte1234]

Here it is. Thanks

rk_4FB.tmp.txt

[kevinf80]

Hello again Charlotte1234

Run RogueKiller again....

•   Wait for the scan to complete
•   On completion, the results will be displayed
•   Checkmark all found entries then click on the Remove Selected button
• On completion, the results will be displayed. Click on the Open Report button in the bottom left corner, followed by the Open TXT button (also in the bottom left corner)
• This will open the report in Notepad. Copy/paste its content in your next reply....
  

Next,

Download and unzip DNSJumper to your Desktop, the tool is portable no installation necessary. Tool can be downloaded here: http://www.sordum.org/downloads/?dns-jumper   Right click on Dnsjumper.exe and select "Run as Administrator" to start the tool, For XP just double click to run. rom the left hand pane select "Flush DNS" From the main interface select the dropdown under "Choose a DNS Server" From the list select either "Google Public DNS" or "Open DNS" From the left hand pane select "Apply DNS" When done re-boot your system....

Let me know how your system responds after that, also if there are any remaining issues or concerns...

Thank you,

Kevin

[Charlotte1234]

Hi Kevin,

Attached is the report after I removed things. I followed all your instructions, then tested after the restart by reading my emails in Internet Explorer, proxy server was soon turned on again. Seems to be very persistent. Is there anything else I can try?

Thanks.

 

 

rk_8D97.tmp.txt

[kevinf80]

Run FRST one more time, ensure all boxes are checkmarked under "Whitelist" but only Addition.txt under "Optional scan" Select scan, when done post the new logs. "FRST.txt" and "Addition.txt"

 

[Charlotte1234]

Here are the files. Will see if it is fixed after a restart.

Addition2.txt

FRST2.txt

[Charlotte1234]

Hi, 

Just to let you know, my problem seems to be gone now. I uninstalled every program that wasn't essential to how I use the computer and it seems to have deleted the file, wherever it came from. I have been using the internet for 45 minutes now without issues. Thanks for all your help, sorry it took so long to work out what the problem was. 

 

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the update Charlotte1234, if you are sure all is now ok we can clean up:

Uninstall RogueKiller http://www.askvg.com/how-to-completely-uninstall-remove-a-software-program-in-windows-without-using-3rd-party-software/ Also delete this folder if still present: C:\ProgramData\RogueKiller Next, Download "Delfix by Xplode" and save it to your desktop. Or use the following if first link is down: "Delfix link mirror" If your security program alerts to Delfix either, accept the alert or turn your security off. 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 <----- this will remove tools we may have used. 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 <--- this will reset any system settings back to default that were changed either by us during cleansing or malware/infection 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, Read the following links to fully understand PC Security and Best Practices, you may find them useful.... Answers to Common Security Questions and best Practices Do I need a Registry Cleaner? Take care and surf safe Kevin...

[kevinf80]

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!