Infected by a very smart malware

[xRaydenx]

Hello forum

I would like to request a help with what I believe to be a very smart malware. It uses up my CPU (100%) on idle but "suspend" itself when I open task manager.. Malwarebytes is suspended by it too, but able to be used in safe mode, but even running it in safe mode, it was unable to detect the malware itself.. The name is 32-bit setup launcher/32 bit in Processes and setup.exe in Details.. I was only able to detect its usage in Resource Monitor..

Heres where I decided it' smart:

1. Trying to open Malwarebytes froze my laptop.

2. Typing adwcleaner, roguekiller, or malwarebytes on any web browser i use, will cause the virus to suspend/kill the web browser.

3.  It always "suspend" itself when task manager is running

4. Deleting the setup.exe in safe mode does not help, it comes back at the next startup.

 

My temporary fix is to let Task Manager runs in background so the malware stays in "suspend" mode. I will gladly provide any information needed to help clear my laptop from this malware. Thanks in advance~

[kevinf80]

Hello xRaydenx and welcome to Malwarebytes, Run the following: Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop. Alternative download option: http://www.techspot.com/downloads/6731-farbar-recovery-scan-tool.html Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system (32 bit or 64 bit). If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them. Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version. If your security alerts to FRST either, accept the alert or turn your security off to allow FRST to run. It is not malicious or infected in any way... Be aware FRST must be run from an account with Administrator status...   Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.(Windows 8/10 users will be prompted about Windows SmartScreen protection - click More information and Run.) Make sure Addition.txt is checkmarked under "Optional scans"   Press Scan button to run the tool.... It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please copy and paste it to your reply. The tool will also make a log named (Addition.txt) Please attach that log to your reply. Thank you, Kevin...

[xRaydenx]

Hello Kevin and thank you for the assist~ Here's the files requested.. I'll add a bit of info.. Report 1 is when I thought something is wrong, report 2 is when I turn off my internet connection and managed to use Malwarebytes to remove said malware, report 3 is a scan not long after I realize the malware is back.. Thank you in advance~

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

Report 1.txt

Report 2.txt

Report 3.txt

[kevinf80]

Thanks for those logs, continue:

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 Malwarebytes 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 AdwCleaner by Malwarebytes onto your Desktop. Or from this Mirror   Right-click on AdwCleaner.exe and select Run as Administrator (for Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 users) Accept the EULA (I accept), then click on Scan Let the scan complete. Once it's done, make sure that every item listed in the different tabs is checked and click on the Clean button. This will kill all the active processes Once the cleaning process is complete, AdwCleaner will ask to restart your computer, do it After the restart, a log will open when logging in. Please copy/paste the content of that log in your next reply Next, Download Sophos Free Virus Removal Tool and save it to your desktop. If your security alerts to this scan either accept the alert or turn off your security to allow Sophos to run and complete..... Please Do Not use your PC whilst the scan is in progress.... This scan is very thorough so may take several hours...   Double click the icon and select Run Click Next Select I accept the terms in this license agreement, then click Next twice Click Install Click Finish to launch the program Once the virus database has been updated click Start Scanning If any threats are found click Details, then View log file... (bottom left hand corner) Copy and paste the results in your reply Close the Notepad document, close the Threat Details screen, then click Start cleanup Click Exit to close the program If no threats were found please confirm that result.... The Virus Removal Tool scans the following areas of your computer: Memory, including system memory on 32-bit (x86) versions of Windows The Windows registry All local hard drives, fixed and removable Mapped network drives are not scanned. Note: If threats are found in the computer memory, the scan stops. This is because further scanning could enable the threat to spread. You will be asked to click Start Cleanup to remove the threats before continuing the scan. Saved logs are found here: C:\ProgramData\Sophos\Sophos Virus Removal Tool\Logs Let me see those logs in your reply, also tell me if there are any remaining issues or concerns.. Thank you, Kevin...

fixlist.txt

[xRaydenx]

Sorry for replying before doing above steps since im at work now and wont be home until 5pm (8.50 am atm), but should i run the FRST while i turn off my wifi, since what seems to trigger the virus to turn is by going on wifi, and if the virus is turned on, I wont be able to open Malwarebytes.. Thanks in advance~

[kevinf80]

If having wifi off is the only way to run frst fix, then yes do that. After frst reboots your system see if you can run Malwarebytes with wifi on...

[xRaydenx]

Hello again Kevin~

 

Here are the files needed from all steps above.. Had some error during FRST.. Mentioning it wasnt approved or something.. Malwarebytes caught nothing.. AdwCleaner detected 7 and cleaned 6.. And Sophos founds nothing as well...

 

Am waiting to see if it somehow resurfaces.. And also, how do I prevent myself from being infected again.? Like, purchasing Malwarebytes Premium is in my to-do list, but I need to gather a bunch of friends to purchase the multi seat one to reduce the cost.. But other that, should I install any other form of protections.? Thank you again in advance~

AdwLog.txt

Fixlog.txt

MalwarebytesExport.txt

MalwarebytesReport.txt

[kevinf80]

How is your system responding now, any odd or erratic behavior, any issues or concerns....?

[xRaydenx]

Hello and good morning~ So far so good.. No more CPU being used up to 100%.. No more sign of the setup.exe.. System looks great now.. Thanks a lot for the help~~~

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the update, continue to clean up:

Uninstall Sophos AV 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\Sophos 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, Run Windows Disk Clean Up Utility - https://neosmart.net/wiki/disk-cleanup/ 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...

[xRaydenx]

I've done them all and I hope I never have to visit this forum in the future, in a good context that is.. Will try to be more cautious of every single download and install onward.. All the best to you, thanks for all the help, hope all is great for you and keep on helping,  Merry Belated Christmas and Happy Upcoming New Year~~~

[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 topic 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