Bitcoinminer activity 7

[Jockap]

Hi, I have a notification popping up all the time saying “Norton blocked an attack from: Miner.Botcoinminer Activity 7.

I tried rkill then zemana antimakware, Hitman pro and then malwarebytes but all of them couldn’t detect the source. (In that order)

please help me get rid of this annoying bitcoinminer.

(I’m sorry if my English isn’t goo. I isn’t my main language) 

[Jockap]

Hi, I have a notification popping up all the time saying “Norton blocked an attack from: Miner.Botcoinminer Activity 7.

I tried rkill then zemana antimalware, Hitman pro and then malwarebytes but all of them couldn’t detect the source. (In that order)

please help me get rid of this annoying bitcoinminer.

(I’m sorry if my English isn’t good. It isn’t my main language)

(I tried again without wrong grammar, I paniced a lot when all of the programs couldn’t find the source)

[Maurice Naggar]

Hi,  

My name is Maurice. I will be helping and guiding you, going forward on this case.

I understand that Norton is flagging something but is not then clearing it up.

I understand you have run a number of other tools.   Please do not run any more other tools.

We need to get information from this machine in order to have the proper detail to help you forward.
 NOTE: The tools and the information obtained is safe and not harmful to your privacy or your computer, please allow the programs to run if blocked by your system.

    Download Malwarebytes Support Tool
    
    
    Once the file is downloaded, open your Downloads folder/location of the downloaded file
    Double-click mb-support-1.4.0.623.exe to run the report
        You may be prompted by User Account Control (UAC) to allow changes to be made to your computer. Click Yes to consent.
        
    Place a checkmark next to Accept License Agreement and click Next
    You will be presented with a page stating, "Get Started!"

    Do NOT use the button “Start repair” !
    Click the Advanced tab on the left column
    
    Click the Gather Logs button
    
    A progress bar will appear and the program will proceed with getting logs from your computer
   
    Upon completion, click a file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to your Desktop. Click OK
    Please attach the ZIP file in your next reply.

 

Thank you.

 

[Jockap]

Hi, I did what you said. here is the result.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[Jockap]

Norton stopped giving me a notification since yesterday About the attack of bitcoinminer activity 7. Did it stop?

[Maurice Naggar]

Hi.  I cant tell what the Norton issues are or were.

Later on, I will have you run a generic report.  And for the long term, my advice is to be sure that you get Windows updated to Windows 10  Build 1903.

For now, lets do some basic scan runs.  Adwcleaner can scan and help with removing adwares.

[ 1 ]

I  would suggest to download, Save, and then run Malwarebytes ADWCLEANER.

Please close Chrome and all other open web browsers after you have saved the Adwcleaner and before you start Adwcleaner scan.

Version 7.4 of Adwcleaner  detects factory Preinstalled applications too!

I  encourage you to take a look at the announcement blogpost to learn more this new detection category: https://blog.malwarebytes.com/malwarebytes-news/2019/07/your-device,-your-choice:-adwcleaner-now-detects-preinstalled-software/.

 

Please download  Malwarebytes AdwCleaner  https://downloads.malwarebytes.com/file/adwcleaner
 

Be sure to Save the file first, to your system.  Saving to the Downloads folder should be the default on your system.

 

Go to the folder where you saved Adwcleaner. Double click Adwcleaner  to start it.

At the prompt for license agreement, review and then click on I agree.

 

You will then see a main screen for Adwcleaner. ( if you do not see it right away, minimized the other open windows, so you can see Adwcleaner).

Then click on Dashboard button.

Click the blue button "Scan Now".

 

allow it a few minutes to finish the Scan.   Let it remove what it finds.

NOTE:  When it comes to the section "

Pre-installed applications

 

You can skip that.

Please find and send the Adwcleaner "C" clean report.

In Adwcleaner, click the "Reports" button.  Look at the list of reports for the latest date & type "Clean".

Double Click that line & it will open in Notepad.   Save the file to your system and then Attach that with your reply, at your opportunity.

 

[ 2 ]

Do a Threat scan with Malwarebytes for Windows.

https://support.malwarebytes.com/docs/DOC-1156

 

If this scan finds any malware or P U P, I will want a copy of the scan log-report.

Thanks.  Keep me advised.

 

[Jockap]

Hi, my windows update gets stuck the whole time at preparing update at 80% . What to do?

[Jockap]

Sorry I was to impatience . got those notificatiens again from norton 

[Jockap]

And my dad wants to try to solf the problem himself. What to do?

[Maurice Naggar]

Lets please take one thing at a time.  Patience is a good thing.

I had intended Windows Update to be addressed way at the end.   You did not mention what the "error message" was.

 

# 2.  More important.  Did you do & finish the 2 scans I last listed ?   The Adwcleaner & the Threat scab with Malwarebytes.

If not done, then please do those.  And provide the scan reports.

 

# 3.  There are some script blockers that can be a help with web browsers.  I am listing one for Firefox browser & one for Chrome browser  ( or Chrome-based browser).

you can look at using NoScript along with Mozilla Firefox.   https://noscript.net/

Checkout this Malwarebytes Blog article  https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2015/01/hardening-firefox/

If you use Chrome browser, or any derivative of Chrome:

There is an alternative for Chrome  called ScriptSafe, and Safari users have JS Blocker. Both will work similarly.

See https://blog.malwarebytes.com/security-world/2018/07/how-to-block-ads-like-a-pro/

 

# 4.

You may do some additional  browser "beefing up" to help in general  to reduce unwanted ads.

beef up each web browser ( put an ad block extension).
Malwarebytes has a browser extension for Chrome & a separate one for Firefox browser.

 

See this article on our Malwarebytes Blog
How to tighten security and increase privacy on your browser

.

Look at the following Malwarebytes Blog article and scroll down to the section marked *Clear your browser's cache* 
and do that for each of your web browser programs.
https://blog.malwarebytes.com/puppum/2017/04/adware-the-series-part-1/

.

Look at the following Blog article & turn off push notifications for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
https://blog.malwarebytes.com/security-world/technology/2019/01/browser-push-notifications-feature-asking-abused/

.

#5

beef up each web browser ( put a ad block extension). Especially if you use a web-based email service.
Malwarebytes has a browser extension for Chrome & a separate one for Firefox browser.

 

if you use Chrome or Firefox browser, install the Malwarebytes beta browser extension.  There is one for Chrome & another for Firefox.

To get & install the Malwarebytes beta Chrome extension,

Open this link in your Chrome browser: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee

Then proceed with the setup.

 

To get & install the Malwarebytes beta Firefox extension.

Open this link in your Firefox browser: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/malwarebytes/

Then proceed with the setup.

[Jockap]

Hi, I ran adwcleaner and it found 1 thing. I deleted the file and my laptop restarted. For now I am not getting anny notifications anymore from Norton. I ran the malwarebytes threat scan without scanning for rootkits (did I needed to do that or not?). I am now gonna do that browser stuff.

AdwCleaner[C00].txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Please do do all my prior tips.  They will "beef up" your web browsers, which is a key part of having multiple layers of protection.

No, it is not a must to have the anti-rootkit option on  when doing a scan with Malwarebytes.

The Adwcleaner report is most excellent.   There is no adwares.  It only found one dormant singe entry in the registry.  It is old outdated history.   Very good result on this run.

[Jockap]

I followed all the tips. Is the file gone that caused the bitcoinminer activity 7 notification?

[Maurice Naggar]

Could not answer that since Norton is the one making that claim.  Norton history is what you would need to go thru to see what it was flagging and on what folder location.

The browser tips I gave you will harden your browser against any future "miner hijacker".   In addition, Malwarebytes for Windows Premium does have protections against miner hijackers.

[Jockap]

I can't find the place where the attack was coming from according to Norton (It said where it was coming from but I couldn't find it anywhere} but

Thanks a lot to take the efford for helping me! I appreciate it a lot.

[Maurice Naggar]

You are welcome.

I have provided you tips on web browsers.  You have run scans with Adwcleaner & with Malwarebytes for Windows.

 

I would suggest to you one other special scan.

I would suggest a free scan with the ESET Online Scanner
Go to https://www.eset.com/us/home/online-scanner/

Look on the right side of the page.  Click Scan Now
It will start a download of "esetonlinescanner_enu.exe"
Save the file to your system, such as the Downloads folder, or else to the Desktop.

Go to the saved file, and double click it to get it started.
When presented with the initial ESET options, click on "Computer Scan".

Next, when prompted by Windows, allow it to start by clicking Yes

When prompted for scan type, Click on Full scan
Click on the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click on Start scan button.

Have patience.  The entire process may take an hour or more. There is an initial update download.
There is a progress window display.
You should ignore all prompts to get the ESET antivirus software program.   ( e.g.  their standard program).   You do not need to buy or get or install anything else.

When the scan is completed, if something was found, it will show a screen with the number of detected items.  If so, click the button marked “View detected results”.

Click The blue “Save scan log” to save the log.

If something was removed and you know it is a false finding, you may click on the blue ”Restore cleaned files”  ( in blue, at bottom).

Press Continue when all done.  You should click to off the offer for “periodic scanning”.

 

[Jockap]

ESET did a good job of finding 1 potentially unwanted program, 2 LoudMiner.A trojan and 2 potentially unsafe applications. They are all deleted. But it took around 3-4 hours to complete the scan and it was totally worth it. Thanks for advising me that scan.

[Maurice Naggar]

Thanks for the update.  I am glad to know that the ESET scan helped out.

Is there anything else that you need, at this point ?

[Jockap]

I forgot to mention that sometimes if the attacks started Norton noticed That there where a lot of e mail sended without me doing it and then Norton gave me notifications of the bitcoinminer attack  that was stopped. I think that is solved now that the file is gone causing the attacks. Thanks for helping me to get rid of that problem

[Maurice Naggar]

You are welcome.  I am glad to hear the good news.   Whatever program you use for email, be sure it is in good shape.  And consider changing its password to a strong password.

https://www.howtogeek.com/195430/how-to-create-a-strong-password-and-remember-it/

https://www.lastpass.com/password-generator

.

You can delete the ESET online scanner download.

.

Safer practices & malware prevention:
Follow best practices when browsing the Internet, especially on opening links coming from untrusted sources.
First rule of internet safety: slow down & think before you "click".
Free games & free programs are like "candy". We do not accept them from "strangers".

Never open attachments that come with unexpected ( out of the blue ) email no matter how enticing.
Never open attachments from the email itself. Do not double click in the email. Always Save first and then scan with antivirus program.

Never click links without first hovering your mouse over the link and seeing if it is going to an odd address ( one that does not fit or is odd looking or has typos).

 

Pay close attention when installing 3rd-party programs. It is important that you pay attention to the license agreements and installation screens when installing anything off of the Internet. If an installation screen offers you Custom or Advanced installation options, it is a good idea to select these as they will typically disclose what other 3rd party software will also be installed.
Take great care in every stage of the process and every offer screen, and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next".

Use a Standard user account rather than an administrator-rights account when "surfing" the web.
See more info on Corrine's SecurityGarden Blog http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_7.html
Dont remove your current login. Just use the new Standard-user-level one for everyday use while on the internet.


Check in at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com 
Windows Update and install any Important Updates offered.

Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12373/windows-update-faq

Keep your system and programs up to date. Several programs release security updates on a regular basis to patch vulnerabilities. Keeping your software patched up prevents attackers from being able to exploit them to drop malware.

For other added tips, read "10 easy ways to prevent malware infection"

.

Best wishes to you.

[Maurice Naggar]

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

 

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello @Jockap    I have re-opened the Topic for you.  The "bitcoinminer 7" is something flagged by Norton.  I very much want to have all possible information that Norton shows as to any name, file-name, location, etc , including a screen grab image.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-take-a-screenshot-or-picture-of-whats-on-your-co-5825771

 

# 2

    Download Malwarebytes Support Tool
    
    
    Once the file is downloaded, open your Downloads folder/location of the downloaded file
    Double-click mb-support-1.4.0.623.exe to run the report
        You may be prompted by User Account Control (UAC) to allow changes to be made to your computer. Click Yes to consent.
        
    Place a checkmark next to Accept License Agreement and click Next
    You will be presented with a page stating, "Get Started!"

    Do NOT use the button “Start repair” !
    Click the Advanced tab on the left column
    
    Click the Gather Logs button
    
    A progress bar will appear and the program will proceed with getting logs from your computer
   
    Upon completion, click a file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to your Desktop. Click OK
    Please attach the ZIP file in your next reply.

 

Thank you.

 

[Jockap]

 I think it was a false alarm but this was te message that norton was giving for 5 minutes. (it is dutch if you want to translate it) . 

[Jockap]

the file name and location

\DEVICE\HARDDISKVOLUME4\PROGRAM FILES\ORACLE\VIRTUALBOX\VBOXHEADLESS.EXE

 

and here are thembst-grab-results.zip

[Maurice Naggar]

Thanks for the screen grab.  It is Dutch language.   Norton is blocking some sort of attempt on IP 185.193.126.159

 

You can upload the file VBOXHEADLESS.EXE   up to Virustotal for analysis.

Can you please go to Virustotal website  ( which is a site that many security companies use to upload and check files for potential malware.  The site uses multiple search engines from several companies).

Go to the link https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload

You will see Choose file button.   Click that as a first step.   You will then see a dialog grid from Windows.

On the white "File name" box  copy and paste in

C:\PROGRAM FILES\ORACLE\VIRTUALBOX\VBOXHEADLESS.EXE

 

then click Open button.  It should then Upload a copy of that file.  That file will be analyzed.

Watch the progress.  It should take a short while.

After it has all completed, it will show a completed results page.

Please provide the link address to that results page on your next reply.

.

As to the most recent Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows on afternoon of August 23, found no malware.

The program is running in free mode.   So there is no real-time protection.  You may want to consider get a Premium license.

 

Prior to creation of this case, you had alreday run scans with Zemana & Hitmanpro.

I had you run Adwcleaner.  Delete cache in web browsers  & add Malwarebytes extensions on Chrome, Firefox.    ( suggested those before ).

Also suggested to run ESET Online scanner.

There had been no malware detected, as I recall.

 

You can do a new scan just for another opinion.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner  is a free Microsoft stand-alone virus scanner that  can be used to scan for & remove malware or potentially unwanted software from a system.

The download links & the how-to-run-the tool are at this link at Microsoft

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/safety-scanner-download

 

Let me know the result of this.