Mask_Svc.exe

[zubbs1]

In a momentary lapse of judgement, I tried to install a shady file, and got exactly what I deserved.  My default browser was changed, and a few popups occurred.  My computer is not acting weird, but a different software scan showed mask_svc.exe (not a program I've ever installed - I use express vpn).  Malwarebytes doesn't show anything on scans, but was showing that it real-time blocked mask_svc.exe for a few days (but now it is weird that it will block several things for a few minute burst, then nothing for a few days...). I'm paranoid now that other things are here from my poor choice to download that file.

What do you need me to do for you to help put my mind at ease (I didn't see a pinned message with what scans logs to post at the start of a new thread)?

 

Appreciate any help you can offer.

 

Cheers.

[1PW]

Hello @zubbs1 and welcome back:

While you are waiting for the next qualified/approved malware removal expert helper to weigh in on your topic, and even though you may have run one or more of its following procedural steps, please carefully follow the instructions within the following:

I'm infected - What do I do now?

Remember, please be certain to attach (not Copy and Paste) the three (3) resulting report files in your next reply to this topic.

Also, with your next reply, please select the "Follow" button before clicking the Save button. OP has been PM'd.

Thank you.

Edited July 23, 2022 by 1PW

[MKDB]

Hello @zubbs1  and 

 

My name is MKDB and I will assist you.

 

 

Some ground rules:

• Please follow the steps in the given order and post back the log files.
• Please attach all log files into your post.
• Temporarily disable your antivirus or other security software first. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download software below if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Searching, detecting and removing malware isn't instantaneous and there is no guarantee to repair every system. Before we start, please make sure that you have an external backup, not connected to this system, of all private data.
• Please be patient and stick with me until I give you the "all clear".
• Only run the tools I guide you to. Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Cracked or hacked or pirated programs are not only illegal, but also will make a computer a malware victim. Having such programs installed, is the easiest way to get infected. It is the leading cause of ransomware encryptions. It is at times also big source of current trojan infections. Please uninstall them now, if any are here, before we start the cleaning procedure.
• As English is not my native language, please do not use slang or idoms. It may be hard for me to understand.
• If you do not respond within 4 days, your topic will be closed.

 

 

In Addition to what 1PW wrote, I would like you to run AdwCleaner as well.

Thank you!

 

 

Step 1

Please download AdwCleaner and save it to your desktop.

• Double-click to run it.
• Accept the End User License Agreement.
• Click Scan Now.
• When finished, if items are found please click Next / Quarantine.
• Maybe your PC will be rebooted, AdwCleaner will be opened automatically.
• Click View Log File.
• AdwCleaner will open one log (AdwCleaner[Cxx].txt).
• Please paste the log to your next reply.

 

 

 

Edited July 23, 2022 by MKDB

[zubbs1]

Attached are the four requested files.

 

Cheers.

Addition.txt AdwCleaner[C00].txt FRST.txt Malware Bytes Scan.txt

[MKDB]

Thank you @zubbs1.

Please give me some minutes to review your logfiles.

[MKDB]

I would like you to run the following FRST fix @zubbs1.

More steps will follow.

 

 

Step 1

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the location where you ran FRST from ( C:\Users\Zubba\Desktop\Virus Cleanup\ ).

Note: It's important that both files, FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

• Close all open programs and save your work.
• Run FRST again.
• Press the Fix button only once and wait. Please be patient and do not interfere, even if FRST does not respond for some time. That's nothing to worry about.
• Please note: This Fix will remove all temporary files and empty recycle bin.
• If the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
• FRST will create one log now (Fixlog.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
• Please attach this logfile to your next reply.

 

 

fixlist.txt

[zubbs1]

Thank you.  Attached is the fixlog.

 

 

Cheers.

Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

Thank you @zubbs1.

We are going to remove some orphans and check windows system files with FRST. This may take some time (>10 minutes), please be patient.

After that, I would like you to run another check with ESET for me.

Thanks again!

 

 

Step 1

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the location where you ran FRST from ( C:\Users\Zubba\Desktop\Virus Cleanup\ ).

Note: It's important that both files, FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

• Close all open programs and save your work.
• Run FRST again.
• Press the Fix button only once and wait. Please be patient and do not interfere, even if FRST does not respond for some time. That's nothing to worry about.
• Please note: This Fix will remove all temporary files and empty recycle bin.
• If the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
• FRST will create one log now (Fixlog.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
• Please attach this logfile to your next reply.

 

 

 

Step 2

Let me have you run a different scanner to double-check. I don't expect it to find anything, but no harm in checking.

I would suggest a free scan with the ESET Online Scanner

Go to https://download.eset.com/com/eset/tools/online_scanner/latest/esetonlinescanner.exe

 

• It will start a download of "esetonlinescanner.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. 
• Look at & tick  ( select )   the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click on the 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 the bottom).
• Press Continue when all done.  You should click to off the offer for “periodic scanning”.

 

Note: If you do need to do a File Restore from ESET please follow the directions below

[KB2915] Restore files quarantined by the ESET Online Scanner version 3

https://support.eset.com/en/kb2915-restore-files-quarantined-by-the-eset-online-scanner

 

 

 

 

[zubbs1]

Thanks for all your help.  I don't see a fixlist.txt attachment with the instructions you just gave me.  

[MKDB]

Sorry @zubbs1.

Here it is.

 

 

 

fixlist.txt

[MKDB]

Hi @zubbs1,

do you still need help? If so, please follow my instructions and post the logfiles.

Thank you.

[zubbs1]

Sorry I've been travelling for work.  I will be able to do these actions tonight when I return home.  

[zubbs1]

Here are the two logfiles from the last set of instructions.

Eset Scan.txt Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

Well done @zubbs1.

Please run KVRT and a fresh FRST scan for me to check the results.

 

 

Step 1

Download Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (KVRT) and save to your Desktop.

• Select the Windows Key and R Key together, the Run box should open.
• Copy and paste the following string into the line:

C:\Users\Zubba\Desktop\Virus Cleanup\KVRT.exe -dontencrypt

• Select „Ok“ in the Run box.
• If the „Windows protected your PC“ window opens, select „More info“. A new windows will open, select „Run anyway“.
• An EULA window from KVRT will open, tick all confirmation boxes then select "Accept".
• A windows from KVRT will open, select "Change Parameters".
• In the new window ensure the following boxes are ticked
  • System memory
  • Startup objects
  • Boot sectors
  • System drive

• Then select "OK" and „Start scan“.

• completed: If entries are found, there will be options to choose. If "Cure" is offered, leave as it is. For any other options change to "Delete", then select "Continue".
• Usually, your system needs a reboot to finish the removal process.
• A logfile can be found on your systemdrive (usually C: ), similar like this:

C:\KVRT2020_Data\Reports\report_<data>_<time>.klr

• Right click direct onto that report, select > open with > Notepad.
• Save that file and attach it with your next reply.

 

 

 

Step 2

• Run FRST again.
• Do not change any settings.
• Press the Scan button.
• FRST will create two logs now (FRST.txt + Addition.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
• Please attach these logfiles to your next reply.

 

 

 

[zubbs1]

Attached are the three logfiles requested.

 

Cheers.

Addition.txt FRST.txt Kaspersky Scan 072822.txt

[MKDB]

Thank you for your cooperation, we're done @zubbs1

 

Final Step

• Right-Click on FRST64 and choose Rename.
• Rename FRST64 into Uninstall.
• Run Uninstall.
• FRST and it’s files/folders will be deleted.
• If the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restarts normally.

 

 

 

A few final recommendations:

1. Recommend using a Password Manager for all websites, etc. that require a password. Never use the same password on more than one site.
   https://www.howtogeek.com/240255/password-managers-compared-lastpass-vs-keepass-vs-dashlane-vs-1password/
2. Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/
3. Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download
4. Keep your Operating System up to date and current at all times - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-8a903416-6f45-0718-f5c7-375e92dddeb2
5. Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258363-tips-to-help-protect-from-infection/ 
6. Please consider installing the following Content Blockers for your Web browsers if you haven't done so already. This will help improve overall security

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

•   Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes-browser-guar/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee
•   Microsoft Edge: https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413298736787-Install-Malwarebytes-Browser-Guard-on-Microsoft-Edge-browser
•   Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/malwarebytes/

uBlock Origin

• Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm 
• Microsoft Edge: https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak 
• Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin

 

Further reading if you like to keep up on the malware threat scene: Malwarebytes Blog  https://blog.malwarebytes.com/

Hopefully, we've been able to assist you with correcting your system issues.

Thank you for using Malwarebytes.