Possible crypto miner or malware affecting CPU/GPU use

[funknflex]

Hello,

I've recently been having a weird issue in that it suddenly became very difficult 

https://steamcommunity.com/app/730/discussions/0/3499887039235344278/

to play CS:Go on my computer. I tried many things and the issue is not resolved, and not related to the game or to hardware. 

Now I'm noticing this notification from Mawarebytes Pro that pops up every 30 seconds: 

My suspicions is that there is a malware or miner on my computer, which uses CPU or GPU and therefore makes my game stutter/lag very heavily - particularly when I click anywhere when the game is open (even on main menu), the screen temporarily freezes.

I'm not sure which process it could be (maybe SearchHost.exe?) but either way a full Malwarebytes scan in normal mode and safe mode does not detect anything. 

Any idea what to do to identify and remove it?

Thank you,

Seb

Edited November 8, 2022 by AdvancedSetup
Disabled live hyperlinks

[funknflex]

Also here are the log results. mbst-grab-results.zip

[funknflex]

Not that I remember software wise, though I might have accidentally opened a potentially dodgy exe a week ago or so. Seems like a Monero crypto miner or something. But so far no luck in removing it... 

[1PW]

Hello @funknflex 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:

 Please update Malwarebytes and do a Threat Scan with default settings and post back that Threat Scan log.

 Remember, please be certain to attach (not Copy and Paste) the resultant report file in your next reply to this topic.

Thank you.

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello  @funknflex

I will guide you along on looking for remaining malware. Lets keep these principles as we go along.

• Removing malware can be unpredictable
• Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Only run the tools I guide you to.
• Do not run online games while case is on-going. Do not do any free-wheeling web-surfing.
• The removal of malware isn't instantaneous, please be patient.
• Cracked or 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.
• Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear".
• If your system is running Discord, please be sure to Exit out of it while this case is on-going.

( 1 )

Please  set File Explorer to SHOW ALL folders, all files, including Hidden ones.  Use OPTION ONE or TWO of this article
Please use this Guide

( 2 )

These are just first steps.

Let's do one scan with Malwarebytes Adwcleaner to check for adwares. Just before pressing that "scan" button, be sure that Chrome & Edge, or other web browser are Closed.

It will not take much time,

First download & save it
guide & download link

Then be sure to close all web browsers after the download & before launching the tool.

Then go to where the EXE file is saved. Start Adwcleaner.
Reply YES at the Windows prompt to allow the program to proceed and make changes. That is the usual Windows security prompt.

When AdwCleaner starts, on the left side of the window, click on “Settings” and then enable these repair actions on that tab-window
by clicking their button to the far-right for ON status

Delete IFEO keys
Delete tracing keys
Delete Prefecth files
Reset Proxy
Reset IE Policies
Reset Chrome policies
Reset Winsock

Now On the left side of the AdwCleaner window, click on “Dashboard” and then click “Scan” to perform a computer scan.

This can take several minutes.
When the AdwCleaner scan is completed it will display all of the items it has found. Click on the “Quarantine” button To remove what it found.

AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to close any open programs before it starts to clean. 
Click on the “Continue” button to finish the removal process.

Guide article

Attach the clean log from Adwcleaner when all completed.

( 3 )

This here you can start & once it is under way, you can leave the machine alone & let it run over-night. No need to keep watch once it starts the actual scan run. 

Next, This will be a check with ESET Onlinescanner for viruses, other malware, adwares, & potentially unwanted applications.

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 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 may step away from machine &. Let it be.  That is, once it is under way, you should leave it running.  It will run for several hours.

• At screen "Detections occured and resolved" click on blue button "View detected results"
• On next screen, at lower left, click on blue "Save scan log"
• View where file is to be saved. Provide a meaningful name for the "File name:"
• On last screen, set to Off (left) the option for Periodic scanning
• Click "save and continue"
• Please attach the report file so I can review

[funknflex]

7 hours ago, Maurice Naggar said:

Hello  @funknflex

I will guide you along on looking for remaining malware. Lets keep these principles as we go along.

• Removing malware can be unpredictable
• Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Only run the tools I guide you to.
• Do not run online games while case is on-going. Do not do any free-wheeling web-surfing.
• The removal of malware isn't instantaneous, please be patient.
• Cracked or 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.
• Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear".
• If your system is running Discord, please be sure to Exit out of it while this case is on-going.

( 1 )

Please  set File Explorer to SHOW ALL folders, all files, including Hidden ones.  Use OPTION ONE or TWO of this article
Please use this Guide

( 2 )

These are just first steps.

Let's do one scan with Malwarebytes Adwcleaner to check for adwares. Just before pressing that "scan" button, be sure that Chrome & Edge, or other web browser are Closed.

It will not take much time,

First download & save it
guide & download link

Then be sure to close all web browsers after the download & before launching the tool.

Then go to where the EXE file is saved. Start Adwcleaner.
Reply YES at the Windows prompt to allow the program to proceed and make changes. That is the usual Windows security prompt.

When AdwCleaner starts, on the left side of the window, click on “Settings” and then enable these repair actions on that tab-window
by clicking their button to the far-right for ON status

Delete IFEO keys
Delete tracing keys
Delete Prefecth files
Reset Proxy
Reset IE Policies
Reset Chrome policies
Reset Winsock

Now On the left side of the AdwCleaner window, click on “Dashboard” and then click “Scan” to perform a computer scan.

This can take several minutes.
When the AdwCleaner scan is completed it will display all of the items it has found. Click on the “Quarantine” button To remove what it found.

AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to close any open programs before it starts to clean. 
Click on the “Continue” button to finish the removal process.

Guide article

Attach the clean log from Adwcleaner when all completed.

( 3 )

This here you can start & once it is under way, you can leave the machine alone & let it run over-night. No need to keep watch once it starts the actual scan run. 

Next, This will be a check with ESET Onlinescanner for viruses, other malware, adwares, & potentially unwanted applications.

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 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 may step away from machine &. Let it be.  That is, once it is under way, you should leave it running.  It will run for several hours.

• At screen "Detections occured and resolved" click on blue button "View detected results"
• On next screen, at lower left, click on blue "Save scan log"
• View where file is to be saved. Provide a meaningful name for the "File name:"
• On last screen, set to Off (left) the option for Periodic scanning
• Click "save and continue"
• Please attach the report file so I can review

 

Hi, thanks for this. 

So I did a first scan with the ADW tool, and this is what I got:

When I tried to clean, my computer got a BDOD and died:

After restarting, I did it again and now it's clean apparently:

Also attaching the log: log adw.txt

As for ESET, when I'm now running the scan and will let you know / add a post here when it's over. But I go frequently get this weird pop-up:

For Malwarebytes, I finished a full scan with nothing detected: 

Also uploading the log: malwarebytes.txt

Thanks - will update once the ESET scan is over.

Best,

Seb

PS: Unrelated I think, and i'm sure it's not problematic (or hope so), but I noticed this new AVM Fritz!Mediaserver on my Network - a bit weird as I never noticed this before. I do have a FritzBox router so I guess it's related to that, just not sure why it's only appearing now:

 

 

[Maurice Naggar]

Just so you know, only you and I are on this thread. And I get notified of each of your replies automatically.

I am looking forward to getting the ESET scan log report.

[funknflex]

7 hours ago, Maurice Naggar said:

Just so you know, only you and I are on this thread. And I get notified of each of your replies automatically.

I am looking forward to getting the ESET scan log report.

Thanks! So with ESET, the first time I scanned it found 5 items but then the scanner itself froze so I had to end the task and re do it again. The second time it didn't find aything? Here's the log. 

scan.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

In preparation for future steps, please do these.
( 1 )
Take these actions so that Windows 11 is set to show all hidden files and folders.
Open File Explorer from the taskbar.

Select View > Show > Hidden items.

Select View → Show → File name extensions

( 2 )
Start Malwarebytes. Click Settings ( gear ) icon. Next, lets make real sure that Malwarebytes does NOT register with Windows Security Center

Click the Security Tab. Scroll down to

"Windows Security Center"

Click the selection to the left  for the line "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center".
{ We want that to be set as Off   .... be sure that line's  radio-button selection is all the way to the Left.  thanks. }

This will not affect any real-time protection of the Malwarebytes for Windows    😃.

Close Malwarebytes.
 

[Maurice Naggar]

Be sure you have done the 2 steps just above, in preceding reply.

This next custom-fix is mainly intended to run Windows' SFC & DISM to check the system for integrity. To clear tempoirary cache on Edge & Chrome. To attempt to check the system with Microsoft Defender antivirus. It will also attempt a number of stranded / no-use Tasks shown as "no filepath".

This is not a cure-all. Rather, it is meant as general check & cleanup.

This custom script is for  Funknflex  machine  only / for this machine only.

• Please save the (attached file named) FIXLIST.txt   to the   Downloads   folder

Fixlist.txt <<< - - - - -

Please be sure to Close any open work files, documents,  any apps you started yourself  before starting this. THIS run will do a Windows RESTART. Once it starts it will auto-close any other running app.

We will use FRSTENGLISH.exe  on the Downloads folder  {C:\Users\Alex\Downloads\FRST64.exe }    to run a custom script .    The system will be rebooted after the script has run. 

Start the Windows Explorer and then, go  to the Downloads    folder.

RIGHT click on FRSTENGLISH.exe    and select RUN as Administrator and allow it to proceed.  Reply YES when prompted to allow to run.

•    If the tool warns you the version is outdated, please download and run the updated version.
• IF Windows prompts you about running this, select YES to allow it to proceed.
• IF you get a block message from Windows about this tool......

               click line More info information on that screen
               and click button Run anyway on next screen.

• on the FRST window:

Click the Fix button just once, and wait.

PLEASE have patience when this starts. You will see a green progress bar start. Lots of patience.  Please attach the Fixlog.txt with your next reply. 

[funknflex]

2 hours ago, Maurice Naggar said:

Be sure you have done the 2 steps just above, in preceding reply.

This next custom-fix is mainly intended to run Windows' SFC & DISM to check the system for integrity. To clear tempoirary cache on Edge & Chrome. To attempt to check the system with Microsoft Defender antivirus. It will also attempt a number of stranded / no-use Tasks shown as "no filepath".

This is not a cure-all. Rather, it is meant as general check & cleanup.

This custom script is for  Funknflex  machine  only / for this machine only.

• Please save the (attached file named) FIXLIST.txt   to the   Downloads   folder

Fixlist.txt 16.5 kB · 1 download  <<< - - - - -

Please be sure to Close any open work files, documents,  any apps you started yourself  before starting this. THIS run will do a Windows RESTART. Once it starts it will auto-close any other running app.

We will use FRSTENGLISH.exe  on the Downloads folder  {C:\Users\Alex\Downloads\FRST64.exe }    to run a custom script .    The system will be rebooted after the script has run. 

Start the Windows Explorer and then, go  to the Downloads    folder.

RIGHT click on FRSTENGLISH.exe    and select RUN as Administrator and allow it to proceed.  Reply YES when prompted to allow to run.

•    If the tool warns you the version is outdated, please download and run the updated version.
• IF Windows prompts you about running this, select YES to allow it to proceed.
• IF you get a block message from Windows about this tool......

               click line More info information on that screen
               and click button Run anyway on next screen.

• on the FRST window:

Click the Fix button just once, and wait.

PLEASE have patience when this starts. You will see a green progress bar start. Lots of patience.  Please attach the Fixlog.txt with your next reply. 

 

Thanmk you - the file extensions and the hidden files options are ticked. Before I open the text file, where do I find the FRSTENGLISH file? Thnak you!

[funknflex]

Basically I'm not sure what to do witht the saved fixlist.txt file, nor do I know where to find the FRSTENGLISJ.exe file either.

[Maurice Naggar]

FRSTENGLISH is on your system    C:\Users\skrie\Downloads\FRSTEnglish.exe

[funknflex]

2 minutes ago, Maurice Naggar said:

FRSTENGLISH is on your system    C:\Users\skrie\Downloads\FRSTEnglish.exe

Sorry not sure how I missed that lol, will run in a sec.

[funknflex]

Fixlog.txtHere you go!

[Maurice Naggar]

That is a good run. 😀👍 

Just want to do a visual check in Windows Security to see (visually) that Microsoft Defender is on .  And do a Update run & do a Custom scan on the C drive.

• From the Windows Start menu, select Settings, then select Update and Security.
• Next, look at the left-side menu & select Windows Security
• Next, In Windows Security section: Click on the grey button Open Windows Security
• Now, click on the shield Virus and threat protection
• Look to see that Microsoft Defender is shown & available for use.
• On the next display, look at all the options.  Look down the list and see "Check for Updates" .
• You should click on that to have the system check for updates for Windows Defender.  Watch & wait for that to complete.
• Please also note that the Scan options (all) can be displayed by clicking on Scan options.
• I would like you to select CUSTOM scan from scan options
• Then select the C drive
• Then have it scan the whole C drive.

[funknflex]

1 hour ago, Maurice Naggar said:

That is a good run. 😀👍 

Just want to do a visual check in Windows Security to see (visually) that Microsoft Defender is on .  And do a Update run & do a Custom scan on the C drive.

• From the Windows Start menu, select Settings, then select Update and Security.
• Next, look at the left-side menu & select Windows Security
• Next, In Windows Security section: Click on the grey button Open Windows Security
• Now, click on the shield Virus and threat protection
• Look to see that Microsoft Defender is shown & available for use.
• On the next display, look at all the options.  Look down the list and see "Check for Updates" .
• You should click on that to have the system check for updates for Windows Defender.  Watch & wait for that to complete.
• Please also note that the Scan options (all) can be displayed by clicking on Scan options.
• I would like you to select CUSTOM scan from scan options
• Then select the C drive
• Then have it scan the whole C drive.

All done - when the scan was finished this is the scren I got:

[Maurice Naggar]

Hi. A ) No need to use the "quote" when initiating a reply. You and I are the only ones on this thread.

B )

This will be a check with ESET Onlinescanner for viruses, other malware, adwares, & potentially unwanted applications.

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 custom to select the C drive for scanning

Look at & tick ( select ) 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 may step away from machine &. Let it be.  That is, once it is under way, you should leave it running.  It will run for several hours.

• At screen "Detections occured and resolved" click on blue button "View detected results"
• On next screen, at lower left, click on blue "Save scan log"
• View where file is to be saved. Provide a meaningful name for the "File name:"
• On last screen, set to Off (left) the option for Periodic scanning
• Click "save and continue"
• Please attach the report file so I can review

[funknflex]

Thanks! :) here you go.loggg.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

2 trojans found & removed by ESET Online scanner. Now a scan with another antivirus/antimalware tool.

This with Kaspersky KVRT tool.

Download Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (KVRT) from here: https://www.kaspersky.com/downloads/thank-you/free-virus-removal-tool and save to your Desktop.

Next, Select the Windows Key and R Key together, the "Run" box should open.



Drag and Drop KVRT.exe into the Run Box.



C:\Users\{your user name}\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe will now show in the run box.



add 

-dontencrypt

 Note the space between KVRT.exe and -dontencrypt

C:\Users\User\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe -dontencrypt 

should now show in the Run box.



That addendum to the run command is very important.


To start the scan select OK in the "Run" box.



The Windows Protected your PC window will open, select "More Info"



A new Window will open, select "Run anyway"



A EULA window will open, tick both confirmation boxes then select "Accept"



In the new window 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“.

The Kaspersky tool is very thorough so will take a considerable time to complete, please allow it to finish. Also while Kaspersky runs do not use your PC for anything else..

• 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.
• Logfiles can be found on your systemdrive (usually C: ), similar like this:

Reports are saved here C:\KVRT_data\Reports and look similar to this report_20221111_103821.klr

• Right click direct onto those reports, select > open with > Notepad.
• Save the files and attach them with your next reply

[funknflex]

report_2022.11.11_17.01.52.txt

 

Here you go - nothing detected :)

[Maurice Naggar]

Thank you for the KVRT report. Kaspersky found zero visur / zero malware. 

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

 

Look on Scan Options & select  CUSTOM scan  & then select the C drive to be scanned.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. Once you start the scan & you see it started, then leave it be.  

• Once you see it has started, take a long long break;  walk away.  Do not pay credence if you see some intermediate early flash messages on screen display.  The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run.
• Again, any on-screen display about repeat 'infection' is not to be relied on.  Ignore those.
• We only rely on the end result that is on the log-report-file.

 

This is likely to run for many hours   ( depending on number of files on your machine & the speed of hardware.)

The log is named MSERT.log  

the log will be at  

Windows\debug\msert.log

Please attach that log with your reply. 

[funknflex]

msert.logThanks, here it is :)

[Maurice Naggar]

I would recommend getting a readout report as to update status of some key apps.
Download SecurityCheck by glax24 from here

and save the tool on the desktop.

                   If Windows's  SmartScreen block that with a message-window, then
                         Click on the MORE INFO spot and over-ride that and allow it to proceed.

                             This tool is safe.   Smartscreen is overly sensitive.

Right-click  with your mouse on the Securitycheck.exe  and select "Run as administrator"   and reply YES to allow to run & go forward
Wait for the scan to finish. It will open in a text file named SecurityType.txt. Close the file.  Attach it with your next reply.
You can find this file in a folder called SecurityCheck, C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt

[funknflex]

Thank you, here you go. I think the issue is possiblly fixed now, as I don't get the MW thing anymore, and CS:GO runs fine? But maybe worth doing more checks, I'll let you advise.

 

Best,

SebSecurityCheck.txt