Need help with an Unespecified Malware after a couple of scans

[Althallen]

I have Malwarebytes Premium and as it periodically scans daily a detection has popped up a couple of times, it says it's a Malware and the location reads Unespecified. I have everything On in the Security settings and I always Quarantine it, however it does not appear in the Quarantine tab nor in the logs when I download them. Here is an example.

Malwarebytes
www.malwarebytes.com

-Log Details-
Scan Date: 20/11/2022
Scan Time: 08:55
Log File: f5b745f8-68da-11ed-8658-1c1b0de20847.json

-Software Information-
Version: 4.5.17.221
Components Version: 1.0.1806
Update Package Version: 1.0.62533
Licence: Premium

-System Information-
OS: Windows 10 (Build 19044.2251)
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: System

-Scan Summary-
Scan Type: Threat Scan
Scan Initiated By: Scheduler
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 436034
Threats Detected: 0
Threats Quarantined: 0
Time Elapsed: 54 min, 59 sec

-Scan Options-
Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Disabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Detect
PUM: Detect

-Scan Details-
Process: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Module: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Key: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Value: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Data Stream: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folder: 0
(No malicious items detected)

File: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Physical Sector: 0
(No malicious items detected)

WMI: 0
(No malicious items detected)

(end)

I truly don't know what to do and it bugs me out, don't know if it's a thing that the software detects as malware or something else, any help would be appreciated.

[1PW]

Hello @Althallen and :

 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 am infected - What do I do now?

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

Thank you.

[AdvancedSetup]

Good day @Althallen

Please grab the requested logs and attach them and we'll help you check your computer.

Thanks

 

[Althallen]

Here are the logs, today it was the same, it performed its usual scan and found the same Unespecified Malware.

Malwarelog 11-21.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

@Althallen

Hello  

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.

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, But do read all of this write-up first so that you fully understand the concept of this special run.

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.

Take your time and go careful. There are some preliminary selections to be set ....before pressing any 'scan' button.

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 Prefetch 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.

 

I would like a report set for review.   This is a report only.

Please download MALWAREBYTES MBST Support Tool

Once you start it click Advanced >>> then   Gather Logs

 Have patience till the run has finished.

Upload an archive once it is done. Attach the mbst-grab-results.zip from the Desktop.

• Please attach  mbst-grab-results.zip    to your reply

NOTE: We prefer to have actual logs, reports from security tools rather than screen grabs. Screen-grabs tend to have truncated data.

[Althallen]

After running the scans you recommended and following your indications, this was the resulting archive with the logs. Hopefully it helps in determining what is going on.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[Maurice Naggar]

Thanks. Good run of Adwcleaner. It also found & removed "Runbooster".
I sincerely & highly suggest to keep away from "tweak" utilities, "optimizers", "boosters" etc, etc.
Also see http://miekiemoes.blogspot.ca/2008/02/registry-cleaners-and-system-tweaking_13.html

Thanks for the mbst-support-tool report. The scan of the afternoon of the 21st reported no malware present.
The scan immediately preceding reported a "HackTool.KMS" threat.

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. We will do more later. Later on, we will need to look over the settings and potential exclusions that may be on the Microsoft Defender antivirus.

[Althallen]

After a couple of hours, this was the final log. A couple of infections did pop but not at the end.

msert.log

[Maurice Naggar]

Microsoft Safety Scanner v1.379, (build 1.379.745.0)
Results Summary:
----------------
No infection found.

Alright. We need to do more scanning, with a different antivirus/antimalware scanner, by ESET. 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

[Althallen]

After a couple of hours of scanning, this was the final log

Eset.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Thank you. That is an excellent result. 

Files scanned: 1197959
Detected files: 0

 

Tell me, How is the system at this point ?

[Althallen]

The start is taking a bit longer since some couple of months ago, but I imagine this might be due to the usage of RAM by Malwarebytes, also I had to purchase the Premium license because from certain point in time my Windows Defender stopped working, it didn't update and always asked for an update, leaving my PC vulnerable.

[Maurice Naggar]

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.

( 2 )

Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download the next software below 

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

When all done, you may go back to turn ON the EDGE Smartscreen protection.

[Althallen]

Sorry for the late reply, here is the log after the SecurityCheck

SecurityCheck.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Here are the application programs that need your attention & follow-up.
Microsoft Silverlight v.5.1.50907.0  Warning! This software is no longer supported.
Uninstall Silverlight.

NVIDIA GeForce Experience 3.26.0.131 v.3.26.0.131  Warning! Download Update

Microsoft OneDrive v.22.225.1026.0001 Warning! Download Update

WinRAR 5.01 (64-bit) v.5.01.0   Warning! Download Update

Compresor WinRAR  Warning! This software is no longer supported. Uninstall old version, download and install new one.

Zoom v.5.10.4 (5035)  Warning! Download Update

Telegram Desktop version 1.9.14 v.1.9.14  Warning! Download 
Update 

Audacity 2.4.1 v.2.4.1 Warning! Download Update

 

I would highly suggest to insure that this pc is all up-to-date with security updates & cumulative updates on Windows. select the Windows Start  button, and then go to Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Update . and click Check for Updates.
Have much patience.

This machine should be good-to-go. Ready to wrap this up ?

Edited November 25, 2022 by Maurice Naggar

[Althallen]

I think so, it seems the failed update has to do with some sort of problem I have with Windows Security and it does not update, although I have not been having more Unspecified Malwares popping up.

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello @Althallen as this is part of a long weekend for most here in the USA, I'm not sure if @Maurice Naggar will be assisting today or not. He may be with friends and family.

Please run the following for now as we prepare to close up your topic.

 

 

Let's go ahead and do some clean-up work and remove the tools and logs we've run.

Please download KpRm by kernel-panik and save it to your desktop.

• right-click kprm_(version).exe and select Run as Administrator.
• Read and accept the disclaimer.
• When the tool opens, ensure all boxes under Actions are checked.
• Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
• Once complete, click OK.
• A log will open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.
• Please attach that file to your next reply. (not compulsory)

 

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

 

[Althallen]

@AdvancedSetup No worries, this was the resulting log and thank you for the tips and recommendations on security.

kprm-20221125232043.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Hi, Althallen. The KPRM report is fine. If there are issues with Microsoft Windows Update, then, MS has guided walk-through from Microsoft for repairing Windows Update
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/sbs/windows/fix-windows-update-errors-18b693b5-7818-5825-8a7e-2a4a37d6d787?ui=en-US

[Althallen]

@Maurice Naggar Thank youf or all your help!

[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.

Please review the following to help you better protect your computer and privacy Tips to help protect from infection

Thank you