MaskVPN removal

[Tizio]

Hello,

I found out that I have been infected with MaskVPN, which is in the Task Manager appears to be running in the background even after I manually uninstalled it.

I found several other threads here, and it appears that I need some personalized help in order to remove it completely.

I use Kaspersky Antivirus, and it succesfully blocke the connection to MaskVPN when I turned on my computer, but Task Manager still shows that the process is active in the background.

Thank you for all your help!

[1PW]

Hello @Tizio 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 the following Malwarebytes utility, or its subsets, please carefully follow these instructions:

1. Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool.
2. In your Downloads folder, open the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file.
3. In the User Account Control (UAC) pop-up window, click Yes to continue the installation.
4. Run the MBST Support Tool.
5. In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced.
6. In the Advanced Options, click only Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your computer.
7. A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to the Public desktop, please attach that file in your next reply to this topic. Please do NOT copy and paste.

For the short time between when you post the diagnostic logs, and when your helper weighs in, please take no further self-directed remedial actions that will invalidate the diagnostic logs you will have sent.

Thank you.

[MKDB]

Hello @Tizio  and 

 

My name is MKDB and I will assist you.

 

 

Let's keep these principles as we proceed. Make sure to read the entire post below first.

• Please follow the steps in the given order and post back the log files.
• Please copy and paste all log files into your post.
• Before we start, please make sure that you have an external backup, not connected to this system, of all private data.
• 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.
• As English is not my native language, please do not use slang or idioms. It may be hard for me to understand.
• If you do not respond within 4 days, your topic will be closed.
• 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 a big source of current trojan infections. If you are running any kin of illegal software on your system, please uninstall them now, before we start the cleaning procedure.

 

 

Please attach the .zip file from MBST like requested, I'll help you.

[Tizio]

Hello @1PW and @MKDB,

Thank you for your help.

I'm attaching the required zip file here.

Cheers.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[MKDB]

Thank you @Tizio.

Please give me some time to review your files.

[MKDB]

@Tizio

How came MaskVPN on your system?

 

Please follow the instructions under Step 1 to remove it.

Moreover, you should reset Google Chrome (Step 2) in order to remove some PUP crap that is infecting your system via google syncronisation.

 

 

Step 1

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to your download folder, which is C:\users\pcriz\Downloads\ in your case.
• You will find the file FRSTEnglish.exe (FRST) as well in this folder.

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

Follow those instructions please:

Chrome Secure Preferences detection always returns

 

 

 

fixlist.txt

Edited February 16, 2023 by MKDB

[Tizio]

@MKDB

Please find the Fixlog.txt file you requested as an attachment here.

In regards on how MaskVPN got installed on my computer, my best guess is via a videogame I downloaded from a non-reputable source. I uninstalled it already, and I think I learned my lesson, here.

Let me know if there-s anything else I am supposed to do, and thanks again for all the help.

Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

@Tizio

I would like you to run SecurityCheck, please.

 

Step 1

I would like you to run a tool named SecurityCheck to inquire about the current security update status of some applications.

• Download SecurityCheck by glax24: https://tools.safezone.cc/glax24/SecurityCheck/SecurityCheck.exe
• If Microsoft SmartScreen blocks the download, click through to save the file
• This tool is safe.   Smartscreen is overly sensitive.
• If SmartScreen blocks the file from running click on More info and Run anyway
• 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 a text file named SecurityCheck.txt Close the file.  Attach it with your next reply.
• You can find this file in a folder called SecurityCheck, C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt

 

 

[Tizio]

Here's the file, and thanks again!

SecurityCheck.txt

[MKDB]

You should update some programs (if your still need them) or uninstall them (if you don't need them anymore):

NVIDIA GeForce Experience 3.20.3.63 v.3.20.3.63 Warning! Download Update
WinRAR 6.11 (64-bit) v.6.11.0 Warning! Download Update
Cisco Webex Meetings v.42.10.3 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft Teams v.1.3.00.4461 Warning! Download Update
Zoom v.5.13.3 (11494) Warning! Download Update
uTorrent Web v.1.3.0 Warning! Ad-supported P2P-client.
Java 8 Update 333 (64-bit) v.8.0.3330.2 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one (jre-8u361-windows-x64.exe).
VLC media player v.3.0.16 Warning! Download Update
Mozilla Firefox (x64 en-US) v.103.0.1 Warning! Download Update

 

 

 

Thank you for your cooperation

 

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, select Delete Tools under Actions.
• Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
• Once complete, click OK.
• A log may open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.  I do not need it. Just close Notepad if it shows up.

 

 

 

A few final recommendations:

• 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/
• Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/
• Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download
• 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
• Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/407147/answers-to-common-security-questions-best-practices/

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/287710/how-malware-spreads-how-your-system-gets-infected/

 

 

Please consider installing the following Content Blockers for your Web browsers if you haven't done so already. This will help improve overall security

1.

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/

 

2.

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:

https://blog.malwarebytes.com/

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/

 

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

Thank you for contacting BleepingComputer.

 

[MKDB]

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 for Tips to help protect from infection.

Thank you.

 

As this topic seems to be solved, I do not follow it any longer.

Take care!