Malwarebytes warns about blocked websites when I'm offline.

[ReddaJoppe]

So I got some malware on my pc, and I went through a bunch of recommendations for removing it, including installing Malwarebytes. I've run some scans and quarantined several files, but every now and then Malwarebytes pops up with a warning that it has blocked a file from accessing a malicious website. However, I tried disabling my WiFi connection, and still these warnings from Malwarebytes pop up. How can it block anything, when the pc isn't even online?

Also, Norton Power Eraser and Avast Free Antivirus didn't find any malware remaining, so I'm not sure if I have gotten rid of it all already. It's only the pop-ups from Malwarebytes, that keep suggesting that something remains on my pc, but I'm a bit suspicious since it says so even when not online. The files mentioned are mostly chrome.exe and msedge.exe and sometimes AvastUI.exe.

[1PW]

Hello @ReddaJoppe 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 @ReddaJoppe  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 requested mbst-grab-results.zip with your next post for review.

Thank you!

[ReddaJoppe]

OK, here's the requested file.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[MKDB]

Thank you @ReddaJoppe.

I'll report back as soon as possible.

[MKDB]

@ReddaJoppe

 

There is still some malware on your system.

 

MBST downloaded an analysis tool called FRST into your download folder. We will use this tool now.

We will run a fix with FRST (Step1) as well as a fresh scan with FRST (Step2).

More steps will follow, this is just the beginning.

 

 

Step 1

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to your download folder, which is C:\users\jb82d\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

• Run FRST (C:\users\jb82d\Downloads\FRSTEnglish.exe) 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.

 

 

Thank you!

fixlist.txt

[ReddaJoppe]

Thanks for your reply. I tried running FRST, but it was blocked by my antivirus software (Avast), claiming it to be infected with IDP.ALEXA.53. Should I just create an exeption so I can run it anyway, and disregard the warning from Avast?

[MKDB]

3 hours ago, ReddaJoppe said:

Thanks for your reply. I tried running FRST, but it was blocked by my antivirus software (Avast), claiming it to be infected with IDP.ALEXA.53. Should I just create an exeption so I can run it anyway, and disregard the warning from Avast?

This is a false positive by Avast. 🙄 👎

Please create an exeption and run FRST.

Thank you @ReddaJoppe.

 

Edit:

If Avast interferes again, you have to temporary disable it. This is annoying.

Edited February 20, 2023 by MKDB

[ReddaJoppe]

Okay, I completed both steps. Here are the files.

Addition.txt FRST.txt Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

Thanks @ReddaJoppe.

Please give me some time to review those files.

 

[MKDB]

There is more malware to remove @ReddaJoppe.

 

 

Please note:

• Stop using illegal software (e. g. adobe crack) or the malware will return and you may loose any support.
• The malware can steal your private data (passwords, access data, etc.).
• You have to change ALL passwords after the removal.

 

 

 

Step 1

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to your download folder, which is C:\users\jb82d\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

Your syncronisation of Chrome is the reason why Chrome browser can't be fully cleaned.

Follow those instructions

 

 

 

Step 3

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

 

 

fixlist.txt

Edited February 21, 2023 by MKDB

[MKDB]

@ReddaJoppe

I've attached the fixlist for Step 1 now.

[ReddaJoppe]

22 hours ago, MKDB said:

Please note:

• Stop using illegal software (e. g. adobe crack) or the malware will return and you may loose any support.
• The malware can steal your private data (passwords, access data, etc.).
• You have to change ALL passwords after the removal.

Yeah, that was obviously a big mistake. I guess I learned that the hard way.
Thanks for helping me out.

As requested, I've attached Fixlog.txt. ESET found 2 issues, so I attached the ESET scan log as well.

ESET scan log.txt Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

Well done @ReddaJoppe.

Please remove that folder: C:\Users\jb82d\OneDrive\Desktop\Complete_File_2023_UseAs_PassKey

 

 

Step 1

Download Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (KVRT) and save it 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\jb82d\Desktop\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 window 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.
• Logfiles can be found on your systemdrive (usually C: ), similar like this:

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

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

 

 

Step 2

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

 

 

 

 

[ReddaJoppe]

I have removed the folder in question and completed both steps. Here are the files.

SecurityCheck.txt report_2023.02.22_23.04.50.klr.txt

[MKDB]

@ReddaJoppe

Good job.

 

Please run the following FRST fix as well as a fresh scan.

 

 

 

Step 1

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the location where you ran FRST from ( C:\Users\jb82d\Downloads\ ).

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.
• 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

• 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.

 

 

 

fixlist.txt

[ReddaJoppe]

Done 🙂

Addition.txt FRST.txt Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

You should update some programs (if your still need them) or uninstall them (if you don't need them anymore or if they are not supported any longer):

Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise - da-dk v.16.0.16026.20146 Warning! Download Update
How Install Office updates?
Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise - en-us v.16.0.16026.20146 Warning! Download Update
How Install Office updates?
WinRAR 6.20 (64-bit) v.6.20.0 Warning! Download Update
Adobe AIR v.1.5.3.9120 Warning! This software is no longer supported. Please uninstall it.
Adobe Creative Cloud v.4.9.0.504 Warning! Download Update
Google Chrome v.110.0.5481.104 Warning! Download Update
CCleaner v.6.09 Warning! Suspected demo version of anti-spyware, driver updater or optimizer. If this program is not familiar to you it is recommended to uninstall it and execute PC scanning using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Possible you became a victim of fraud or social engineering. Computer experts no longer recommend this program.
CCleaner Update Helper v.1.8.1187.1 << Hidden Warning! Suspected demo version of anti-spyware, driver updater or optimizer. If this program is not familiar to you it is recommended to uninstall it and execute PC scanning using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Possible you became a victim of fraud or social engineering. Computer experts no longer recommend this program.

 

 

Thank you for your cooperation @ReddaJoppe

 

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:

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://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/

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.

 

[ReddaJoppe]

Thank you very much for your help. So are you saying my pc is now malware-free?

[MKDB]

@ReddaJoppe

I do not see any active malware running on the system in the latest log files. 🙂

 

Of course, I don't know what other junk you've downloaded (e.g. illegal software). Maybe there is still some crap (installer, folder, etc.) on your system.

But that's up to you. 😉

 

You're most welcome.

 

 

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!

[ReddaJoppe]

Great. Thank you for your asistance. I've marked your penultimate answer as the solution.

[AdvancedSetup]

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