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Potential persistent hidden malware program

jthan113
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jthan113

jthan113

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I accidentally ran a windows install program from an unsafe file, which said it was installing a program called "Audacity". Realized I had made a mistake immediately, so I followed some instructions I found on this forum to rectify.
1. I ran malwarebytes, quaratined and removed everything.
2. I ran adwcleaner, quarantined and removed everything. 
3. Updated and ran Windows security scan, which had no detections. 
4. Downloaded and ran SecurityCheck by glax24 

Malwarebytes, adwcleaner and windows security scans all return clean on several repeated scans. SecurityCheck is where things get a little weird. I made sure to search for every possible instance of "Audacity" on my computer and there is no trace of it, but when I run SecurityCheck I get the warning:
-------------------------------- [ Media ] --------------------------------
Audacity v.1.0.0 Warning! Download Update

I can't figure out why this keeps showing up in the SecurityCheck scan even though I can't find any trace of it on my computer, and I also don't know whether I should be worried about it despite all the scans coming up clean otherwise. 

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Porthos

Porthos

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11 minutes ago, jthan113 said:

1. I ran malwarebytes, quaratined and removed everything.
2. I ran adwcleaner, quarantined and removed everything. 
3. Updated and ran Windows security scan, which had no detections. 

Post all of those logs and then,

Please do the following so that we may take a closer look at your system for any possible infections.

  • WARNING: Do Not click the Repair System under Advanced unless requested by a Malwarebytes support agent or authorized helper

NOTE: The tools and the information obtained are safe and not harmful to your privacy or your computer, please allow the programs to run if blocked by your system.

  • Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool
  • In your Downloads folder, open the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file
  • In the User Account Control pop-up window, click Yes to continue the installation
  • Run the MBST Support Tool
  • In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced
  • In the Advanced Options, click Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your machine
  • A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to the Public desktop, please upload that file on your next reply

     

Thank you

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MKDB

MKDB

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Hello @jthan113  and  :welcome:

 

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 give me some time to review your logfiles.

Thank you!

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MKDB

MKDB

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@jthan113

I've found another malware which is good at hiding.

We will remove it with the help of Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST). The fix may take some time, pleae be very patient.

 

 

Step 1

  • Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to your download folder, which is C:\users\jorda\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, empty recycle bin and will remove cookies and my result in some websites indicating they do not recognize your computer. It may be necessary to receive and apply a verification code.#
  • Please note: This step resets your Firewall settings and you may be asked later to grant permission for legitimate programs to pass through the Firewall. If you recognize the program, agree to the request.
  • 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.
  • FRST will create a .zip file like < Date_Time.zip >, for example 20.02.2023_11.33.52.zip, on your desktop as well. Please attach this file as well with your next answer.

 

 

fixlist.txt

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MKDB

MKDB

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Posted (edited)

@jthan113 Well done!

 

Can you upload this file as well?

C:\Users\jorda\Desktop\02.07.2023_04.59.04.zip

 

Audacity 1.0 was installed by/for Cemu games:

Quote

    InstallLocation    REG_SZ    C:\Users\jorda\AppData\Roaming\Audacity\
    InstallSource    REG_SZ    C:\Users\jorda\Desktop\cemu-2.0-39-windows-x64\Cemu_2.0-39\games\

Are you aware of this game?

I've modified the audacity entry, you should be able to see it via Start > Settings > Apps for uninstalling if needed.

 

 

The fix with FRST was successful:

Quote

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

Moreover, we were able to remove the malware.

Thanks for the .zip file, I'll forward it to the malware research team!

 

 

Next, please run ESET.

 

Step 1

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

Edited by MKDB
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jthan113

jthan113

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Posted

I cannot attach 02.07.2023_04.59.04.zip because it is 123MB and the forum will only let me attach files up to 87.89MB.


Cemu is an emulator I used a while back to (legally) emulate some old nintendo games, however its unrelated. That directory just happened to be the one that my browser defaulted to when I downloaded the infected file that started this. So instead of putting the file in my downloads, it put it in the cemu games folder because I assume that was the last place I had downloaded something. The installers for adwcleaner, mb-support and SecurityCheck are also in that folder for the same reason because I didn't change the download location. 

ESET detected some files related to CheatEngine which I think probably a false positive but I understand why it would detect those, so I let it delete them anyway.

eset.txt

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MKDB

MKDB

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Thanks for this detailed feedback @jthan113.

Can you upload that big zip file here and sent me the link via PM?

Thanks in advance!

 

If there are no more problems left, there is only one final step, 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
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MKDB

MKDB

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Posted

Well done @jthan113

 

 

Thank you for your cooperation. You can use RpRm to remove FRST and other tools.

 

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/

  1. 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

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.

 

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MKDB

MKDB

Posted
Posted

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!

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