I need help with this malware

[NovaNover]

So I was scanning my laptop and after it finished it detected this neshta malware on a program that I used to run but havent used in months and I need help checking my entire pc to see if it's heavily infected or if anything else is infected and maybe find out how my laptop even got this malware.

[Porthos]

@NovaNover

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:

Restart the computer.

Then do the following after restart.

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

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.

[NovaNover]

mbst-grab-results.zip

[NovaNover]

I will be heading to sleep so I'll be up tomorrow for follow up intructions.

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello  and      @NovaNover

 

My screen name is AdvancedSetup and I will assist you with your system issues.
 

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

• Please follow all steps in the provided order and post back all requested logs
• Please attach all log files to your post, unless otherwise requested
• Temporarily disable your antivirus or other security software first. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans have been completed.
• Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download the software below if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Searching, detecting, and removing malware isn't instantaneous and there is no guarantee to repair every system.
• Before we start, please make sure that you have an external backup, not connected to this system, of all private data.
• Do not run online games while the case is ongoing. Do not do any free-wheeling or risky web-surfing.
• Only run the tools I guide you to use. Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Cracked, Hacked, or Pirated programs are not only illegal but also can make a computer a malware victim.
• Having such programs installed is the easiest way to get infected. It is the leading cause of ransomware encryption. It is at times also a big source of current Trojan infections.
• If there are any on the system you should uninstall them before we proceed.
• Please be patient and stick with me until I give you the "all clear". We don't want to waste your time, please don't waste ours.
• If your system is running Discord, please be sure to Exit it while this case is ongoing.

 

 

 

Please download and run the following Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 and save it to your Desktop.

(Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool version 20.0.10.0 was released on November 9, 2021)

Download: Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

https://devbuilds.s.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/KVRT/latest/full/KVRT.exe

How to run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020
https://support.kaspersky.com/15674

How to run Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 in the advanced mode
https://support.kaspersky.com/15680

How to restore a file removed during Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 scan
https://support.kaspersky.com/15681

 

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\{your user name}\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe -dontencrypt should now show in the Run box.   That addendum to the run command is very important, when the scan does eventually complete the resultant report is normally encrypted, with the extra command it is saved as a readable file. Reports are saved here C:\KVRT2020_Data\Reports and look similar to this report_20210123_113021.klr Right-click direct onto that report, select > open with > Notepad. Save that file and attach it to your reply. To start the scan select OK in the "Run" box. A EULA window will open, tick all confirmation boxes then select "Accept" In the new window select "Change Parameters" In the new window ensure all selection boxes are ticked, then select "OK" The scan should now start... When complete if entries are found there will be options, if "Cure" is offered leave as is. For any other options change to "Delete" then select "Continue" When complete, or if nothing was found select "Close" Attach the report information as previously instructed...   Thank you

 

 

[NovaNover]

report_2023.08.13_22.09.28.rar Here is the report of the scan.

 

[AdvancedSetup]

please run the following

Microsoft Safety Scanner

Please make sure you Exit out of any other program you might have open so that the sole task is to run the following scan.   
That goes especially for web browsers, make sure all are fully exited out of and messenger programs are exited and closed as well
 

STEP 1

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

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/7078-turn-off-show-all-folders-windows-10-navigation-pane.html

STEP 2

I suggest a new scan for viruses & other malware. This may take several hours, depending on the number of files on the system and the speed of the computer.

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 the Scan Options & select the FULL scan.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. It may take several hours.

• 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 the screen display.  The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run.
• The scan will take several hours.  Leave it alone. It will remove any other remaining threats as it goes along.  Take a very long break, do your normal personal errands .....just do not use the computer during this scan.

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

The log is named MSERT.log  and the log will be at C:\Windows\debug\msert.log

Please attach that log with your next reply.

 

It is normal for the Microsoft Safety Scanner to show detections during the scan process.

It is scanning for basically all bread crumbs or traces of files and registry entries that "might" be or have been part of some infection or previous infection.

That DOES NOT mean the computer is infected. Once the scan has been completed it uploads the log to their Cloud service which then uses Artificial Intelligence to determine if in fact any of the traces are an infection or not.

Then it writes into the log on your computer what it found.

 

Thank you

[NovaNover]

@AdvancedSetup msert.log Okay, here is the result of the scan.

 

[AdvancedSetup]

That log was clean as well @NovaNover

 

No infection found.
Successfully Submitted MAPS Report
Successfully Submitted Heartbeat Report
Microsoft Safety Scanner Finished On Tue Aug 15 07:16:28 2023

 

 

Let's go ahead and run a couple of scans and get some updated logs from your system.

Please make the following changes.

 

• Temporarily disable your antivirus real-time protection or other security software first if it blocks or interferes with the scans or downloads.. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download software below only if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Disable-Fast-Startup
• Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions

 

Next, run these steps and post back the logs as an attachment when ready.

[ 1 ]

Malwarebytes for Windows

• If you already have Malwarebytes installed then open Malwarebytes and click on the small gear icon, then click on the "Check for updates" button on the General tab.
• After any updates, click the middle Scan button from the main page. It will automatically run a Threat Scan.
• If you don't have Malwarebytes installed yet please download it from here and install it.
• Once installed then open Malwarebytes and select Scan and let it run.
• Once the scan is completed, make sure you have it quarantine any detections it finds.
• If no detections were found click on the Save results drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
• If there were detections then once the quarantine has completed click on the View report button, Then click the Export drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
• If the computer restarted to quarantine you can access the logs from the Detection History, then the History tab. Highlight the most recent scan and double-click to open it. Then click the Export drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
• If Malwarebytes won't run then please skip to the next step and let us know in your next reply that the scanner would not run.

[ 2 ]

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

• Please download Malwarebytes AdwCleaner and save the file to your Desktop or Downloads folder.
• Double-click to run the program - Malwarebytes AdwCleaner guide
• Accept the End User License Agreement.
• Wait until the database is updated.
• Click Scan Now.
• When finished, if items are found please click Quarantine to finish the cleaning process.
• Your PC should reboot now if any items were found.
• After reboot, a log file will be opened. Attach that log to your next reply.
   
• If No Detections are found, Click Skip Basic Repair
  
  WARNING: Do Not click the Run Basic Repair button unless instructed to by a Malwarebytes support agent or authorized helper

 

RESTART THE COMPUTER Before running Step 3

[ 3 ]

Gather MBST Logs

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

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

 

Thank you

 

[NovaNover]

@AdvancedSetup Sorry for not posting the logs yet. I had to travel for a day, but is it all right if I post the logs sometime tomorrow? I dont have access to my laptop atm but tomorrow I will and thought my case might close if I didnt respond after a day or two.

[AdvancedSetup]

No issue @NovaNover

No rush. Post them back when you're ready. Have a safe trip

 

[NovaNover]

@AdvancedSetup  Thank you for waiting. Sorry for taking too long, here are the logs of the previous steps. I would also like to know if you could check my other PC as well after this one? I doubt it's infected but I would just like to make sure everything is actually fine. AdwCleaner[C00].txt

Malwarebytes scan report.txt mbst-grab-results.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

Please run the following fix

@NovaNover

NOTE: Please read all of the information below before running this fix.

• NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine.
• Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system that cannot be undone.

Once the fix has been completed, please attach the file FIXLOG.TXT to your next reply

Farbar program:   FRSTEnglish.exe

Save the attached file:  FIXLIST.TXT to this folder C:\Users\User\Downloads\

NOTE. It's important that both files, FRSTEnglish.exe, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Please make sure you disable any real-time antivirus or security software before running this script. Once completed, make sure you re-enable it.

 

 

Run the Farbar program with Admin rights and press the Fix button just once and wait.

The fix may possibly take up to 60 minutes to complete

If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
The tool will make a log named Fixlog.txt in the same folder you ran the Farbar program from. Please attach that log on your next reply.

 

1. NOTE:  This fix will run a scan to check that all Microsoft operating system files are valid and not corrupt and attempt to correct any invalid files. It will also run a disk check on the restart to ensure disk integrity.
2. NOTE: As part of this fix all temporary files will be removed. If you have any open web pages that have not been bookmarked please make sure you bookmark them now as all open applications may be automatically closed.
               Also, make sure you know the passwords for all websites as cookies may possibly be removed in some cases, but not all cases.
3. NOTE: As part of this fix, it will also reset the network to default settings including the firewall. If you have custom firewall rules you need to save please export or save them first before running this fix.

The following directories are emptied:

• Windows Temp
• Users Temp folders
• Edge, IE, FF, Chrome, and Opera caches, HTML5 storages, Cookies and History
• Recently opened files cache
• Discord cache
• Java cache
• Steam HTML cache
• Explorer thumbnail and icon cache
• BITS transfer queue (qmgr*.dat files)
• Recycle Bin

Important: items are permanently deleted. They are not moved to quarantine. If you have any questions or concerns please ask before running this fix.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run.

 

Thanks

 

Edited August 20, 2023 by AdvancedSetup
Removed invalid fix list

[NovaNover]

@AdvancedSetup Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

How is the computer running now? @NovaNover

Are you still getting any alerts or other issues?

 

Please run the following

 

SecurityCheck by glax24              

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

 

 

Thank you

 

 

[NovaNover]

@AdvancedSetup I'm not getting any alerts and my computer looks to be running just fine. SecurityCheck.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you for the log @NovaNover

Please uninstall, update, or otherwise address the following as appropriate for your system.

 

Adobe Acrobat DC v.20.006.20034 Warning! Download Update | ^Please run Acrobat DC and go Help - Check for updates...^
Discord v.1.0.9010 Warning! Download Update
Google Chrome v.116.0.5845.96 Warning! Download Update
Java 8 Update 361 (64-bit) v.8.0.3610.9 Warning! Download Update | Uninstall old version and install new one (jre-8u381-windows-x64.exe).
Microsoft Teams v.1.6.00.18681 Warning! Download Update
Mozilla Firefox (x64 en-US) v.110.0 Warning! Download Update
Spotify v.1.2.17.834.g26ee1129 Warning! Download Update
WinRAR 5.71 (64-bit) v.5.71.0 Warning! Download Update
Zoom v.5.13.7 (12602) Warning! Download Update

 

---------------------------- [ UnwantedApps ] -----------------------------
McAfee Security Scan Plus v.4.1.371.1 Warning! Application is distributed through the partnership programs and bundle assemblies. Uninstallation recommended. Possible you became a victim of fraud or social engineering.
----------------------------- [ End of Log ] ------------------------------

Personally I would recommend that you uninstall the Opera browser. It used to be a great alternative browser many years ago. Today it looks to be a magnet for possible malware threat. It appears to have zero concerns about Privacy.

Opera GX Stable 100.0.4815.82 v.100.0.4815.82 Warning! Download Update

 

Then restart the computer and check for Windows Updates and install any found.

 

 

Then unless something else crops up, we should be about done here now. However if you have any questions or issues, please let me know.

 

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

 

[NovaNover]

@AdvancedSetup kprm-20230822002844.txt Here’s the log from the removal tool, and I do have a few questions.

I have another PC and I am wondering if malwarebytes can actually detect any type of malware, like if I scan and it says 0 detections is it fully Guaranteed there is no malware on my Pc?

Is there any Anti-virus worth buying? I currently only use windows defender and the free version of malwarebytes and would want to know if you recommend any program that can 100% keep my PC secure.

I did read the “how to geek” article about password managers and I saw bitwarden is there and I currently use the paid version of it, and it seems that 1password isn’t too highly rated anymore. I would like to know if you personally think bitwarden should be just fine or should I make a switch to any other password manager such as dashlane?

[AdvancedSetup]

Just now, NovaNover said:

I have another PC and I am wondering if malwarebytes can actually detect any type of malware, like if I scan and it says 0 detections is it fully Guaranteed there is no malware on my Pc?

No, any antivirus or security program that claims that it can guarantee is SNAKE OIL. There is no program known to mankind that can 100% guarantee that it will detect ALL threats, none.

Is there any Anti-virus worth buying? I currently only use windows defender and the free version of malwarebytes and would want to know if you recommend any program that can 100% keep my PC secure.

Please see my reply above. However, by following the advice posted above as well as other more in detail posts about practicing safe computing and keeping good solid backups of your data to an external drive that does not remain connected all the time will make it extremely difficult to get infected.

I did read the “how to geek” article about password managers and I saw bitwarden is there and I currently use the paid version of it, and it seems that 1password isn’t too highly rated anymore. I would like to know if you personally think bitwarden should be just fine or should I make a switch to any other password manager such as dashlane?

I see nothing wrong with Bitwarden at this time (they do have a free version). I'm also not aware of any issues with 1Password. There are many sties that play games and try to rig results so to speak because they get paid a commission to say product xyz is good. The entire world is clamoring to go "passwordless" but the reality is that using Biometrics  actually reduces your security in the long run. Take the iPhone today. Most users use facial recognition to log into the phone. Most courts do not allow authorities to compel people to provide their password. Passing the phone in front of your face probably does not garner the same legal protections.

 

 

 

[NovaNover]

@AdvancedSetup I did continue reading into your reply above the previous one, and I saw in one of the posts it says to switch to firefox. Would you personally recommend switching to Firefox? I never used it much, but is it worth the switch or is using Chrome an ok option? Any thoughts on AdGuard as a content blocker if it's good or bad?

I think that should be all I have to ask for now, Thank You so much for helping me make sure my PC is fine.

[AdvancedSetup]

Google makes a rather healthy profit (around $85 billion dollars) selling Ads and metrics of their users. Firefox does not have that exact same connection. Not yet anyways, but sadly it too is going down that same road.

If you like AdGuard and it's working for you that's a good alternative. Using something that at least slows down the flow of garbage that modern browsers allow in today is a great help.

 

[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