Bitcoin Miner refuses to die

[hahayeet]

Starting about a week ago, I started noticing my PC running slower than usual, and some games outright crashing because of performance issues.  Naturally, I decided to run MBAM and it found 4 malicious files, all Bitcoin miners in Chrome-related files and registry keys.  So obviously, I remove the quarantined files and do another scan, only for the exact same detections to show up once more.  Just today, I decided to take Malwarebytes up on its offer of a free Premium trial, and since then it keeps saying it blocked "xmr.2miners.com" from connecting, which I can only assume was related, and in the scan I did while typing this it found another one, and all 5 were instead classed as "Generic.Malware/Suspicious"  Oh yeah, and it seems to be blocking me from accessing antimalware-related sites, not counting these forums.

 

I've been skimming the forums all day, reading threads from people running into the same problem and even tried some of the solutions. Support Tool found nothing, MS Safety Scanner did nothing but waste 2 hours of my time, AdwCleaner did nothing, and Farbar didn't even finish a scan because it froze up on me.  

 

Now, I'm pretty sure I know exactly where this started.  It was a .APK file in my Downloads folder, which I stupidly decided to run with Bluestacks (a mostly gaming-based Android emulator) without scanning it and knowing I couldn't remember intentionally downloading it. I will 100% own up to it being my goof, and now I just need to find a way to get rid of it before I ultimately take the nuclear option (reinstalling Windows).

 

I am sick and tired of pulling my hair out so I'll listen to any solution I can get to get this little creep's fake money printer off my PC.

[1PW]

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

Thank you.

[hahayeet]

It took some doing but I finally got it working.  File is attached.

 

 

mbst-grab-results.zip

[MKDB]

Hello @hahayeet  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 give me some time to review what you have posted.

Thank you!

[MKDB]

@hahayeet

We will use Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) to run a fix. FRST was downloaded together with MBST and should be located in your download folder.

The fix may take some time, please be very patient and do not interfere.

The malware has damaged some windows services as well. These needs to be repaired.

More Steps will follow.

 

 

Step 1

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

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

 

fixlist.txt

[hahayeet]

Just finished the restart, the file is attached as requested.

 

Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

@hahayeet

Please run FRST and FSS to check the results.

 

 

Step 1

• Run FRST from your download folder 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.

 

 

Step 2

Please download Farbar Service Scanner (FSS) and and save it to your desktop.

• Make sure the following options are checked:

• Internet Services
• Windows Firewall
• System Restore
• Security Center/Action Center
• Windows Update
• Windows Defender
• Other Services

• Press the Scan button.
• It will create a log (FSS.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
• Please attach this logfile to your next reply.

[hahayeet]

I'm not entirely sure what these extra steps are for since it seems like it's already fixed my issue, but I suppose that's why you're the expert.

 

 

Addition.txtFRST.txt

FSS.txt

[MKDB]

46 minutes ago, hahayeet said:

I'm not entirely sure what these extra steps are for since it seems like it's already fixed my issue, but I suppose that's why you're the expert.

As written in my last post, I need these logfiles to check if the malware is gone and the system services are running well. 😉

I hope you stay with me until we are finished with everything @hahayeet.

 

 

 

Step 1

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

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

[hahayeet]

Fixlog.txtESET just got done with the scan.  Here's the logs.

esetLog.txt

[MKDB]

@hahayeet

ESET did only find the malicious exe that we have already moved with FRST into quarantine, so everything is fine here.

 

We are almost done. Please run SecurityCheck now.

 

 

 

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

Edited September 20, 2023 by MKDB

[hahayeet]

Security Check just finished, so here's that file.

 

SecurityCheck.txt

[MKDB]

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

Malwarebytes version 4.6.1.280 v.4.6.1.280 Warning! Download Update
OpenOffice 4.1.11 v.4.111.9808 Warning! Download Update
WinRAR 6.00 (64-bit) v.6.00.0 Warning! Download Update
paint.net v.4.2.16 Warning! Download Update
Discord v.0.0.309 Warning! Download Update

Java 8 Update 351 (64-bit) v.8.0.3510.10 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one (jre-8u381-windows-x64.exe).
Java 8 Update 351 v.8.0.3510.10 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one (jre-8u381-windows-i586.exe).

PAC-MAN 256 Warning! Suspected Adware! If this program is not familiar to you it is recommended to uninstall it and execute PC scanning using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes AdwCleaner. Before uninstallation and scanning it is necessary to consult in the forum where cure is provided for you!!!

 

 

Thank you for your cooperation @hahayeet You can use KpRm 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/

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.

 

 

[hahayeet]

Pac-Man 256 is a game, so unless it's somehow been infected it's a false positive.  Other than that, it looks like everything's in the clear.

[MKDB]

If the game is familiar to you, then it's ok.

 

 

 

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!