Windows Defender detects threats, Malwarebytes doesnt- what to do?

[dragothica]

I've noticed that on my PC Windows Defender has a list of "Current Threats", there's some couple of dozen of them, listed as "SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack" and everything seems to be related to the "hosts" file in Windows System 32 folder. However, when I run Malwarebytes Premium, it doesn't detect anything, no threats or otherwise.

In Windows Defender these threats all have a date from earlier this year which makes me suspect if they are just some kind of detection logs which are presented in Windows Defender as "Current Threats"? When I click on them there are "Action Options" but nothing seems to work and the threats always reappear on the list.

I've already reseted the hosts file and removed the old file and these Threats still appear on the menu. None of the treats have a date close to today, most recent is from 30.08.2023 (and they go all the way back to 03.04.2023 which is close to when I reinstalled Windows 10 previously.

Is this misinformation, false positives or is my PC infected, but why isn't Malwarebytes detecting anything? Any recommendations for action?

[1PW]

Hello @dragothica and welcome back:

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.

[dragothica]

mbst-grab-results.zip

 

Thanks for your reply, Log Files are in the attachment. I may have deleted some Windows Defender Log Files from Event Viewer previously while trying to solve this issue. I hope Malwarebytes Tool was able to recover something important.

[MKDB]

Hello @dragothica  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!

[dragothica]

Thanks for your reply MKDB. However, Im unsure what do you mean by the 2nd point on your post "Please copy and paste all log files into your post.".

 

Which logs do you mean or is this only relevant later?

[MKDB]

1 hour ago, dragothica said:

Which logs do you mean or is this only relevant later?

Sorry for the confusion. Please attach all requested logs as you already did with MBST @dragothica.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Step 1

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

[dragothica]

Fixlog.txt

 

Fixlog.tx is in the attachment. I ran the Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium scanners again after the fix in FRST. Windows Defender is still detecting/showing the Threats in the same list as previously. Malwarebytes Premium doesn't detect anything (I only ran a quick scan, but I've run Full Scan earlier today, which also doesn't detect anything). Otherwise, Malwarebytes has been working properly, as I see notifications from it sometimes while browsing internet (it seems like it is detecting and blocking threats).

[MKDB]

@dragothica

The fix was a good one:

Quote

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

Windows Defender did only report a possible Hijack of the hosts file.

 

 

Next, let's give ESET a try.

 

 

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

[dragothica]

I've ran the ESET Online Scanner with Full Scan, it didn't find any threats.

[MKDB]

That's great @dragothica.

 

Please run FRST and SC now.

 

 

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

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

[dragothica]

Log files in the attachment.

SecurityCheck.txt Addition.txt FRST.txt

Edited September 27, 2023 by dragothica

[MKDB]

How is your system running @dragothica?

Those "PossibleHostsFileHijack" message are from 25/09 and older, but no newer one is listed, that's good.

 

 

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\teemu\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.

 

 

 

[MKDB]

Hi @dragothica,

do you still need help? If so, please follow my instructions and post the logfiles.

Thank you.

[dragothica]

Sorry for the late reply. Previous Scanning with KVRT didn't find anything either. I was unable to browse any log files as the KVRT directory was completely locked out of access for me so I had to uninstall the program. (I launched it with the -dontencrypt command even). PC hasn't had any major issues, this whole topic was about Windows Defender detecting something what no other program can detect, it seems like. It could just be corrupted and display old detections for some reason.

I don't think I'll need any more help, I'll just have to reinstall Windows if issues start to happen in the future (or to fix the Windows Defender issue).

[MKDB]

Thanks for your feedback @dragothica.

I'm with you, everything seems to be ok, probably an old detection.

 

 

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

Notepad++ (64-bit x64) v.8.4.2 Warning! Download Update
7-Zip 19.00 (x64) v.19.00 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one.
Discord v.1.0.9011 Warning! Download Update
qBittorrent v.4.5.0 Warning! Download Update
K-Lite Codec Pack 17.7.5 Standard v.17.7.5 Warning! Download Update
CCleaner v.6.10 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. 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.

 

 

[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!