Malware removed? Or so I thought.

[ayyayyron_]

Hello,

I appear to have downloaded malware at somepoint and Windows Defender quarantined an item that was in Programfiles (x86)/wimsys.

After some investigation I found many other files in that folder and downloaded Malwarebytes. 

Malware bytes removed a number of files, but exe's remained in wimsys, but in the notfications section of Malwarebytes I found an RTP detection event occuring at start up, originating from my temp files and the cleared my recycling bin.

I went through my programs and removed anything i found unnecessary/couldn't recognize. There wasn't much but wimsys was present so that was uninstalled from programs and features.

After a restart the same event occured, this time using rundll32.exe. I do understand that that is a legitimate file but can be misused by malware, and want to make sure I'm not leaving traces. 

I also used Autoruns to confirm no unknown software was starting at startup, and as far as I could tell, it wasn't, but there are definitely some drivers that I was unable to clearly identify. 

I did run additional scans from Malwarebytes after confirming I had toggled on 'Scan for rootkits' and 'Scan within archives'.

I've reset my main browser in the case that there was an addin causing issues, but that did not appear to do anything.

After doing some looking through the forums I downloaded Farbar from links given by experts here and ran a scan. 

I am attaching the log from Malwarebytes for the latest blocked notification, FRST.txt and Addition.txt

The notification is only caught on start up and does not appear to attempt to run again. I'm assuming at this point I need a fix file for Farbar, but that is a little out of my scope of understanding so looking for any advice at this point. 

scan.txt Addition.txt FRST.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello. My name is Maurice. I will guide you going forward.

• Removing pesky malware can be an involved set of tasks over separate runs. Have much patience. Follow my directions. 
• Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Only run the tools I guide you to.
• Do not run online games while case is on-going. Do not do any free-wheeling web-surfing.
• The removal of malware isn't instantaneous, please be patient.
• Cracked or 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 big source of current trojan infections. Please uninstall them now, if any are here, before we start the cleaning procedure.
• Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear".
• If your system is running Discord, please be sure to Exit out of it while this case is on-going.

  Do these 2 steps so that ALL folders & Files are set to SHOW, plus also, Turn OFF Windows Fast start.
  Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions
  https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299345-show-hidden-folders-files-extensions/

  Disable-Fast-Startup
  https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299350-disable-fast-startup/

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free Microsoft stand-alone virus scanner that can be used to scan for & remove malware or potentially unwanted items from a system. This tool does not install. It is run on-demand.

This link is for the 64-bit version of MSERT.exe . Be sure you save the file first

Upon completion of the save, 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

Launch MSERT.exe
Accept the agreement terms of Microsoft
Select CUSTOM scan
Look on Scan Options & select CUSTOM scan & then select the C drive to be scanned.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. Once you start the scan & you see it started, then leave it be.

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 screen display. The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run.
Again, any on-screen display about repeat 'infection' is not to be relied on. Ignore those.
We only rely on the end result that is on the log-report-file.

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

The log is named MSERT.log

the log will be at

Windows\debug\msert.log
Please attach that log with your reply

It is normal for the Microsoft Safety Scanner to show 'detections' during the scan process on the screen itself.

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.

[ayyayyron_]

Thank you for the quick reply. I have followed all the instructions and the scan is the only item running. I'll reply again when it is complete.

[Maurice Naggar]

The MS Safety Scanner MSERT run will take several hours. Have much patience. AFTER that run has completed, do the following. This is the next procedure. This machine has multiple threats, which use more than 1 "hook". 

Please run the following custom script. Read all of this before you start. The meaning of the "Fix button" operation here is just to run a custom script just for this particular machine.

NOTE-1:  This custom 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  remove several threats. It will attempt to run some scans with Microsoft Defender antivirus. It will attempt to clear Cache files of web browsers.  It will attempt to clear temporary file areas. It rebuilds the Winsock. Depending on the speed of your computer this fix may take 50-55 minutes or more.

Please Close all open work before you actually do begin this run.

FRST64 program location:   Downloads folder. The tool is already on system. That is what we will use.

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to Downloads

Fixlist.txt <- < - - - -

NOTE. It's important that both files, FRST64, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Right-click with your mouse on  FRST64 and select "Run as Administrator" and reply Yes and allow it to proceed when prompted. That is important.

next, press the Fix button just once and wait.

You will see a green-color scroll display while FRST is running.
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 on the Downloads folder (Fixlog.txt) . Please attach or post it to your next reply.

Note: If the tool warned you about an outdated version please download and run the updated version.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run. Attach FIXLOG.txt with next reply.

NOTICE: For potential outside readers,  This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause harm.

Edited September 28, 2023 by Maurice Naggar

[ayyayyron_]

Understood. The scan is still running so letting that do its thing. 

To confirm, I should follow through with the frst fixlist regardless of the outcome of the Microsoft safety scan? Or should I post that here before continuing with the next steps? 

[ayyayyron_]

Actually it completed and said that nothing was found. Attaching the log and continuing with next steps.

msert.log

[ayyayyron_]

Completed rather quickly. Log attached. 

Malwarebytes did not log any additional RTP Detection Events upon the restart requested at the end of FRST fix. Which I presume is a good sign. 

Are there additional scans I should run at this time to confirm the issue is actually resolved?

Fixlog.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

The custom-run is good. The Windows System File Checker has made some corrections.

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

This last run has completed what was originally intended. This custom run has removed threats.

[ Do this adjustment related to Malwarebytes ]

Start Malwarebytes. Click Settings ( gear ) icon. Next, lets make real sure that Malwarebytes does NOT register with Windows Security Center

Click the Security Tab. Scroll down to

"Windows Security Center"

Click the selection to the left  for the line "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center".
{ We want that to be set as Off   .... be sure that line's  radio-button selection is all the way to the Left.  thanks. }

This will not affect any real-time protection of the Malwarebytes for Windows    😃.

Close Malwarebytes.

[  2   Do a custom scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus ]

Just want to do a visual check in Windows Security to see (visually) that Microsoft Defender is on , and to do a Custom scan.

From the Windows Start menu, select Settings, then select Update and Security.

Next, look at the left-side menu & select Windows Security

Next, In Windows Security section: Click on the grey button Open Windows Security

Now, click on the shield Virus and threat protection

Look to see that Microsoft Defender is shown & available for use.

On the next display, look at all the options.  Look down the list and see "Check for Updates" .

You should click on that to have the system check for updates for Windows Defender.  Watch & wait for that to complete.

Please also note that the Scan options (all) can be displayed by clicking on Scan options.   Click that & select CUSTOM scan & then pick the C drive  & have it go forward.

Once it has started the scan phase, you can go take a long break.   Let me know the results.

[ayyayyron_]

Hello,

Here are the results!

I didn't see any log options for MS Defender - but I grabbed a screenshot. 

 

 

[Maurice Naggar]

Thank you. That is great.

As a next step, I suggest the following:
This is for a scan with ESET Onlinescanner (free). ESET is a well-respected, well-known entity and tool. ESET Onlinescanner checks for viruses, other malware, adwares, & potentially unwanted applications.
This here you can start & once it is under way, you can leave the machine alone & let it run over-night. No need to keep watch once it starts the actual scan run.

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 CUSTOM scan  and select C drive to be scanned
• Look at & tick ( select ) the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"
• and click on 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 may step away from machine &. Let it be. That is, once it is under way, you should leave it running. It will run for several hours.

• At screen "Detections occurred and resolved" click on blue button "View detected results"
• On next screen, at lower left, click on blue "Save scan log"
• View where file is to be saved. Provide a meaningful name for the "File name:"
• On last screen, set to Off (left) the option for Periodic scanning
• Click "save and continue"
• Please attach the report file so I can review

[ayyayyron_]

Hello!

Another scan completed :)

ESETscan.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

One other scan here.

TrendMicro HouseCall scan
from this Link

First, Download & Save to your Downloads folder the appropriate HouseCallLauncher
Once the download is complete, go to where the Housecalllauncher is saved & double-click it to start it.

The program will check with TrendMicro & do a update run.

Next it will show the Disclosure window.

Click Next to proceed.

The end user license agreement is presented.   Click the Accept radio button & click Next to proceed.

I suggest a CUSTOM scan on C drive.

IF you wish a Full scan or a Custom scan, first click on the Settings

then you can select which drives you want to include in the scan.

The default is a Quick scan.

Click Scan now when ready.

The scan progress will then be displayed.   Monitor the progress or just leave it alone until it finishes this phase.

When the scan phase has completed, if any items are tagged, you will see a list, showing  the file & its location, the classification of the threat, the type, risk, and Action option.

If you see an item that you know is safe, you can click the Action  , and select Ignore.

When all done & ready, click the Fix now button.
The "Summary" at the end at "Review Results" is what matters.

[Maurice Naggar]

Due to the lack of feedback, this topic is closed to prevent others from posting here.

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 topic. Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread.

Tips to help protect from infection

Thanks