Crypto Miner that recreates files after quarantine.

[Kittenbeard]

I guess I'll start with the fact windows updater is not working. I tracked this down to probably the BITS system, but I'm not certain. That got me looking at malware possibilities as they target BITS. I tried to download malware bytes, but the website was blocked (big surprise). I managed to get a copy, and ran it to quarantine 6 files. These files got quarantined, but I kept on getting a pop-up which I have included in the files. I looked at one of the files Malwarebytes flagged, and found the code which is attached. Searching online has had no promising options so far.

 

I have tried:

Blocking the port (both TCP and UDP) to no avail.

Quarantining / deleting both manually and with Malwarebytes.

Blocking windows explorer from the firewall.

 

Notable occurrences:

Opening task manager decreases my GPU usage immensely, and I am currently using this as a bypass so my computer does not melt.

 

I don't really know what else to include, so I'll let someone walk me through the rest of this process!

GoogleUpdateTaskMachineQC.txt

[Porthos]

@Kittenbeard

Let's get the info to get the process started.

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

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/

Then please restart the computer and do the following.

WARNING: Do Not click the Repair option 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 Desktop or on the hidden Public desktop (usually C:\Users\Public\Desktop), please upload that file on your next reply
  
  Then be patient for the next expert to take your case.

Thank you

[Kittenbeard]

Thank you for responding, and my apologies for my late response I had gone to sleep for the night!

 

Here is the zip file:

mbst-grab-results.zip

[Maurice Naggar]

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

• 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-g
• Thank you for the report file.
• Allow me a bit of time to review the report. I will get back with you.

[Maurice Naggar]

Not only is there the issue of a reachout to a pesky mining malware, the Windows Hosts file was compromised so that lots of security domains were made unreachable; there is also a deficiency about the Windows Service "dosvc" [delivery optimization of Windows Update]. AND it looks like the Windows 11 build is about one year old. ( Later on, you need to do a manual run on Windows to Check for Update.)

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 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 and Hosts. 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.

Farbar  FRSTENGLISH 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, FRSTENGLISH, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Right-click with your mouse on  FRSTENGLISH 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.

[Kittenbeard]

Thank you Maurice!

Here's the log:

Fixlog.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello. Thank you for the custom-run report. 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. 

[ Also, you should know]. The infection had made folder exclusions on Microsoft Defender to exclude from protection these sub-folders C:\Users\catma
C:\Program Files
C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile

The exclusions have been removed. Microsoft Defender is now fully protective and is also up-tp-date with definitions.

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

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello @Kittenbeard

Are you still with us?

Please take a moment and post back a status report

Thank you

 

[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