App potentially hogging resources-search points to malware or not malware?

[anirudhalledula]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here, so I hope you can guide me.

Recently, I've noticed my laptop feel very laggy when doing the simplest of tasks, such as browsing Youtube, which doesn't make sense as it is a high-end gaming laptop.

When I tried to check what was happening, I stumbled across an .exe file that was running on my dGPU.

I found one very odd app and did not know why it is there, I then did a Web search and appears it may be a malware??

But Malwarebytes does not catch this?

The name is xboxgamebarspotify.exe - I am also attaching a screenshot of Nvidia reporting GPO activity. The app is not running currently so I am attaching a screenshot of a different user with the exact same problem.

This is one of the search results - xboxgamebarspotify.exe is the name of a dangerous type of malware, that may steal data, while posing as a legitimate process.

Another search result with a video seems to elude it is not? - This quick video will explain all about XboxGameBarSpotify.exe. XboxGameBarSpotify.exe belongs to Spotify. Although this is a safe Application. But this is not an essential file for the Windows Operating System

 

Thank you kindly for support and guidance and I hope the above was explained clearly.

Andy

[Porthos]

27 minutes ago, anirudhalledula said:

The app is not running currently so I am attaching a screenshot of a different user with the exact same problem.

I was about to call you out on that. I remember that topic.

Personally, I remove all the Xbox apps off my computer but that is me.

Please respond to all future instructions from your helper in a timely manner.

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

Do these 2 steps FIRST so that files and folders 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 then 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. The tool also downloads and runs a file called FRSTEnglish. Please allow it to run.
• 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

Edited February 29 by Porthos

[anirudhalledula]

Yeah I have the same problem that other user did, but since the solutions you provided in that post were specific to that user, I wanted to open a new thread.

Here is the file you requested.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[anirudhalledula]

I apologize, I actually deleted the MalwareBytes scanner earlier before running the support tool since I thought that I didn't need it anymore since it detected no viruses.

So, I've installed it and I ran the check again.
Here is the updated file that you requested.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you for the logs @anirudhalledula

Please run the following and I'll check back on you tomorrow. It's after midnight for me.

 

 

Let's go ahead and run a couple of scans and get some updated logs from your system. Please read the entire post below before starting so that you're more familiar with the process

Then follow each step in the order provided. Unless otherwise asked, please attach all logs

 

Please make the following system changes:

• If you have not done so already - Enable System Protection and create a NEW System Restore Point
• Temporarily disable your antivirus real-time protection or other security software first only 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 downloads are completed
• Disable-Fast-Startup
• Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions

Please run the following scans:

1. Click the following link and run a  Scan with AdwCleaner
2. Click the following link and run a  Scan with Malwarebytes 
      RESTART the computer
3. Click the following link and run a  Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 
    

Example image of where to click to attach files when posting your reply

 

Thank you

 

[anirudhalledula]

Thank you so much for your help and guidance!

Here are the files and logs you requested.

AdwCleaner[C00].txt AdwCleaner[S00].txt Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-02-29 085703.txt FRST.txt Addition.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Please make the following change in Malwarebytes if you're using the Premium or Trial version

• Please open Malwarebytes. Click on the small gear icon to open the Settings and go to the General tab.
• Then turn off "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center"
• Restart the computer

 

It is highly unlikely that you need to setup exclusions for Windows Defender, however if you experience any issues, please see the following article and setup exclusions
between Malwarebytes and Windows Defender

Malwarebytes for Windows antivirus exclusions list
https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038522974-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-antivirus-exclusions-list

 

Then Restart the computer.

 

After the restart please run the following

 

Dr.Web CureIt!

Please download the Dr.Web CureIt! anti-virus utility
https://free.drweb.com/

 

You will need to send them an email to obtain a link to download the scanner, please do so

• The downloaded file will normally have a unique name such as:  q7a9tr4p.exe
• Close all open applications and locate the downloaded file and double-click to run it
• The program will take a moment to launch and bring up the License and Update screen
• Place a check mark to agree to the terms and then click on the Continue button
• Click the underlined link Select objects for scanning
• On the top left click the Scanning objects that should automatically check all objects
• Click the small wrench and make sure there is a check on Automatically apply actions to threats
• Then click the large button on bottom right Start scanning
• Once the scan has completed there will be a link named Open report click that and a log named cureit.log should open in Notepad
• The log is saved in the folder named Doctor Web in the top of your user profile folders
• Please attach that log on your next reply

 

 

 

[anirudhalledula]

Here it is.

cureit.log

[AdvancedSetup]

It found one infected item

Let's try one more scanner as well

The following canned message may be a little out of date but I'm sure it's good enough to get you going to do a Full System scan.

 

 

Sophos Scan & Clean

Download Sophos Free Virus Removal Tool and save it to your desktop.

• If your security alerts to this scan either accept the alert or turn off your security to allow Sophos to run and complete.....
• Please close all other open applications and Do Not use your PC whilst the scan is in progress... This scan is very thorough so it may take several hours to complete, please be patient...

Double click the icon and select Run

Click Next

Select I accept the terms in this license agreement, then click Next twice

Click Install

Click Finish to launch the program

• Once the virus database has been updated click Start Scanning

If any threats are found click Details, then View log file... (bottom left hand corner)

 

Attach the results in your next reply

• Close the Notepad document, close the Threat Details screen, then click Start cleanup

Click Exit to close the program

 

If no threats were found please confirm that result...

• The Virus Removal Tool scans the following areas of your computer:
• Memory, including system memory on 32-bit (x86) versions of Windows
• The Windows registry
• All local hard drives, fixed and removable
• Mapped network drives are not scanned.

Note: If threats are found in the computer memory, the scan stops. This is because further scanning could enable the threat to spread. You will be asked to click Start Cleanup to remove the threats before continuing the scan.

 

Saved logs are found under this sub-folder: C:\ProgramData\Sophos\Sophos Virus Removal Tool\Logs 

Please attach that log on your next reply

Thank you

 

[anirudhalledula]

In the first scan, it found 3 cookie files, and in the second scan, it found no threats.
Here are the logs.

SophosScanAndClean_20240301_1039.log SophosScanAndClean_20240301_1043.log

[AdvancedSetup]

Great, that's good news. @anirudhalledula

Please run the following and we'll look at running a clean up script and updating as needed.

 

Scan with SecurityCheck by glax24
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/307301-scan-with-securitycheck-by-glax24/

Scan with FSS Farbar Service Scanner
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/306736-scan-with-fss-farbar-service-scanner/

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/306601-scan-with-farbar-recovery-scan-tool/
 

There should be 4 logs to post back when done.

[anirudhalledula]

Here they are.

SecurityCheck.txt FSS.txt FRST.txt Addition.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

The log indicates these items have an update available. Please update once we're done with the FIX below.

• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) - 14.30.30704 v.14.30.30704.0 Warning! Download Update
• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) - 14.34.31931 v.14.34.31931.0 Warning! Download Update

 

 

 

Please run the following fix

 

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\aniru\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.

fixlist.txt

Thanks

 

[anirudhalledula]

Here is the log.

Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you for the log @anirudhalledula overall it ran well. It also found and fixed some other Windows issues.

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

 

Please go ahead and update those two files and then check for Windows Updates and restart the computer.

Let me know if you're still showing any signs of infection or any other unresolved issues at this time

 

Thanks

 

 

[anirudhalledula]

I've restarted my computer and everything seems to be fine. Thank you so much for your help!

I just have one more question, so I assume that .exe file I complained about at the beginning was a legitimate file that ran when I was playing a game. So does that mean that if I see it run again the next time I play a game or use an Xbox app or the Xbox Game Bar, I can safely assume that it is the actual legitimate program and not malware?

Thanks again!

[anirudhalledula]

Also, can you give me some tips on how to be safer?

Thanks!

[AdvancedSetup]

The XBoxGamebar appears to be a valid file from Microsoft. @anirudhalledula

 

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)

 

We're glad that we were able to assist you.

The following information will help you to keep your computer and data safer as well as improve your overall privacy

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/780233/best-password-manager/
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     https://patchmypc.com/about-us
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

 

Cybersecurity basics & protection
Everything you need to know about cybercrime
https://www.malwarebytes.com/cybersecurity

 

Further reading if you'd 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. Please tell your friends and family if they too need assistance with malware removal

 

[anirudhalledula]

Here is the log.

And the .exe I was talking about was xboxgamebarspotify.exe, can you check if it is a valid file please?

kprm-20240302103938.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

XboxGameBarSpotify.exe is an executable file associated with the Spotify Music application developed by Spotify AB.

This file is a part of the Spotify integration with the Xbox Game Bar on Windows 10. The Xbox Game Bar is a customizable gaming overlay built into Windows 10 that allows users to capture screenshots, record and broadcast video, monitor system performance, and play Spotify music without leaving the game.

 

If your version was a Trojan one of the antivirus scanners we ran should have detected and removed it.

 

Are there any other issues before we close up here?

 

 

[anirudhalledula]

All of my issues have been resolved!

Thanks so much for your help!

[AdvancedSetup]

You're quite welcome

Take care and stay safe out there