Console windows host and Perfstringbackup trojan active on computer

[RicoMur]

Hellp Malwarebytes.

I noticed an hour ago that cpu and memory have heavy usage and saw that console windows host is active, sometimes 2 of them. I checked the file location and it led me to System32, which online said that it's probably a trojan. 

It wouldn't let me access any antivirus websites so I had to download the PC version of Malwarebytes from my phone and transfer it from there.

In the folder, I also found perfstringbackup as a config file, as well as perfc009.dat, perfc014.dat, perfh009.dat and perfh01r.dat. I ran a Malwarebytes scan and quarantined what was found but the console windows host is very much still active. I'll attach the report from the Malwarebytes scan to this post.

Any help would be greatly appreciated so thank you in advance. I also saw a topic with a similar situation. Should I use the same solution that was used there?Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-04-17 081433.txt

[Porthos]

1 hour ago, RicoMur said:

Should I use the same solution that was used there?

Never use other topics.

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

Then be patient for the next expert to take your case.

[RicoMur]

Alright, thank you for the quick reply. I ran Farbar and I will attach the files here.

Addition.txt FRST.txt

[MKDB]

Hello  @RicoMur  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 attach 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 minutes to review your logfiles.

Thank you!

[RicoMur]

I'm not sure if this is what you meant but I'll attach all the files once again here. Also, I removed those files that I mentioned in the intro before even making this post. Should I restore them to the System32 folder from the recycle bin and then run everything again?

Addition.txt FRST.txt Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-04-17 081433.txt

[MKDB]

@RicoMur

First, we will use FRST to run a fix.

 

 

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the location where you ran FRST from ( C:\Users\d\Desktop\ ).

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 again.
• 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.

 

 

fixlist.txt

[MKDB]

@RicoMur

Did you install "bookingDesktopApp" intentionally / on your own? What can you tell me about that software?

Thank you!

[RicoMur]

No, this is the first I'm learning of it. I'll check it out now. Where exactly does it say that it's located? If I find something about it I'll put it in the reply with the fixlog.

[RicoMur]

Alright, I ran FRST again and will attach the file here.

Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

@RicoMur

Thanks for your feedback and the logfile.

It seems that the fix was successful.

 

I would like you to run FRST and FSS to check the results.

 

 

 

1️⃣

• Run FRST 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.

 

 

2️⃣

Please follow these instructions and attach the requested logfile FSS.txt:

 

 

[RicoMur]

That's great. Thank you very much for your help. I'll attach the files here.

Addition.txt FRST.txt FSS.txt

[MKDB]

@RicoMur

Great job. Your logfiles look much better now.

 

I suggest to run two more scans for a second opinion and for checking your installed programs.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

 

 

1️⃣

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\d\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.

 

 

2️⃣

Please follow these instructions and attach the requested logfile from SecurityCheck:

 

 

[RicoMur]

It is done. Here are the files from those two scans. Thanks again for all your help.

SecurityCheck.txt report_2024.04.18_13.14.02.txt

[MKDB]

@RicoMur

KVRT did not detect any new elements, that's good! Those detected items were already moved into FRST quarantine. Those will be removed with KpRm.

 

 

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

Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) - 14.31.31103 v.14.31.31103.0 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) - 14.31.31103 v.14.31.31103.0 Warning! Download Update
7-Zip 19.00 (x64) v.19.00 Warning! Download Update
WinRAR 6.00 (64-bit) v.6.00.0 Warning! Download Update
Cisco Webex Meetings v.41.12.3 Warning! Download Update
µTorrent v.3.6.0.47044 Warning! Ad-supported P2P-client.
Java 8 Update 371 (64-bit) v.8.0.3710.11 Warning! Download Update
Google Chrome v.123.0.6312.123 Warning! Download Update

 

 

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 can be found here:

 

 

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!

[AdvancedSetup]

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

 

Imagine a world without malware. We do
https://www.malwarebytes.com/why-upgrading-matters-ceo

 

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

 

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 to help you better protect your computer and privacy Tips to help protect from infection

Thank you