Jump to content

cdex uninstall.exe deleted several gb of files from downloads folder

waza

By waza
in Resolved Malware Removal Logs

 Share

Recommended Posts

waza

waza

Posted
Posted (edited)

For context, I was trying to extract mp3 files from .vpk and .vtb files in some game folder for an old PC game I downloaded recently. There was a guide online that recommended an application called Cdex. I kept trying to install it from its official site but Malwarebytes Browser Guard kept flagging it as adware or riskware. Same when I tried to download it from other sites like Softpedia. So I downloaded it from here

  

https://github.com/thewhitegrizzli/CDex/blob/main/cdex-1-51-cdex_151.exe

 

 

specifically because OP said it had no adware. Malwarebytes didn't flag it, so I installed it as is. However, I decided to uninstall it shortly after because I realized it didn't actually help me for my purposes so I clicked uninstall.exe. At first it uninstalled cdex but then for some reason it went ahead and started eating files from my Downloads folder. It wouldn't stop no matter what I clicked. I tried to force stop it using Task Manager but it quickly went into Not Responding, so I panicked and forcibly shut down my PC. My C drive had 12 gb remaining now it says it's 36 gb remaining. It seemed to have only deleted files from the Downloads folder and nowhere else, thankfully. cdex was uninstalled but now the uninstall.exe file still remains in there. Windows Security didn't detect any malware on a quick scan, and my Malwarebytes free trial ran out months ago. Recycle Bin didn't have anything new there either. Is there anything I can do to recover my files?

file.png

Edited by AdvancedSetup
Disabled hyperlinks
Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Root Admin
AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup

Posted
  • Root Admin
Posted

Let's get the info to get the process started. Be aware it will take many steps and scans to fully remove malware.

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

 

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:  Please pay close attention the the instructions in all of the following links.

  • 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:  Please pay close attention the the instructions in all of the following links.

  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

image.thumb.png.e208c182ff570799c53bcf57

 

Thank you

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Root Admin
AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup

Posted
  • Root Admin
Posted

Thank you for the logs @waza

 

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\Crina\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

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
waza

waza

Posted
  • Author
Posted

It ran out of time again. Why could this be happening? Is it because of Windows' real-time protection turning back on automatically in the middle of the fix?

Also I noticed my C drive started getting filled in for some reason, after these 2 fix attempts it went from 33 gb remaining to 23 gb remaining, will that lack of space get in the way of recovering my lost files? (If that's even still possible)

 

Fixlog.txt

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Root Admin
AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup

Posted
  • Root Admin
Posted

Okay, 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

 

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Root Admin
AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup

Posted
  • Root Admin
Posted

That scanner found and removed 2 threats.

 

 

Lets try another scanner:

ESET Online Scanner

Please run the following and perform a Full Scan
 
Click the following link to save the installer for ESET Online Scanner
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 started.
  • When presented with the initial ESET screen, click on "Get Started". Read and accept the Terms of use
  • On the "Before we start..." screen chose if you want to send anonymous data and if you want to provide feedback or not, then click Continue
  • When prompted for scan type, Click on the Full Scan button
  • Enable  ( select )   the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click the Start scan button.
  • Have patience.  The entire process may take a few hours or more.
  • 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 and give it a name and location you remember.
  • If something was removed and you know it is a false postive, you may click on the blue ”Restore cleaned files”  ( in blue, at the bottom).
  • Press Continue when all done.  You should click to turn off the offer for “periodic scanning”.
  • Enable "Delete application data on closing" - You do not need to submit feedback unless you want to. Simply ignore and close the program.


 
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
 
Please attach the ESET scan log you saved at the end to your next reply

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Root Admin
AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup

Posted
  • Root Admin
Posted

Great, that's good news.

Please RESTART the computer again and get me a NEW fresh set of logs

 

Scan with Malwarebytes
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/304827-scan-with-malwarebytes/


Scan with AdwCleaner
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/304822-scan-with-adwcleaner/

 

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


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


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

 

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Root Admin
AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup

Posted
  • Root Admin
Posted

Thank you for the logs @waza

 


Please Uninstall, Update, or otherwise address the following as appropriate for your computer

  1. 7-Zip 18.01 (x64) v.18.01 Warning! Download Update | Uninstall old version and install new one.
  2. Adobe Acrobat Reader - Romanian v.24.003.20054 Warning! Download Update | ^Please run Acrobat Reader DC and go Help - Check for updates...^
  3. Discord v.1.0.9040 Warning! Download Update
  4. Java 8 Update 391 (64-bit) v.8.0.3910.13 Warning! Download Update | Uninstall old version and install new one (jre-8u421-windows-x64.exe).
  5. Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 v.12.0.6425.1000 Warning! This software is no longer supported. Please use latest Microsift Office, Office Online or LibreOffice
  6. Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) - 14.36.32532 v.14.36.32532.0 Warning! Download Update
  7. NVIDIA GeForce Experience 3.27.0.120 v.3.27.0.120 Warning! Download Update
  8. VLC media player v.3.0.16 Warning! Download Update
  9. WinRAR 5.60 beta 3 (64-bit) v.5.60.3 Warning! Download Update
  10. Zoom Workplace v.6.0.11 (39959) Warning! Download Update

 

Please Uninstall the following

---------------------------- [ UnwantedApps ] -----------------------------

  1. Adobe Flash Player 12 Plugin v.12.0.0.43 Warning! This software is no longer supported. Please uninstall it.
  2. Adobe Shockwave Player 12.0 v.12.0.7.148 Warning! This software is no longer supported. Please uninstall it.
  3. Bonjour v.3.1.0.1 (This program is rarely needed on Windows, but often causes network issues)
  4. Driver Booster 11 v.11.1.0 Warning! Suspected demo version of anti-spyware, driver updater or optimizer.
  5. Microsoft Silverlight v.5.1.20913.0 Warning! This software is no longer supported.

 

Then RESTART the computer and check for Windows Updates and install any found

 

 

Let me know if there are any other signs of an infection or any other unresolved issues

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
waza

waza

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I updated and uninstalled all of that but my initial problem with the lost files from my Downloads folder hasn't been resolved. The uninstall.exe file from the link I mentioned in the OP is still there and I don't know what to do about it, I've left it untouched in case it starts acting up again. I am surprised no malware was detected considering what had happened.

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Root Admin
AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup

Posted
  • Root Admin
Posted (edited)

It looks like it came from CS-ex Audio Disk Ripper 2006.iso from many years ago which is what you said and the VT link confirms.

https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/cd3293f67dfe5ad239d50b185ce195835afc64ca549922d4b95e27cfe870bc94/detection

I would simply delete the file. What caused you're issue in the first place I'm not sure but the logs don't show any obvious threats at this time.

 

Edited by AdvancedSetup
Updated information
Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
Back to top
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This site uses cookies - We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.