Could use a hand with a sneaky mining malware.

[Arleer157]

 

Hello, I seem to be having the same issue this customer had. I was going to just reformat windows but I figured MBAM might like to find the little gremlin and get his fingerprints/mugshot.

On startup, cmd.exe is consuming 30-70% of CPU but only when idle. It pauses when I open task manager. I initially noticed very high idle CPU wattage (125W, normally 25W) in HWiNFO. Using Remote Process Explorer, I was able to see cmd.exe is the culprit, jumping around from 30% to 450-700% usage? Killing the cmd.exe process has no ill affects and running cmd works perfectly fine afterwards.

Steps I have taken so far:
MBAM complete scan, adwcleaner scan - (some firefox extension metadata were flagged and removed)
Doctor Web Cureit! - a random windows HAL process was repaired
Windows SFC and DISM - first SFC repaired a corrupted windows file, DISM didn't pick anything up.

I followed the steps from the trusted advisor in that post, show hidden files/folders is enabled, and fast startup is disabled.
Attached is: MBST grab results, adwcleaner scan log(s), MBAM scan log, FRST scan log(s), SecurityCheck log
Dr Web CureIt scan log is over the 88MB Limit.

I suspect the culprit was a downloaded game that I couldn't find anywhere to buy. My fault, I know.

Killing the process once it starts up keeps it offline until reboot, so it's a pretty easy workaround. I made sure to run scans with the malware actively running, but nothing was ever detected.

mbst-grab-results.zip AdwCleaner[S02].txt Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-09-12 073841.txt FRST.txt Addition.txt Shortcut.txt SecurityCheck.txt

[MKDB]

Hello  @Arleer157  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.

 

 

Indeed, your system is infected with a miner. Please give me some time to review all your logfiles.

Thank you!

[Arleer157]

I removed the game yesterday when I figured that was likely it- it's nothing illegal, it's just an old flash game that runs on RenPy that I couldn't find as a standalone download anywhere else. I was able to find it on a flash-based game site now so never needed to download it- feel like an idiot. :)

[MKDB]

Thanks for your feedback @Arleer157.

 

I'm currently preparing a fix for you.

 

(Chrome related part removed)

Edited September 12 by MKDB

[Arleer157]

Well, this will certainly be an interesting twist. I do not have chrome installed. How in the world??

[MKDB]

@Arleer157

My fault... forget my last post. 😅

[Arleer157]

Oh MAN, I was going to say, that's some incredibly impressive malware. Making hidden users that install chrome on their profile and download a mining extension 🤣

[MKDB]

@Arleer157

No such incredible malware on your system...🤣 but now let's remove the miner with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST).

The fix will take some minutes once started, please be very patient and do not interfere.

 

 

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to your download folder, which is C:\Users\Jett\Downloads\ in your case.
• You will find the file FRSTEnglish.exe (FRST) as well in this folder.

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.
• 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

[Arleer157]

That seems to have found it and nuked it, sir! not-quite-actually-cmd.exe has vanished from the process list and cpu usage is back to normal.



Please enjoy an image of Messier 4 I took earlier this year as thanks. :)

Fixlog.txt

[MKDB]

@Arleer157

Thanks for the feedback and the logfile.

 

Nice image... thanks a lot! Someone read my interests... 😄 👌

 

 

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

The elevation prompt for administrators disabled
^It is recommended to enable (default): Win+R typing UserAccountControlSettings and Enter^

Notepad++ (32-bit x86) v.8.4.9 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) - 14.38.33135 v.14.38.33135.0 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) - 14.38.33135 v.14.38.33135.0 Warning! Download Update
WinRAR 6.20 (64-bit) v.6.20.0 Warning! Download Update
GIMP 2.10.32 v.2.10.32 Warning! Download Update
paint.net v.5.0.9 Warning! Download Update
Discord v.1.0.9144 Warning! Download Update
Windscribe v.2.5.18 Warning! Download Update
Vuze v.5.7.7.0 Warning! Ad-supported P2P-client.
Audacity 3.2.4 v.3.2.4 Warning! Download Update
VLC media player v.3.0.18 Warning! Download Update

CCleaner v.6.27 Warning! Suspected demo version of anti-spyware, driver updater or optimizer. If this program is not familiar to you it is recommended to uninstall it and execute PC scanning using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Possible you became a victim of fraud or social engineering. Computer experts no longer recommend this program.

 

 

 

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.

 

[Arleer157]

Alright, all of those programs were either updated or removed (I haven't touched some of them in over a year...) and kprm successfully cleared everything up. Thanks for saving me the time and hassle of a reformat! Truthfully I was only dreading having to get all my aRGB set back up how I like it. 4 different programs to run it all...

The interests gave me a chuckle because hiking and astronomy are two of my favorite hobbies, but if you need a hand obtaining some malware instead of removing it, apparently I'm your guy 😃

Thank you so much once again, I appreciate you.

[MKDB]

2 hours ago, Arleer157 said:

The interests gave me a chuckle because hiking and astronomy are two of my favorite hobbies, but if you need a hand obtaining some malware instead of removing it, apparently I'm your guy 😃

Thank you so much once again, I appreciate you.

😃

 

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]

Excellent, glad to hear all is well again. I'll go ahead and close your topic now and wish you well.

Please follow the directions below to remove the logs and tools we've used. If any are still left after that you can manually uninstall or delete them.

Take care and stay safe out there. Try to follow as much of the advise below as you can as well.

 

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. You can close it.

 

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