Suspected hidden mining software

[dejfik]

Hello, I seem to be having the same issue this customer had.

On startup, cmd.exe is consuming around 30% of CPU when idle. It pauses when I open task manager. Shutting it down works until reboot, in safe mode there's no issue.

I tried running Windows Defender scan, MBAM scan, adwcleaner scan, FRST, Doctor Web Cureit!, no threats found, logs included.

I followed the steps, show hidden files/folders is enabled and fast startup is disabled.

I suspect the culprit was a downloaded game that i wanted to try, stupid of me. I made sure to run the scans with the malware actively running, but nothing was detected.

Thanks for your help.

mbst-grab-results.zip AdwCleaner[C01].txt AdwCleaner[S01].txt Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-09-18 203954.txt FRST.txt Addition.txt cureit.log

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you for the logs. Nothing obvious showing in the logs

Please run the following @dejfik

 

[ 1 ]

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

 

 

[ 2 ]

 

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

[ 1 ]

Please make the following system changes.

• 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 scans are completed.
• Disable-Fast-Startup
• Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions

[ 2 ]

Microsoft Safety Scanner

I suggest a new scan for viruses & other malware. This may take several hours, depending on the number of files on the system and the speed of the computer.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free Microsoft stand-alone virus scanner that can be used to scan for & remove malware or potentially unwanted software from a system. 

The download links & the how-to-run-the tool are at this link at Microsoft 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/safety-scanner-download

 

Look on the Scan Options & select the FULL scan.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. It may take several hours to complete.

• Once you see it has started, take a long long break;  walk away.  Do not pay credence if you see some intermediate early flash messages on the screen display.  The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run and saved in the log.
• The scan may take several hours.  Leave it alone. It will remove any other remaining threats as it goes along.  Take a very long break, do your normal personal errands .....just do not use the computer during this scan.

This is likely to run for many hours as previously mentioned  ( depending on the number of files on your machine & the speed of the hardware. )

The log is named MSERT.log  and the log will be at C:\Windows\debug\msert.log

Please attach that log with your next reply.

 

It is normal for the Microsoft Safety Scanner to show detections during the scan process.

It is scanning for basically all bread crumbs or traces of files and registry entries that "might" be or have been part of some infection or previous infection.

That DOES NOT mean the computer is infected. Once the scan has been completed it uploads the log to their Cloud service which then uses Artificial Intelligence to determine if in fact any of the traces are an infection or not.

Then it writes into the log on your computer what it found and did.

 

Thank you

 

[dejfik]

I ran both, logs attached, ESET only found some files that have been on my old HDD for a long time,

cmd is still using a lot of CPU until i open the task manager.

 

eset.txt msert.log

[MKDB]

@dejfik

Well done. 

@AdvancedSetup will return soon for sure and will be helping you.

Thanks in advance for your patience.

Edited September 19 by MKDB

[AdvancedSetup]

Sorry for the delay @dejfik

My apologies, as my colleague pointed out to me I missed a line in the log that does show an invalid entry.

Please run the fix below to remove and clean up the computer.

 

 

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\Dave\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

 

[dejfik]

It seems like the issues is solved, no cmd.exe running after restart, thank you so much for your help.

Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Great, glad to hear. Let me get an updated set of logs, please @dejfik

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

[dejfik]

Done.

FRST.txt Addition.txt SecurityCheck.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you for the logs. Overall the logs look good.

Please do the following

 

 

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

 

 

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

1. 7-Zip 22.01 (x64) v.22.01 Warning! Download Update | Uninstall old version and install new one.
2. Discord v.1.0.9010 Warning! Download Update
3. K-Lite Codec Pack 18.3.0 Full v.18.3.0 Warning! Download Update
4. Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) - 14.36.32532 v.14.36.32532.0 Warning! Download Update
5. Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) - 14.36.32532 v.14.36.32532.0 Warning! Download Update
6. Python 3.9.13 (64-bit) v.3.9.13150.0 Warning! Download Update
7. VLC media player v.3.0.20 Warning! Download Update

 

Please Uninstall the following

---------------------------- [ UnwantedApps ] -----------------------------
VdhCoApp 1.6.3 Warning! Application is distributed through the partnership programs and bundle assemblies. Uninstallation recommended. Possible you became a victim of fraud or social engineering.

 

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

 

 

The act of torrenting itself is not illegal. However, downloading and sharing unsanctioned copyrighted material is illegal, and there is always a chance of prosecution if caught by the authorities.
Torrenting non-copyrighted material is perfectly fine and is allowed. However, be aware that we have seen increased malware bundled with software downloads over P2P.

Recent Ransomware infections have been seen to encrypt user data so that no one can decrypt the data without the private key.
When sharing files, please keep in mind that you're increasing your system's attack surface area, which can increase the risk of infection.

Scan all files before running them. https://www.virustotal.com

If you don't need or use the P2P software, you should uninstall it.

P2P File-Sharing: Know the Risks
https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/p2p-file-sharing-know-risks-a-737

 

Hidden risks in pirated software https://news.microsoft.com/apac/2019/01/08/hidden-risks-in-pirated-software/
Why You Shouldn't Use Pirated Software (But Why People Still Do) https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/trends/why-you-shouldnt-use-pirated-software

 

 

 

 

 

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