Question about Bios/Firmware malware

[Squalo]

Greetings!

Lately I am haunted by some computer paranoia. Usually I thought that a clean Windows install (USB) would be enough to get rid of Malware, but a friend of mine told me about compromised Hardware.

How common are those and is it even possible to either detect them or get rid of them?

I am also wondering if they are something you can get as a "Drive By" download from shady sites, or if those are the type of malware that needs to be executed (besides day one exploits).

Just want to mention that I always keep my system up to date.

Thank you in advance for your answers!

PS.: Now that I am here: Can an bootable Windows install USB stick be infected by plugging it into an infected computer during its boot up?

[Porthos]

@Squalo

Do you think your computer is infected at this time?

[Squalo]

3 minutes ago, Porthos said:

@Squalo

Do you think your computer is infected at this time?

Well everything looks normal and no suspicious activity going on in my tasks. Maybe paranoia is too much of a strong word. I would just like to know how these things work. Otherwise I would have gone straight to the Malware section.

[Porthos]

1 minute ago, Squalo said:

Maybe paranoia is too much of a strong word.

Not really, many users have the same thoughts as the dig around their systems.

3 minutes ago, Squalo said:

I would just like to know how these things work. Otherwise I would have gone straight to the Malware section.

Well since you were asking about this, it belongs in the malware section where only the people who know how things work can respond. So I moved to that section.

 

18 minutes ago, Squalo said:

Usually I thought that a clean Windows install (USB) would be enough to get rid of Malware, but a friend of mine told me about compromised Hardware.

It is rare to infect the hardware of your system.

[Squalo]

13 minutes ago, Porthos said:

Not really, many users have the same thoughts as the dig around their systems.

Well since you were asking about this, it belongs in the malware section where only the people who know how things work can respond. So I moved to that section.

 

It is rare to infect the hardware of your system.

Alright! Thank you! I didn't know about that. So now that I am here I could also just let my computer get checked up. What would be the next steps?

[Porthos]

1 minute ago, Squalo said:

So now that I am here I could also just let my computer get checked up. What would be the next steps?

Although I will not be directly assisting you, a malware removal expert will be along to assist after you do the following.

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  <<<<< Important.
• 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   Windows 8 and newer only <<<<< Important.
• 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 <<<<< Important.
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

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

 

Thank you

[Squalo]

I got the first logs from my Notebook. I am also going to add the logs I made with my PC a little bit later.

Both systems had a clean install recently, but I am still worried about firmware malware or anything else that would be able to survive it (My Windows USB Stick included) . I just want to know if something sketchy is going on.

AdwCleaner NOTEBOOK AdwCleaner[C00].txt

Malwarebytes NOTEBOOK Malwarebytes Scan-Bericht 2024-09-21 113259.txt

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool NOTEBOOK FRST.txt
 NOTEBOOK Addition.txt

[Squalo]

And here are my logs I made on my PC.

AdwCleaner PC AdwCleaner[C00].txt
Malwarebytes PC Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-09-21 124501.txt
Farbar Recovery Scan Tool PC FRST.txt PC Addition.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

The logs don't indicate any serious on either system.

Please run the following for both systems and attach the logs when done @Squalo

[ 1 ]

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

 

 

[ 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

 

[Squalo]

Okay here are the results for the Notebook.

 

msert.log NOTEBOOK cureit.log

[Squalo]

And here are the results for my PC. I let "Microsoft Safety Scanner" run two times on both systems, because I had to access the computer while I did the first scan.

msert.log PC cureit.log

[AdvancedSetup]

On 9/22/2024 at 2:54 AM, Squalo said:

Okay here are the results for the Notebook.

 

msert.log 2.53 kB · 0 downloads NOTEBOOK cureit.log 4.93 MB · 0 downloads

Dr. Web Cureit for Notebook

There are no infected objects detected

 

The Microsoft scanner found an entry that it doesn't like is all. Not a real threat.

Please do the following on the Notebook

 

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

 

Unless there is some other issue or concern I'm not finding any real issues on the Notebook

 

[AdvancedSetup]

On 9/22/2024 at 2:55 AM, Squalo said:

And here are the results for my PC. I let "Microsoft Safety Scanner" run two times on both systems, because I had to access the computer while I did the first scan.

msert.log 2.53 kB · 0 downloads PC cureit.log 4.32 MB · 0 downloads

Same results on the PC

 

 

Dr. Web Cureit for Notebook

There are no infected objects detected

 

The Microsoft scanner found an entry that it doesn't like is all. Not a real threat.

Please do the following on the Notebook

 

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

 

Unless there is some other issue or concern I'm not finding any real issues on the PC

 

[Squalo]

Alright! Sounds great and I feel less paranoid now. Better safe than sorry I guess. Thank you very much for your help and taking your time and thanks to the Malwarebytes forum in general!

Just one last question. Is it possible to run Malwarebytes together with the Windows Defender or could you maybe suggest me a good AV solution for the future? As far as I know Windows Defender is doing a great job for normal users, but any suggestions would be helpful.

[AdvancedSetup]

Sorry for the delay @Squalo

Malwarebytes Premium works very well alongside Windows Defender

 

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