Ave.exe infection

[missbrokensmile]

I recently scanned my computer with Malwarebytes, and it came up with an ave.exe infection which needed to be rebooted to remove. But when I rebooted, Windows blocked Malwarebytes from starting up and so I wasn't able to remove the infection. Is this because the malware is preventing this?

I was able to run the DDS tool, but unable to run the GMER tool - it stopped working every time I tried to run it (I also tried to download other copies of it, but it still didn't work). I've also attached the Malwarebytes log.

Also, I was having trouble opening the logs in Notepad (is this caused by the malware?), so I had to attach them, which I hope is okay.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Attach.zip

mbam_log_2010_04_26__14_44_23_.txt

DDS.txt

[Maniac]

Hello missbrokensmile!

My name is Borislav and I will be glad to help you solve your problems with malware. Before we begin, please note the following:

• The process of cleaning your system may take some time, so please be patient.
  
• Stay with the topic until I tell you that your system is clean. Missing symptoms does not mean that everything is okay.
  
• Instructions that I give are for your system only!
  
• If you don't know or can't understand something please ask.
  
• Do not install any software or hardware, while work on.
  

Step 1:

Please go into the Control Panel, Add/Remove and for now remove ALL versions of JAVA

Then run this tool to help cleanup any left over Java

Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.

Please download JavaRa and unzip it to your desktop.

***Please close any instances of Internet Explorer (or other web browser) before continuing!***

• Double-click on JavaRa.exe to start the program.
  
• From the drop-down menu, choose English and click on Select.
  
• JavaRa will open; click on Remove Older Versions to remove the older versions of Java installed on your computer.
  
• Click Yes when prompted. When JavaRa is done, a notice will appear that a logfile has been produced. Click OK.
  
• A logfile will pop up. Please save it to a convenient location and post it back when you reply
  Then look for the following Java folders and if found delete them.
  C:\Program Files\Java
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java
  C:\Windows\Sun
  C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Java
  C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sun\Java
  C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Java
  C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Sun\Java
  

Step 2:

Go into C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and you will see a file called mbam.exe Right click on it and drop down to Rename change the name to firefox.com From mbam.exe to firefox.com . Please, restart your computer.

Step 3:

Your database version is 4036 , but the current is 4042 , so:

• Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
• Go to "Update" tab and select "Check for Updates". If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  
• Go to "Scanner" tab and select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan.
  
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  
• When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart.(See Extra Note)
  
• The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  
• Copy&Paste the entire report in your next reply.
  

Extra Note:

If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove,you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts,click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process,if asked to restart the computer,please do so immediatly.

In your next reply, please include these log(s) in this sequence:

1. JavaRa log
   
2. MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware log
   
3. a new fresh DDS log only
   

[missbrokensmile]

A JavaRa log did not pop up but I remember that 2 files were removed. I hope this is okay. Also, the same thing happened with Malwarebytes, it didn't remove the ave.exe files on reboot.

DDS (Ver_10-03-17.01) - NTFSx86

Run by Victoria at 16:16:45.44 on Wed 28/04/2010

Internet Explorer: 8.0.6001.18904

Microsoft

[Maniac]

Did you clicking on the Remove Selected button, after the scan was complete?

[missbrokensmile]

Yes I did. I made sure the checkboxes were ticked as well.

[Maniac]

**Note: If you need more detailed information, please visit the web page of ComboFix in BleepingComputer. **

Please note that these fixes are not instantaneous. Most infections require more than one round to properly eradicate.

Stay with me until given the 'all clear' even if symptoms diminish. Lack of symptoms does not always mean the job is complete.

Kindly follow my instructions and please do no fixing on your own or running of scanners unless requested by me or another helper.

Please download ComboFix from

Here or Here to your Desktop.

**Note: In the event you already have Combofix, this is a new version that I need you to download. It is important that it is saved and renamed following this process directly to your desktop**

1. If you are using Firefox, make sure that your download settings are as follows:
   
   • Open Tools -> Options -> Main tab
     
   • Set to Always ask me where to Save the files.
     

[*]During the download, rename Combofix to Combo-Fix as follows:

[*]It is important you rename Combofix during the download, but not after.

[*]Please do not rename Combofix to other names, but only to the one indicated.

[*]Close any open browsers.

[*]Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.

-----------------------------------------------------------

• Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection before performing a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause unpredictable results.
  
• Click on this link to see a list of programs that should be disabled. The list is not all inclusive. If yours is not listed and you don't know how to disable it, please ask.
  

  -----------------------------------------------------------

  
  

• Close any open browsers.
  
• WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
  
• Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
  
• If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
  

-----------------------------------------------------------

[*]Double click on combo-Fix.exe & follow the prompts.

[*]When finished, it will produce a report for you.

[*]Please post the C:\Combo-Fix.txt for further review.

**Note: Do not mouseclick combo-fix's window while it's running. That may cause it to stall**

[missbrokensmile]

I don't know if this is because of Combo Fix or not (but just letting you know, just in case), but after I ran Combo Fix, all the programs that I tried to run (eg. Firefox, Notepad, Chrome, GOM Player, Microsoft Calculator, etc.) had the following pop up (I didn't try all the programs, but for all the ones that I did open, this came up):

"Illegal operation attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion"

ComboFix.txt

[missbrokensmile]

For some reason, the problem with not being open programs (as I said above) isn't a problem any more... Programs can open just fine now...

[Maniac]

Just do not move the mouse while ComboFix is running.

Please go to http://virustotal.com

Next to the "Browse" button, in to the blank field, please paste the following:

C:\SZKGFS.dat

c:\windows\system32\drivers\kgpcpy.cfg

c:\windows\System32\psqlpwd.dll

Hit SEND FILE. Please be patient, it will take a while to get it scanned. Once all the scanners are done, post back with the results (copy & paste them here)

[missbrokensmile]

C:\SZKGFS.dat = Result: 0/41 (0%)

c:\windows\system32\drivers\kgpcpy.cfg = Result: 0/41 (0%)

c:\windows\System32\psqlpwd.dll = Result: 0/41 (0%)

[Maniac]

Thanks!

How are things now?

[missbrokensmile]

Can I do a scan with Malwarebytes to see if the infection is still there?

[Maniac]

Yes, of course, update it and do it.

[missbrokensmile]

The 2 infections are still there. Is there another way to remove them other than using Malwarebytes? Or perhaps changing the permissions somehow?

The problem is that every time Malwarebytes needs to remove an infection by rebooting, it doesn't work. The Windows UAC does not let it start up, it's always blocked from booting up. It could be a problem in the program, but I've never had a problem with Malwarebytes rebooting and removing an infection before. It's worked just fine before. It also could be because of my computer, but I don't recall making any significant changes. Or it could be because of the malware (though I don't know).

These are the things I've tried to change it:

- Adding Malwarebytes to msconfig, allowing it to boot when the computer is started, but that didn't work

- Adding it to my anti-virus/firewall exceptions --> but it didn't work

- Changing the permissions of the file to me from "read & execute" to "full control"

- Using mbam-clean.exe and reinstalling

[Maniac]

Please try with MBAM in Safe Mode:

http://bertk.mvps.org/html/safemodevista.html

[missbrokensmile]

MBAM in safe mode turned up with no infections....

[Maniac]

Please post your log file.

[missbrokensmile]

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46

www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 4052

Windows 6.0.6002 Service Pack 2 (Safe Mode)

Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18904

30/04/2010 10:28:02 PM

mbam-log-2010-04-30 (22-28-02).txt

Scan type: Quick scan

Objects scanned: 134555

Time elapsed: 4 minute(s), 56 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0

Memory Modules Infected: 0

Registry Keys Infected: 0

Registry Values Infected: 0

Registry Data Items Infected: 0

Folders Infected: 0

Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

[Maniac]

ESET Online Scanner

Note: You can use either Internet Explorer or Mozilla FireFox for this scan. You will however may need to disable your current installed Anti-Virus, how to do so can be read here.

• Please go here then click on:
  
• Select the option YES, I accept the Terms of Use then click on:
  
• When prompted allow the Add-On/Active X to install.
  
• Now click on Advanced Settings and select the following:
  

• • Remove found threats
    
  • Scan archives
    
  • Scan for potentially unwanted applications
    
  • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
    
  • Enable Anti-Stealth Technology
    

[*]Now click on:

[*]The virus signature database... will begin to download. Be patient this make take some time depending on the speed of your Internet Connection.

[*]When completed the Online Scan will begin automatically.

[*]Do not touch either the Mouse or keyboard during the scan otherwise it may stall.

[*]When completed select Uninstall application on close if you so wish, make sure you copy the logfile first!

[*]Now click on:

[*]Use notepad to open the logfile located at C:\Program Files\ESET\EsetOnlineScanner\log.txt.

[*]Copy and paste that log as a reply to this topic.

Note: Do not forget to re-enable your Anti-Virus application after running the above scan!

[missbrokensmile]

The log file only had this in it:

ESETSmartInstaller@High as CAB hook log:

OnlineScanner.ocx - registred OK

But anyway, ESET did not detect any threats.

[Maniac]

Thanks!

Please download to your Desktop: Dr.Web CureIt

• After the file has downloaded, disable your current Anti-Virus and disconnect from the Internet
  
• Doubleclick the drweb-cureit.exe file, then click the Start button, then the OK button to perform an Express Scan.
  
• This will scan the files currently running in memory and when something is found, click the yes button when it asks you if you want to cure it.
  
• Once the short scan has finished, Click on the Complete scan radio button.
  
• Then click on the Settings menu on top, the select Change Settings or press the F9 key. You can also change the Language
  
• Choose the Scanning tab and I recomend leaving the Heuristic analysis enabled (this can lead to False Positives though)
  
• On the File types tab ensure you select All files
  
• Click on the Actions tab and set the following:
  
  • Objects Infected objects = Cure, Incurable objects = Move, Suspicious objects = Report
    
  • Infected packages Archive = Move, E-mails = Report, Containers = Move
    
  • Malware Adware = Move, Dialers = Move, Jokes = Move, Riskware = Move, Hacktools = Move
    
  • Do not change the Rename extension - default is: #??
    
  • Leave the default save path for Moved files here: %USERPROFILE%\DoctorWeb\Quarantine\
    
  • Leave prompt on Action checked
    

  [*]On the Log file tab leave the Log to file checked.

  [*]Leave the log file path alone: %USERPROFILE%\DoctorWeb\CureIt.log

  [*]Log mode = Append

  [*]Encoding = ANSI

  [*]Details Leave Names of file packers and Statistics checked.

  [*]Limit log file size = 2048 KB and leave the check mark on the Maximum log file size.

  [*]On the General tab leave the Scan Priority on High

  [*]Click the Apply button at the bottom, and then the OK button.

  [*]On the right side under the Dr Web Anti-Virus Logo you will see 3 little buttons. Click the left VCR style Start button.

  [*]In this mode it will scan Boot sectors of all disks, All removable media, and all local drives

  [*]The more files and folders you have the longer the scan will take. On large drives it can take hours to complete.

  [*]When the Cure option is selected, an additional context menu will open. Select the necessary action of the program, if the curing fails.

  [*]Click 'Yes to all' if it asks if you want to cure/move the files.

  [*]This will move it to the %USERPROFILE%\DoctorWeb\Quarantine\ folder if it can't be cured. (in this case we need samples)

  [*]After selecting, in the Dr.Web CureIt menu on top, click file and choose save report list

  [*]Save the report to your Desktop. The report will be called DrWeb.csv

  [*]Close Dr.Web Cureit.

  [*]Reboot your computer!! Because it could be possible that files in use will be moved/deleted during reboot.

  [*]After reboot, post the contents of the log from Dr.Web you saved previously to your Desktop in your next reply with a new hijackthis log.

  

[Maniac]

Any change?

[missbrokensmile]

When I scanned with Dr Web, it crashed, after about 95% of the files were scanned. But no infections were found during the express scan and the partially completed complete scan. Did you want me to scan again?

[Maniac]

Please delete your copy of ComboFix.

**Note: If you need more detailed information, please visit the web page of ComboFix in BleepingComputer. **

Please note that these fixes are not instantaneous. Most infections require more than one round to properly eradicate.

Stay with me until given the 'all clear' even if symptoms diminish. Lack of symptoms does not always mean the job is complete.

Kindly follow my instructions and please do no fixing on your own or running of scanners unless requested by me or another helper.

Please download ComboFix from

Here or Here to your Desktop.

**Note: In the event you already have Combofix, this is a new version that I need you to download. It is important that it is saved and renamed following this process directly to your desktop**

1. If you are using Firefox, make sure that your download settings are as follows:
   
   • Open Tools -> Options -> Main tab
     
   • Set to Always ask me where to Save the files.
     

[*]During the download, rename Combofix to Combo-Fix as follows:

[*]It is important you rename Combofix during the download, but not after.

[*]Please do not rename Combofix to other names, but only to the one indicated.

[*]Close any open browsers.

[*]Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.

-----------------------------------------------------------

• Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection before performing a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause unpredictable results.
  
• Click on this link to see a list of programs that should be disabled. The list is not all inclusive. If yours is not listed and you don't know how to disable it, please ask.
  

  -----------------------------------------------------------

  
  

• Close any open browsers.
  
• WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
  
• Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
  
• If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
  

-----------------------------------------------------------

[*]Double click on combo-Fix.exe & follow the prompts.

[*]When finished, it will produce a report for you.

[*]Please post the C:\Combo-Fix.txt for further review.

**Note: Do not mouseclick combo-fix's window while it's running. That may cause it to stall**

[missbrokensmile]

I've attached the log.

ComboFix.txt