I've tried "I'm Infected. . ." instructions and still need help

[nick_degenste]

Hopefully someone can help me.

I originally had some malware on the computer, I was getting some windows popping up, something about TrojanSPM/LX. At some point I had a green wallpaper screen with a message saying "Your system is infected" the appearance of my window frames and Taskbar is strange (old-school grey) instead of the more modern xp sp3 blue that is normal for me.

I've scanned my computer with my updated anti-virus software (Symantec) and with the updated Malwarebytes. Both did remove some stuff but at this point they both show no infections, however my taskbar is strange looking and I have some internet explorer popups that are not normal.

I've gone through the "I'm Infected - what do I do now?" instructions specifically the last thing did't execute correctly:

---I've Disabled CD-ROM emulator using Defogger

---I've run the DDS agent and have both files saved (although I'm not clear on how I know if I have a script blocker installed)

---GMER rootkit scan was not able to execute, I start scanning and the system more or less freezes up (twice)

I've also scanned the computer with some of the other free online scanners (F-Secure and Kapersky) and both of these show some infection

---F-secure removed some stuff but showed a file SE11.exe that it could not remove

---Kapersky showed some number of malware related files (and I could not save the log file for some reason)

Please help!

Thanks Nick

Below I've attached:

---Malwarebytes quickscan output:

Malwarebytes Output

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46

www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 4736

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

10/3/2010 3:11:14 PM

mbam-log-2010-10-03 (15-11-14).txt

Scan type: Quick scan

Objects scanned: 156775

Time elapsed: 18 minute(s), 23 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)

[nick_degenste]

Hijack this log file:

 

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 7:37:53 PM, on 10/4/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Update Service\IntuitUpdateService.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lkcitdl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lkads.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lktsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\MAX\nimxs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nicitdl5.exe
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\Shared\Security\nidmsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nisvcloc.exe
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\Shared\Tagger\tagsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nipalsm.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\stsystra.exe
C:\WINDOWS\stsystra.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\PaperPort\pptd40nt.exe
C:\Program Files\Brother\Brmfcmon\BrMfcWnd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxWatchTray9.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Drag-to-Disc\DrgToDsc.exe
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\NI-DAQ\HWConfig\nidevmon.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
C:\Program Files\Brother\ControlCenter3\brccMCtl.exe
C:\Program Files\Brother\Brmfcmon\BrMfimon.exe
C:\Program Files\D-link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB\120UTIL.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\CPSHelpRunner.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

;

[nick_degenste]

Uploaded whole Hijack this log file:

hijackthis.zip

[Maniac]

Hello nick_degenste! Welcome to Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Forums!

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.
  
• Follow my instructions step by step if there is a problem somewhere, stop and tell me.
  
• Stay with the thread 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 or uninstall any software or hardware, while work on.
  
• Keep me informed about any changes.
  

What about DDS log and Attach.txt ?

[nick_degenste]

Borislav,

Thanks for helping me.

I have zipped DDS.txt and Attach.txt. Apparently DDS.txt is too large to copy&paste into the message.

Nick

dds___Attach.zip

[Maniac]

Step 1

Please, uninstall the following applications:

1. Adobe Acrobat - Reader 6.0.2 Update
   
2. Adobe Acrobat 6.0.1 Professional
   
3. Adobe Acrobat and Reader 6.0.3 Update
   
4. Adobe Acrobat and Reader 6.0.4 Update
   
5. Adobe Acrobat and Reader 6.0.5 Update
   
6. Adobe Acrobat and Reader 6.0.6 Update
   

You can read, how to do this here:

• Windows XP
  
• Windows Vista
  
• Windows 7
  

Step 2

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 3

**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**

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

1. JavaRa log
   
2. ComboFix log
   
3. a new fresh DDS log only
   

[nick_degenste]

Borislav,

Step 1 was fine

Step 2 was fine (but I later realized that I didn't look for hidden folders which did contain some of the files you mentioned). I restarted here and maybe shouldn't have because you didn't explicitly instruct to do this. It took a long while to reboot and then I got the white screen with the deactivated active desktop.

Step 3 with Combo-Fix took a while. Shortly after combofix started I got a message saying: "Combofix has detected the presence of rootkit activity and needs to reboot the machine". After the reboot things apparently went fine. I noticed from the Combo-Fix.txt log that I still have some Java/Sun folders I didn't delete yet.

I've attached the three files you requested.

nick

attached_files.zip

[Maniac]

It's okay, Nick! Now:

Open Notepad and copy and paste the text in the code box below into it:

Driver::
hcxhth
eeujv
hppljnq
agredi

Registry::
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\policies\system]
"cdpcqddtutsahivzkslgTaskMgr"=-
"waumejnailryhwyontnsTaskMgr"=-

DDS::
uInternet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:9090
uInternet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local;<local>
FF - prefs.js: network.proxy.http - 127.0.0.1
FF - prefs.js: network.proxy.http_port - 9090
FF - prefs.js: network.proxy.type - 4

Save the file to your desktop and name it CFScript.txt

Then drag the CFScript.txt into the ComboFix.exe as shown in the screenshot below.

This will start ComboFix again. It may ask to reboot. Post the contents of Combofix.txt in your next reply.

Note: These instructions and script were created specifically for this user. If you are not this user, do NOT follow these instructions or use this script as it could damage the workings of your system.

[nick_degenste]

Here are the latest Combo-Fix results

combo_fix_log.zip

[Maniac]

Download RootRepeal Beta on your desktop.

• Double click RootRepeal.exe to start the program
  
• Click on the Report tab at the bottom of the program window
  
• Click the Scan button
  
• In the Select Scan dialog, check:
  • 
    
  • Drivers
    
  • Files
    
  • Processes
    
  • SSDT
    
  • Stealth Objects
    
  • Hidden Services
    

  [*]Click the OK button

  [*]In the next dialog, select all drives showing

  [*]Click OK to start the scan

  Note: The scan can take some time.
  DO NOT
  run any other programs while the scan is running

  [*]When the scan is complete, the Save Report button will become available

  [*]Click this and save the report to your Desktop as RootRepeal.txt

  [*]Go to File, then Exit to close the program

If the report is not too long, post the contents of RootRepeal.txt in your next reply. If the report is very long, it will not be complete if you post it, so please attach it to your reply instead.

[nick_degenste]

Maniac,

After selecting all my drives I click OK and the program dosen't look like anything is happening (and there is no sound coming from the computer). The first time I tried my computer automatically restarted and then I started the scan again and the system froze.

Following my forced shutdown the computer booted back up and now I can't get on the internet. My IP address is 0.0.0.0 and resetting both my router and modem did not fix that problem. My router and modem both work because I am now online on another computer.

Not sure what to do now.

Nick

[Maniac]

Okay, let's try again with the stable version.

http://ad13.geekstogo.com/RootRepeal.rar

[nick_degenste]

Still not working. I started the scan and it again froze the computer and a scan did not take place.

Nick

[Maniac]

Thanks Nick!

Please download Rootkit Unhooker and save it to your desktop.

Double-click RKUnhookerLE.exe to run it.

Click the Report tab, then click Scan

Check Drivers, Stealth Code, Files, and Code Hooks

Uncheck the rest, then click OK

When prompted to Select Disks for Scan, make sure C:\ is checked and click OK

Wait till the scanner has finished then go File > Save Report

Save the report somewhere you can find it, typically your desktop. Click Close

Copy the entire contents of the report and paste it in your next reply.

Note - You may get this warning it is ok, just ignore it."Rootkit Unhooker has detected a parasite inside itself!

It is recommended to remove parasite, okay?"

[nick_degenste]

Maniac,

This was able to scan. The report is attached.

RKUnhookerReport.zip

[Maniac]

• Download TDSSKiller and save it to your Desktop.
  
• Extract its contents to your desktop.
  
• Once extracted, open the TDSSKiller folder and doubleclick on TDSSKiller.exe to run the application, then on Start Scan.
  
• If an infected file is detected, the default action will be Cure, click on Continue.
  
• If a suspicious file is detected, the default action will be Skip, click on Continue.
  
• It may ask you to reboot the computer to complete the process. Click on Reboot Now.
  
• Click the Report button and copy/paste the contents of it into your next reply
  

Note:It will also create a log in the C:\ directory.

[nick_degenste]

Maniac,

It found one item that was fixed.

The log is attached below.

tdsskiller_log.zip

[Maniac]

Nice!

How are things now, Nick?

[nick_degenste]

Maniac,

So far so good, my menu is back to normal and things seem to be running more smoothly.

Questions: I should get an updated Jave, Adobe Reader, keep my browser updated? Any thing else? Should Symantec still be used as my antivirus or should I be using something else? I guess in general my question is how to keep this from happening again?

Nick

[Maniac]

Good, Nick, good!

These are our last steps. About Symantec it's your choise. Any antivirus to use the most important thing is to be updated as definitions, and version of the program. If you don't want it, there are some good free options:

http://www.free-av.com/

http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Don't forget to uninstall your Symantec AV.

Last steps:

Step 1

1. Go to Start => Run... and copy & paste next command in the field:
   

   ComboFix /uninstall

   
   

2. Then hit Enter button.
   

This procedure will do the following:

• Uninstall ComboFix
  
• Delete its related folders and files
  
• Reset your clock settings
  
• Hide file extensions
  
• Hide the system/hidden files
  
• Resets System Restore again
  

P.S.: Make sure there's a space between ComboFix and /uninstall

Step 2

To enable CD Emulation programs using DeFogger please perform these steps:

1. Please download DeFogger to your desktop.
   
2. Once downloaded, double-click on the DeFogger icon to start the tool.
   
3. The application window will now appear. You should now click on the Enable button to enable your CD Emulation drivers
   
4. When it prompts you whether or not you want to continue, please click on the Yes button to continue
   
5. When the program has completed you will see a Finished! message. Click on the OK button to exit the program.
   
6. If CD Emulation programs are present and have been enabled, DeFogger will now ask you to reboot the machine. Please allow it to do so by clicking on the OK button.
   

Step 3

Please manually delete Defogger, TDSSKiller, Rootkit Unhooker, RootRepeal, JavaRa, DDS and GMER.

Step 4

Please uninstall HijackThis 2.0.2 .

Step 5

Please download and install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat from:

www.adobe.com

About Java:

www.java.com/en

Step 6

Some malware preventions:

http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=9365

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial174.html

Safe surfing!

[Maurice Naggar]

Since this issue is resolved I will close the thread to prevent others from posting here. If you need assistance please start your own topic and someone will be happy to assist you.