Malware on my laptop

[Chandu]

Hello,

I have a HP laptop running Windows Vista. About three days ago, my computer got infected with some malware. The symptoms are as follows:

1. Computer is running really slowly.

2. There were a couple of pop-up errors about the file system being corrupted and one about the hard disk failure. I am not quite sure if these were windows messages or malware generated.

3. When I search for something on the search engine (IE, FireFox or Chrome) and click on one of the results generated by google, I am taken to an advertising site.

4. Occasionally, there have been audio ads playing on my computer, even though I do not have the browser window open.

I had Avast Anti-virus/spyware software running on my system. Since the infection, I have tried Malwarebytes, Iolo, Spybot, Microsoft Security Essentials with no luck. I have also tried to restore the system, but that did not help either.

I would appreciate any help.

Thanks!

[Kenny94]

Hi Chandu and Welcome to Malwarebytes!

We need to look at some information about what is going on in your computer:

Please perform the following scan:

• Download DDS by sUBs from one of the following links. Save it to your desktop.
  • DDS.scr
    
  • DDS.pif
    

  [*]Double click on the DDS icon, allow it to run.

  [*]A small box will open, with an explanation about the tool.

  [*]When done, DDS will open two (2) logs

  1. DDS.txt

  2. Attach.txt

  [*] Save both reports to your desktop.

  [*] The instructions here ask you to attach the Attach.txt.

  

  [*]Instead of attaching, please copy/past both logs into your Thread

  [*]Close the program window, and delete the program from your desktop.

Please note: You may have to disable any script protection running if the scan fails to run.

After downloading the tool, disconnect from the internet and disable all antivirus protection.

Run the scan, enable your A/V and reconnect to the internet.

Information on A/V control HEREThen post your DDS (DDS.txt and Attach.txt

[Chandu]

Hi Kenny, Thank you for the instructions. Here are the contents of the DDS.txt and the Attach.txt files:.

DDS (Ver_11-03-05.01) - NTFSx86

Run by Chandu at 19:27:44.01 on Tue 03/22/2011

Internet Explorer: 8.0.6001.19019 BrowserJavaVersion: 1.6.0_17

Microsoft

[Kenny94]

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 DeFogger to your desktop.

Double click DeFogger to run the tool.

• The application window will appear
  
• Click the Disable button to disable your CD Emulation drivers
  
• Click Yes to continue
  
• A 'Finished!' message will appear
  
• Click OK
  
• DeFogger will now ask to reboot the machine - click OK
  

IMPORTANT! If you receive an error message while running DeFogger, please post the log defogger_disable which will appear on your desktop.

Do not re-enable these drivers until otherwise instructed.

Next

1. Download ComboFix from below:
   Combofix download
   * IMPORTANT !!! Place combofix.exe on your Desktop
   
2. Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with ComboFix.
   You can get help on disabling your protection programs here
   
3. Double click on combofix.exe & follow the prompts.
   
4. As part of it's process, ComboFix will check to see if the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed.
   Please note: If the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is already installed, ComboFix will continue it's malware removal procedures.
   
   The Windows recovery console will allow you to boot up into a special recovery mode that allows us to help you in the case that your computer has a problem after an attempted removal of malware.
   With malware infections being as they are today, it's strongly recommended to have this pre-installed on your machine before doing any malware removal.
   Follow the prompts to allow ComboFix to download and install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console, and when prompted, agree to the End-User License Agreement.
   ComboFix will now automatically install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console onto your computer, which will show up as a new option when booting up your computer. Do not select the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console option when you start your computer unless requested to by a helper.
   Once the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed using ComboFix, you should see a message that says:
   The Recovery Console was successfully installed.
   
   Click on Yes, to continue scanning for malware.
   
5. Your desktop may go blank. This is normal. It will return when ComboFix is done. ComboFix may reboot your machine. This is normal.
   
6. When finished, it shall produce a log for you. Post that log in your next reply
   Note:
   Do not mouseclick combofix's window whilst it's running. That may cause it to stall.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
7. Ensure your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications are re-enabled.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   

[Chandu]

Hi Kenny, I ran the ComboFix and am attaching the log file.

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

ComboFix 11-03-22.04 - Chandra 03/22/2011 20:33:50.1.2 - x86

Microsoft

[Kenny94]

Hi Chandu

The search redirections should have stopped now and few other problems your PC had as well.

Run CFScript

• Close any open browsers.
  
• Open Notepad by click start
  
• Click Run
  
• Type notepad into the box and click enter
  
• Notepad will open
  
• Copy and Paste everything from the Code box into Notepad:
  

KILLALL::
Reglock:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system\ControlSet001\Control\Class\{4D36E96D-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}\0000\AllUserSettings]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system\ControlSet001\Control\Class\{4D36E96D-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}\0001\AllUserSettings]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system\ControlSet001\Control\Class\{4D36E96D-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}\0002\AllUserSettings]

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.

[Chandu]

Here is the result from the latest run of ComboFix. Yes, the symptoms have improved. The search engine result links are all working as they should.

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

ComboFix 11-03-22.09 - Chandra 03/23/2011 5:10.2.2 - x86

Microsoft

[Kenny94]

We are almost done here.

Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.

• 
  
• Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
  
• Under Main choose: Select All
  
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  

Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.

Next

Update Run Malwarebytes

• Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  
• Once the program has loaded, 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.

[Chandu]

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100

www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 6140

Windows 6.0.6001 Service Pack 1

Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.19019

3/23/2011 6:00:31 AM

mbam-log-2011-03-23 (06-00-31).txt

Scan type: Quick scan

Objects scanned: 181177

Time elapsed: 7 minute(s), 49 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)

[Kenny94]

There are some older versions of Java on your computer. These can be a source of infection.

[

Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update.

• Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 and save it to your desktop.
  
• Scroll down to where it says Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) - JRE 6 Update 24 -
  
• Click the Download button to the right.
  
• Select the Windows platform from the dropdown menu.
  
• Read the License Agreement and then check the box that says: I agree to the Java SE Runtime Environment 6u16 with JavaFX 1 License Agreement. Click on Continue.The page will refresh.
  
• Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation and save the file to your desktop.
  
• Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
  
• Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java.
  
• Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE or Java) in the name.
  
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
  
• Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
  
• Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  
• Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u124 -windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.
  

• After the install is complete, go into the Control Panel (using Classic View) and double-click the Java Icon. (looks like a coffee cup)
  • On the General tab, under Temporary Internet Files, click the Settings button.
    
  • Next, click on the Delete Files button
    
  • There are two options in the window to clear the cache - Leave BOTH Checked
    • Applications and Applets
      Trace and Log Files
      

    [*]Click OK on Delete Temporary Files Window

    Note: This deletes ALL the Downloaded Applications and Applets from the CACHE.

    [*]Click OK to leave the Temporary Files Window

    [*]Click OK to leave the Java Control Panel.

To test your Java Run-time, you may go to this page http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml

When all is well, you should see Java Version: 1.6.0_24 from Sun Microsystems Inc.

Also, please let me know how things are running now and if you encountered any problems while you were following the instructions I posted.

[Chandu]

Hi Kenny,

Thanks for all your help. The computer seems to be OK. None of the issues that I originally reported. Your instructions were prompt and accurate and I did not have to deviate from them.

I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind:

1. What was malware on my computer. Any possibility that my personal information might have been stolen.

2. Going forward, do you have any recommendation on how to keep this from happening.

Thanks again for your time and help.

[Chandu]

Also, should I just delete all the stuff that I downloaded during this exercise. In the beginning I had disabled some drivers with de-fogger. Should I re-enable those? Thanks.

[Kenny94]

Your PC had a rootkit that had replaced your ide driver file with malware. A few adware infections as well. I would change any financial passwords. To be on the safe side Chandu... I'll post some tips at the end of my post to prevent any malware to keep your PC safe.

To re-enable your Emulation drivers, double click DeFogger to run the tool.

• The application window will appear
  
• Click the Re-enable button to re-enable your CD Emulation drivers
  
• Click Yes to continue
• A 'Finished!' message will appear
  
• Click OK
  
• DeFogger will now ask to reboot the machine - click OK
  

Then remove it from your Desktop.

Your Computer is Clean

Some final items:

Follow these steps to uninstall Combofix and tools used in the removal of malware

• Please press the Windows Key and R on your keyboard. This will bring up the Run... command.
  
• Now type in Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. (Notice the space between the x and /)
  
  
• Please follow the prompts to uninstall Combofix.
  
• You will then recieve a message saying Combofix was uninstalled successfully once it's done uninstalling itself.
  

This will uninstall Combofix, delete its related folders and files, reset your clock settings, hide file extensions, hide the system/hidden files and resets System Restore again.

Here are some additional links for you to check out to help you with your computer security.

Browsers

Just because your computer came loaded with Internet Explorer doesn't mean that you have to use it, there are other free alternatives, FIREFOX and OPERA, both are free to use and are more secure than IE.

If you are using firefox you can stay more secure by adding NoScript and WOT (Web Of Trust)

NoScript stops Java scripts from starting on a web page unless you give permission for them, and WOT (Web Of Trust) has a comprehensive list of ratings for different websites allowing you to easily see if a website that you are about to go to has a bad reputation; in fact it will warn you to check if you are sure that you want to continue to a bad website.

• Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
  
• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
  
• Click once on the Security tab
  
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
  
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
  
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
  
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
  
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
  
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
  
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
  
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
  
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button
  
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
  
• Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
  

Additional Security Measures

Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.

SpywareBlaster- SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

A tutorial for Spywareblaster can be found here.

Cookienator- Scans your PC for tracking cookies in multiple browsers as well as in Adobe Flash.

Secunia software inspector & update checker

Auslogics Disc Defrag or JKDefrag - Two good disc defragmenters for you to choose from to help speed up your computer.

Visit My Blog for Malware and Spyware Tips

[Kenny94]

Yes remove the DDS icon and logs as well. Keep ATF Cleaner and run it about every two weeks.

[Chandu]

Thank you very much. I hope you have receieved a note from Paypal about a small token of my appreciation. - Chandu

[Kenny94]

Your Welcome Chandu. Thank you for your donation...

[LDTate]

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.