BleepingComputer.com: Can't get rid of virtumonde.prx (RunDLL error)

I'm having the same problem as many others getting rid of virtumonde. I've used AVG virus scan, Malwarebytes and Spybot, all of which detect and 'fix' the problem but it immediately reappears. Ad-aware started crashing during scans about the same time this problem started. I run Windows XP x64 and apparently ComboFix is incompatible. The problem started when AVG detected a virus and I started getting hijack pop-ups in Firefox. I immediately used my tools and haven't had any problems. The only symptom now is is a RunDLL error on startup. I ran Malwarebytes in safe mode and the next bootup was fine, however the bad command line was immediately found in the registry.

I'll post any log files on request but here are the error findings:

Hijack this:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [tozenedumu] Rundll32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\system32\mepawadi.dll",s

Malwarebytes:

Registry Values Infected:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\tozenedumu (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully

Spybot:

Virtumonde.prx: [SBI $3F5CA9DA] Autorun settings (tozenedumu) (Registry value, fixed) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\tozenedumu

Thanks.

can you tell us the exact or nearly exact rundll message.

RUNDLL

Error loading C:\WINDOWS\system32\mepawadi.dll

The specified module could not be found

It's not unusual to receive such an error when "booting up" after using anti-virus and other security scanning tools to remove malware infection.

RunDLL32.exe is a legitimate Windows file that executes (loads) .dll modules which too can be legit or malware related. A RunDLL "Error loading..." or "specific module could not be found" message usually occurs when the .dll file(s) that was set to run at startup has been deleted and it becomes an orphaned registry entry. Windows is trying to load this file(s) but cannot locate it since the file was removed during an anti-virus or anti-malware scan. However, the associated registry entry remains and is telling Windows to load the file when you boot up. Since the file no longer exists, Windows will display an error message. You need to remove this registry entry so Windows stops searching for the file when it loads.

To resolve this, download Autoruns, search for the related entry and then delete it.

• Create a new folder on your hard drive called AutoRuns (C:\AutoRuns) and extract (unzip) the file there. (click here if you're not sure how to do this.)
  
• Open the folder and double-click on autoruns.exe to launch it.
  
• Please be patient as it scans and populates the entries.
  
• When done scanning, it will say Ready at the bottom.
  
• Scroll through the list and look for a startup entry related to the file(s) in the error message.
  
• Right-click on the entry and choose delete.
  
• Reboot your computer and see if the startup error returns.

Rescan again with MBAM (Quick Scan) in normal mode and check all items found for removal. Don't forgot to check for updates before scanning and to reboot afterwards. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware. When done, click the Logs tab and copy/paste the contents of the new report in your next reply.

Looks like that got it. Thanks so much for the help.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.31
Database version: 1504
Windows 5.2.3790 Service Pack 2

1/2/2009 11:28:15 PM
mbam-log-2009-01-02 (23-28-15).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 43577
Time elapsed: 2 minute(s), 57 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)

Now rescan again with MBAM but this time perform a Full Scan in normal mode and check all items found for removal. Don't forgot to check for updates through the program's interface (preferable way) before scanning and to reboot afterwards. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware. When done, click the Logs tab and copy/paste the contents of the new report in your next reply.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.31
Database version: 1602
Windows 5.2.3790 Service Pack 2

1/3/2009 11:31:27 AM
mbam-log-2009-01-03 (11-31-27).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 99915
Time elapsed: 31 minute(s), 44 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 2
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 8

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:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA\Notification Packages (Trojan.Vundo) -> Data: c:\windows\system32\bigitita.dll -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA\Notification Packages (Trojan.Vundo) -> Data: c:\windows\system32\setunude.dll -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\bigitita.dll (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\bubedena.dll (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mivohilu.dll (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\setunude.dll (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\bigitita.dll (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\bubedena.dll (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\mivohilu.dll (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\setunude.dll (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Lets do another scan to see if we find anything else that MBAM may have missed.

Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune & save it to your desktop. DO NOT use yet.
alternate download link

Please download and install SUPERAntiSpyware Free

• Double-click SUPERAntiSypware.exe and use the default settings for installation.
  
• An icon will be created on your desktop. Double-click that icon to launch the program.
  
• If asked to update the program definitions, click "Yes". If not, update the definitions before scanning by selecting "Check for Updates". (If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download them from here. Double-click on the hyperlink for Download Installer and save SASDEFINITIONS.EXE to your desktop. Then double-click on SASDEFINITIONS.EXE to install the definitions.)
  
• In the Main Menu, click the Preferences... button.
  
• Click the "General and Startup" tab, and under Start-up Options, make sure "Start SUPERAntiSpyware when Windows starts" box is unchecked.
  
• Click the "Scanning Control" tab, and under Scanner Options, make sure the following are checked (leave all others unchecked):
  • Close browsers before scanning.
    
  • Scan for tracking cookies.
    
  • Terminate memory threats before quarantining.
  
  
• Click the "Close" button to leave the control center screen and exit the program.
  
• Do not run a scan just yet.

Reboot your computer in "Safe Mode" using the F8 method. To do this, restart your computer and after hearing your computer beep once during startup (but before the Windows icon appears) press the F8 key repeatedly. A menu will appear with several options. Use the arrow keys to navigate and select the option to run Windows in "Safe Mode".

Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.

• Under Main "Select Files to Delete" choose: Select All.
  
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  
• If you use Firefox browser click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
  
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
  
• If you use Opera browser click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
  
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
  
• Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.

Note: On Vista, "Windows Temp" is disabled. To empty "Windows Temp" ATF-Cleaner must be "Run as an Administrator".

Scan with SUPERAntiSpyware as follows:

• Launch the program and back on the main screen, under "Scan for Harmful Software" click Scan your computer.
  
• On the left, make sure you check C:\Fixed Drive.
  
• On the right, under "Complete Scan", choose Perform Complete Scan and click "Next".
  
• After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click "OK".
  
• Make sure everything has a checkmark next to it and click "Next".
  
• A notification will appear that "Quarantine and Removal is Complete". Click "OK" and then click the "Finish" button to return to the main menu.
  
• If asked if you want to reboot, click "Yes" and reboot normally.
  
• To retrieve the removal information after reboot, launch SUPERAntispyware again.
  • Click Preferences, then click the Statistics/Logs tab.
    
  • Under Scanner Logs, double-click SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log.
    
  • If there are several logs, click the current dated log and press View log. A text file will open in your default text editor.
    
  • Please copy and paste the Scan Log results in your next reply.
  
  
• Click Close to exit the program.

If you cannot boot into safe mode, then perform the above instructions in normal mode.

SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log
http://www.superantispyware.com

Generated 01/03/2009 at 06:33 PM

Application Version : 4.24.1004

Core Rules Database Version : 3694
Trace Rules Database Version: 1670

Scan type : Complete Scan
Total Scan Time : 00:32:30

Memory items scanned : 57
Memory threats detected : 0
Registry items scanned : 4492
Registry threats detected : 0
File items scanned : 56759
File threats detected : 0

How is your computer running now? Any more reports/signs of infection?

Everything's fine so far. No sign of problems.
Thanks again.

You're welcome.

If there are no more problems or signs of infection, you should Create a New Restore Point to prevent possible reinfection from an old one. Some of the malware you picked up could have been saved in System Restore. Since this is a protected directory your tools cannot access to delete these files, they sometimes can reinfect your system if you accidentally use an old restore point. Setting a new restore point AFTER cleaning your system will help prevent this and enable your computer to "roll-back" to a clean working state.

The easiest and safest way to do this is:

• Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and click "System Restore".
  
• Choose the radio button marked "Create a Restore Point" on the first screen then click "Next". Give the R.P. a name, then click "Create". The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a log of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.

• Then use Disk Cleanup to remove all but the most recently created Restore Point.
  
• Go to Start > Run and type: Cleanmgr
  
• Click "Ok". Disk Cleanup will scan your files for several minutes, then open.
  
• Click the "More Options" tab, then click the "Clean up" button under System Restore.
  
• Click Ok. You will be prompted with "Are you sure you want to delete all but the most recent restore point?"
  
• Click Yes, then click Ok.
  
• Click Yes again when prompted with "Are you sure you want to perform these actions?"
  
• Disk Cleanup will remove the files and close automatically.

Tips to protect yourself against malware and reduce the potential for re-infection:
• "Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe".
• "How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!".
• "Hardening Windows Security - Part 1 & Part 2".
• "IE Recommended Minimal Security Settings" - "How to Secure Your Web Browser".

• Avoid gaming sites, underground web pages, pirated software, crack sites, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. They are a security risk which can make your computer susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, exposure of personal information, and identity theft. Many malicious worms and Trojans spread across P2P file sharing networks, gaming and underground sites. Users visiting such pages may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans and spyware. Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid these types of web sites and not use any P2P applications. Read P2P Software User Advisories and Risks of File-Sharing Technology.

I get the following error when I try to run System Restore:

"System Restore is not able to protect your computer. Please restart your computer, and then run System Restore again."

Restarting doesn't help and I get the same error in Safe Mode.

Open My Computer > Explore or Windows Explorer, go to Tools > Folder Options > View tab and uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types", press Apply > Ok.

Go to Start > Run and type: %Windir%\INF
press Enter .
Scroll down to sr.inf, right-click on it and choose 'Install'.

or type (copy/paste) the following command in the Run box:
rundll32.exe advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection C:\Windows\Inf\sr.inf
press Enter.

You may need to either insert your Win XP/SP2 CD or know where your i386 folder is located on the hard drive.

Done.
Thanks a ton.