BleepingComputer.com: titan shield / adware shorty - need help removing viruses

Hi there

I have Win XP and seem to have gotten lots of viruses onto the pc... but please bear with me as i am a bit of a computer novice!

Having done a virus scan with AVG v.8, the results came up with many warnings, particularly ref. to viruses Trojan Zapchast, Aware Shorty, Adware Virtuemonde and Titan shield antispyware ( some of which I have researched to be SmitFrauds)...there are more though!!

I looked on the Major geek website and went through their basic pc check list (downloaded and ran Super Anti spyware, CCleaner, Malwarebytes' Anti malware.. it suggested using ComboFix, but the instructions warn this is risky so i've left this for now).

I'm not really sure if the AVG has rid of the viruses, although it has detected them. It has put them into a Virus Vault, but whether my pc is cured i don't know! I've done a few scans now and the same viruses keep coming up.

The most obvious prob i'm still getting with my pc is when I do a web search for anything (i.e. shoes) the correct descriptions come up, but all the URL's are wrong, often pointing to advertising websites that seem suspect...

I'm not sure how to show you the results of anything, or do a 'hijackthis' etc, so if that would help, please let me know how i can do this!

Many thanks...really look forward to hearing from someone as i'm giving up doing endless seaches on these viruses!

cheers

Do not run Combofix or HJT unassisted
------------------------------------------------------------------

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  
• Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  
• When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
  
• When installation has finished, make sure you leave both of these checked:
  • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
    
  • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
  
• Then click Finish.
  
• MBAM will automatically start and you will be asked to update the program before performing a scan. If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself. Press the OK button to close that box and continue. If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download them from here and just double-click on mbam-rules.exe to install.
  
• On the Scanner tab:
  • Make sure the "Perform Quick Scan" option is selected.
    
  • Then click on the Scan button.
  
  
• If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
  
• The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
  
• Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.
  
• Back at the main Scanner screen, click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
  
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  
• When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad.
  
• The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  
• Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply and exit MBAM.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you may be asked to reboot your computer so it can proceed with the disinfection process. Regardless if prompted to restart the computer or not, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware. MBAM may make changes to your registry as part of its disinfection routine. If you're using other security programs that detect registry changes, they may alert you after scanning with MBAM. Please permit the program to allow the changes.


I am moving this to Am I Infected?

thanks for your fast reply... i did the malwarebytes scan using the link you gave me, this came up with no viruses:

results:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.32
Database version: 1625
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

06/01/2009 18:41:03
mbam-log-2009-01-06 (18-41-03).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 66625
Time elapsed: 5 minute(s), 26 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)



However, the AVG v.8 scan shows hundreds of viruses...although these could have been destroyed by AVG i'm sure there is still something up because whenever I use any search engine (google, Yahoo etc) I get weird results...namely the description seems appropriate for the search, but the web address is wrong (usually an ad or something) e.g:

Barratts Shoes - Welcome! Features a range of shoes, boots and sandals in styles ranging from casual to formal. Includes care products, bags, and accessories.
freescan.antivirus.com/shoes.html - 67k - Cached - Similar pages

that was using google to search.. but I have no idea why it's doing this! i've run quite a few other antivirus scans in the last 2 days and AVG is the only one showing up these viruses...

many thanks!

ATF
Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune & save it to your desktop.

• 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".

Now SAS,may need an hour
Please download and scan with 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".

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.

Topic reopened. Please post the results

thanks..

results - nb. i also performed a superantispyware quick scan in normal mode after this one which detected and quarrantined one 'adware tracking cookie' virus... results for full scan in safe mode as follows:


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

Generated 01/07/2009 at 12:09 PM

Application Version : 4.24.1004

Core Rules Database Version : 3688
Trace Rules Database Version: 1664

Scan type : Complete Scan
Total Scan Time : 01:06:04

Memory items scanned : 177
Memory threats detected : 0
Registry items scanned : 5749
Registry threats detected : 0
File items scanned : 21000
File threats detected : 16

Adware.Tracking Cookie
.atwola.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
.imrworldwide.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
.imrworldwide.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
.indextools.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
.keywordmax.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
.paypal.112.2o7.net [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
.roiservice.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
.xiti.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
anat.tacoda.net [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
server.iad.liveperson.net [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
server.iad.liveperson.net [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
server.iad.liveperson.net [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
sitestats.tiscali.co.uk [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
uk.sitestat.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
uk.sitestat.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]
www.googleadservices.com [ C:\Documents and Settings\Jane\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\v6dgpaqh.default\cookies.txt ]

How is it running now?
--------------------------
Please reboot the computer
Open MBAM and click Update tab, select Check for Updates,when done
click Scanner tab,select FULL scan
After scan click Remove Selected, Post new scan log for review

it seems to be running more smoothly thanks... no more peculiar results on internet search engines anyway!

this was the result of the malware scan:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.32
Database version: 1629
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

07/01/2009 22:28:14
mbam-log-2009-01-07 (22-28-14).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 140055
Time elapsed: 48 minute(s), 50 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)


Assuming this means its all fixed (?) I had a few extra questions if thats ok -
1. should i run another superantispyware scan?
2. is it bad to have too many virus checks on a pc?
3. is linux immune to viruses?

thanks again!

t the current time Linux is not affected by viruses, but given time and increase popularity it will be inevitable
No it won't hurt anything
Let's try this scan to make sure
--------------------------------------------
Please download Dr.Web CureIt & save it to your desktop. DO NOT perform a scan 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".

Scan with Dr.Web CureIt as follows:

• Double-click on launch.exe to open the program and click Start. (There is no need to update if you just downloaded the most current version
  
• Read the Virus check by DrWeb scanner prompt and click Ok where asked to Start scan now? Allow the setup.exe to load if asked by any of your security programs.
  
• The Express scan will automatically begin.
  (This is a short scan of files currently running in memory, boot sectors, and targeted folders).
  
• If prompted to dowload the Full version Free Trial, ignore and click the X to close the window.
  
• If an infected object is found, you will be prompted to move anything that cannot be cured. Click Yes to All.
  
• When complete, click Select All, then choose Cure > Move incurable.
  (This will move any detected files to the C:\Documents and Settings\userprofile\DoctorWeb\Quarantine folder if they can't be cured)

• Now put a check next to Complete scan to scan all local disks and removable media.
  
• In the top menu, click Settings > Change settings, and UNcheck "Heuristic analysis" under the "Scanning" tab, then click Ok.
  
• Back at the main window, click the green arrow "Start Scanning" button on the right under the Dr.Web logo.
  
• When the scan is complete, a message will be displayed at the bottom indicating if any viruses were found.
  
• Click "Yes to all" if asked to cure or move the file(s) and select "Move incurable".
  
• In the top menu, click file and choose save report list.
  
• Save the DrWeb.csv report to your desktop.
  
• Exit Dr.Web Cureit when done.
  
• Important! 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 in your next reply. (You can use Notepad to open the DrWeb.cvs report)

thanks...and sorry about the delayed reply - results:

Process.exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\Desktop\SmitfraudFix;Tool.Prockill;Incurable.Moved.;
restart.exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\Desktop\SmitfraudFix;Trojan.Shutdown.134;Deleted.;
SDFix[1].exe\SDFix\apps\Process.exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\3O8SH2YY\SDFix[1].exe;Tool.Prockill;;
SDFix[1].exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\3O8SH2YY;Archive contains infected objects;Moved.;
SDFix[1].exe\SDFix\apps\Process.exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\GB2X3GUY\SDFix[1].exe;Tool.Prockill;;
SDFix[1].exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\GB2X3GUY;Archive contains infected objects;Moved.;
data002\32788R22FWJFW\psexec.cfexe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\My Documents\ComboFix.exe\data002;Program.PsExec.171;;
data002;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\My Documents\ComboFix.exe;Archive contains infected objects;;
ComboFix.exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\My Documents;Archive contains infected objects;Moved.;
SDFix.exe\SDFix\apps\Process.exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\My Documents\SDFix.exe;Tool.Prockill;;
SDFix.exe;C:\Documents and Settings\Emily\My Documents;Archive contains infected objects;Moved.;
Process.exe;C:\SDFix\apps;Tool.Prockill;Incurable.Moved.;

How is it running now?

it's running well now i think, although its not letting me send emails or open some links..could this be something to do with the antispy progs i have running, or do i need to change a setting?


Also i wasn't sure what 'moved' meant on the previous log - does this mean the viruses have gone?


thanks again

At one point in time, someone ran SD Fix and combofix. All of those files that say "moved" are leftovers from them

Quote

Do any of the programs you use monitor registry changes, like Spybot S&D's Teatimer? They need to be disabled.
----------------------------------

Humor me and try this one more time

Please reboot the computer
Open MBAM and click Update tab, select Check for Updates,when done
click Scanner tab,select FULL scan
After scan click Remove Selected, Post new scan log for review

I previously ran SDFix, but wasn't sure if this worked properly, and had downloaded Combofix to the PC but never actually used it. I have Spybot S&D on pc - so should i remove it from pc altogether? I have now disabled Registry mechanic and am not using teatimer...

results of MBAM:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.32
Database version: 1637
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

10/01/2009 11:47:56
mbam-log-2009-01-10 (11-47-56).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 142992
Time elapsed: 50 minute(s), 27 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)


So if these are leftovers, are the viruses now gone?

cheers!

Quote

If you are still having these problems then I'm going to suggest that you follow the instructions and prepare a HJT log, here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic34773.html
Then post the log in the proper form here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
Our team members are rather busy, so it may take a while to get to you
Be patient and good luck