BleepingComputer.com: Cleaning up after Skynet

This post probably has a lower priority, so I'm not desperate or demanding. I only ask that you eventually get to it within a reasonable time.

About two weeks ago I was hit by the phony rogue "System Security" malware, which presents itself as a Windows security alert. I can't recall exactly how I got it, but I'm guessing I visited some very compromised site, and possibly and unthinkingly clicked a link I shouldn't have. (*cough*)

I've been using computers and online for a great number of years, and I've never been infected by anything...until a couple weeks ago. Because of my long fortune, I admit I was careless. I never really ran anti-virus software, or a firewall, or anti-malware software. In fact, I wasn't even educated on such things, which is ironic considering I have a background in computer science. But you know what they say...use it or lose it.

Well...once I was hit by this malware, my interest and knowledge of these things were re-sparked, and I began perusing various forums relating to security issues.

Okay, anyway, let's skip to the good stuff.

One day I found I had those annoying "System Security" messages, acting like Windows messages, and I found that I couldn't click on and start any process without it telling me that it was 'infected'. Fine. I restarted in safe mode and started reading up on this. I downloaded all the programs that you all know and recommend, and more. I ran MBAM and SAS and others. They found infections and eliminated them. (I'm trying to abbreviate this)

Okay so my computer seemed very clean and I thought I was in the clear but my curiosity got the better of me and I kept reading on. I read about something called 'rootkits', which I hadn't known about before 2 weeks ago, but once I did I understood the concept. Fine. I downloaded and ran about 3 different anti-rootkit programs.

Sure enough, I had the "Skynet" rootkit, or some variation thereof. I proceeded to attempt to delete hidden files, or whatever else was detected, through a few different anti-rootkit tools. I truly believe my system is clean, but I just want to be sure. My only very minor concern is a couple different anti-rootkit tools I run produce odd logs.

Really what this post is about is me asking a true expert to take a gander at the log results of a couple different anti-rootkit proggies I ran to see if they can tell me if there's still anything fishy about my system. And please note, I've gone as deep as my knowledge will take me. I've run Kernel Detective and gmer and kX-Ray and Radix, so I hope I have at least some foundation for this inquiry.

If you wish, I can post my logs for RootkitRepeal, Gmer, and any other ARK software.

Hello and welcome. tis is an important question.
Please post your Rootrepeal and an Malwarebytes log. Next please run Dr.Web/

Before we start fixing anything you should print out these instructions or copy them to a NotePad file so they will be accessible. Some steps will require you to disconnect from the Internet or use Safe Mode and you will not have access to this page.

Please download Dr.Web CureIt and save it to your desktop. DO NOT perform a scan yet.
alternate download link
Note: The file will be randomly named (i.e. 5mkuvc4z.exe).

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 the randomly named file 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. (This will move any detected files to the C:\Documents and Settings\userprofile\DoctorWeb\Quarantine folder if they can't be cured)

• After the Express Scan is finished, 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 Apply, Ok.
  
• Back at the main window, click the green arrow "Start Scanning" button on the right under the Dr.Web logo.
  
• Please be patient as this scan could take a long time to complete.
  
• When the scan has finished, a message will be displayed at the bottom indicating if any viruses were found.
  
• Click Select All, then choose Cure > 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)

As per your request, here are the three log files. Actually, only two, because Dr. Web's CureIt came back completely clean and doesn't generate a logfile in that case.

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

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.38
Database version: 2343
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2

7/4/2009 2:50:34 PM
mbam-log-2009-07-04 (14-50-20).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 84829
Time elapsed: 2 minute(s), 18 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 3
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:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\AntiVirusDisableNotify (Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\FirewallDisableNotify (Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\UpdatesDisableNotify (Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

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

ROOTREPEAL © AD, 2007-2009
==================================================
Scan Time: 2009/07/04 14:51
Program Version: Version 1.3.0.0
Windows Version: Windows XP SP2
==================================================

Drivers
-------------------
Name: dump_atapi.sys
Image Path: C:\WINDOWS\System32\Drivers\dump_atapi.sys
Address: 0xB6A51000 Size: 98304 File Visible: No Signed: -
Status: -

Name: dump_WMILIB.SYS
Image Path: C:\WINDOWS\System32\Drivers\dump_WMILIB.SYS
Address: 0xBADE4000 Size: 8192 File Visible: No Signed: -
Status: -

Name: rootrepeal.sys
Image Path: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\rootrepeal.sys
Address: 0xB50EF000 Size: 49152 File Visible: No Signed: -
Status: -

Hidden/Locked Files
-------------------
Path: C:\Documents and Settings\Greg S\Application Data\SecuROM\UserData\ЃϵϳЅЂϿϽϯІχϯπρϴϱЄϱЃϵϳЅ
Status: Locked to the Windows API!

Path: C:\Documents and Settings\Greg S\Application Data\SecuROM\UserData\ЃϵϳЅЂϿϽϯІχϯπρЂϻϵЉЃϵϳЅ
Status: Locked to the Windows API!

==EOF==

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

With the MBAM log, I believe those three registry entries were flagged only because I unchecked the boxes for Windows to alert me if any of those three things are not detected. For awhile I had Windows firewall turned off and didn't have another installed and I got tired of Window's little security balloon on startup.

With the RootRepeal log, I thought it wasn't out of the ordinary for the dump_atapi.sys and dump_WMILIB.sys files to be hidden but maybe I'm mistaken. And as for the two locked SecuROM files, I didn't delete them because I wasn't sure if they were needed. My guess is no. I believe they were created when I installed some Sony game as part of their awful SecuROM technology. Should I just go ahead and delete those?

Also, are there particular tools that you folks at bleepingcomputer use over others, or tools that you avoid recommending? The reason I ask is that you always seem to only recommend RootRepeal as the anti-rootkit tool. It's a very good program but it seems like there are a few other nice anti-rootkit tools that I've run across that might possibly detect something that RootRepeal doesn't ? Just curious.

Thanks and I await your reply.

Hello this looks clean now.. Are there any more issues there?

We try in the AII (this ) forum to recommend tools that can be saffely used by the asker. I like to use rootrepeal because it won't just remove things. Like Combo,Smitfraud and SD fixes. This way peple don't run a tool like say GMER for a rootkit. It then needsto runsa script like ComboFix. These can be dangerous. Even sUbs it's author says this.
It is a powerful tool intended by its creator to be "used under the guidance and supervision of an expert", NOT for private use. As such, no one should be using Combofix unless instructed to do so by a Malware Removal Expert who can interpret the logs. Please read Combofix's Disclaimer.

boopme, on Jul 4 2009, 10:36 PM, said:

Nope. All is running smoothly as has been ever since I removed the rootkit. Thank you for your time.

Oh by the way, should I remove those two locked SecuROM files or can I ignore them?

Hello. OK this is good/// First reset the restore point

Now 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 backed up, renamed and 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.

Vista Users can refer to these links: Create a New Restore Point and Disk Cleanup.



Now SecuROM is a CD/DVD copy protection product, most often used for computer games running under Microsoft Windows, developed by Sony DADC. SecuROM aims to resist home media duplication devices, professional duplicators, and attempts at reverse engineering the game. The use of SecuROM has generated controversy due to the fact that it is not uninstalled upon removal of the game. In 2008, consumers filed a class-action lawsuit against Electronic Arts for its use of SecuROM in the video game Spore.

SecuROM Removal Tutorial if you want to remove it. Which would be better than trying to delete it.

Thanks boopme. I created a restore point although I have one more question I almost forgot about. In my original post I stated that I had run several different tools and some were giving me different results from others. For example, when I run gmer it lists several common windows processes in red and alerts to "possible rootkit activity" because it reports them as hidden. If you wish, I can post the log from my run of gmer, unless you don't believe it's necessary. Still, I'd like to know why these windows processes show as hidden.

Hi sure ypu can post that for review.

Please note, there are still hidden registry entries on my system that related to SKYNET, but there are no longer any actual skynet files anywhere. My main interest is in why those 8 windows services show up as hidden.



GMER 1.0.15.14972 - http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2009-07-05 09:09:25
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2


---- Devices - GMER 1.0.15 ----

AttachedDevice \Driver\Tcpip \Device\Ip avgtdix.sys (AVG Network connection watcher/AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Tcpip \Device\Tcp avgtdix.sys (AVG Network connection watcher/AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Tcpip \Device\Udp avgtdix.sys (AVG Network connection watcher/AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Tcpip \Device\RawIp avgtdix.sys (AVG Network connection watcher/AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.)

---- Services - GMER 1.0.15 ----

Service C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe? (*** hidden *** ) [MANUAL] ALG <-- ROOTKIT !!!
Service C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe? (*** hidden *** ) [MANUAL] CiSvc <-- ROOTKIT !!!
Service C:\WINDOWS\system32\clipsrv.exe? (*** hidden *** ) [DISABLED] ClipSrv <-- ROOTKIT !!!
Service C:\WINDOWS\system32\imapi.exe? (*** hidden *** ) [MANUAL] ImapiService <-- ROOTKIT !!!
Service C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe? (*** hidden *** ) [AUTO] PolicyAgent <-- ROOTKIT !!!
Service C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe? (*** hidden *** ) [AUTO] ProtectedStorage <-- ROOTKIT !!!
Service C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe? (*** hidden *** ) [AUTO] Spooler <-- ROOTKIT !!!
Service C:\WINDOWS\System32\ups.exe? (*** hidden *** ) [MANUAL] UPS <-- ROOTKIT !!!

---- Registry - GMER 1.0.15 ----

Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs@start 1
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs@type 1
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs@group file system
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs@imagepath \systemroot\system32\drivers\SKYNETrputepab.sys
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\main
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\main@aid 10156
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\main@sid 0
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\main@cmddelay 7200
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\main\delete
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\main\injector
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\main\injector@* SKYNETwsp.dll
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\main\tasks
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\modules
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\modules@SKYNETrk.sys \systemroot\system32\drivers\SKYNETrputepab.sys
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\modules@SKYNETcmd.dll \systemroot\system32\SKYNETbwyroyxr.dll
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\modules@SKYNETlog.dat \systemroot\system32\SKYNETtivmpixm.dat
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\modules@SKYNETwsp.dll \systemroot\system32\SKYNETpjoymetj.dll
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SKYNEToblhhlrs\modules@SKYNET.dat \systemroot\system32\SKYNETkoodsfuk.dat

---- EOF - GMER 1.0.15 ----

HI ,OK we would need to write a script for GMER here,but we don't do that in this forum,only in the HJT.. We will try something first.
Update and rescan with MBAM first.


Now let's use MBAM's FileAssassin feature.

Open MBAM again.

Click the More Tools tab and then the Run Tool button
Now browse to the file(s) we want to remove using the drop down box next to Look in: at the top.
Locate the file(s), click Open.
You will be prompted with a message warning: This file will be permanently deleted. Are you sure you want to continue?. Click Yes.
If removal did not require a reboot, you will receive a message indicating the file was deleted successfully, however, I recommend you reboot anyway.

Quote

I ran a new scan with MBAM but it didn't detect anything. You didn't specify what files to target for deletion with FileAssassin. Surely you don't want me to delete those windows system files whose services were detected as hidden by gmer do you? Those are valid and necessary files for windows functionality are they not?

Some malware camouflage themselves as alg.exe and the others yours are Rootkits.., particularly if they are located in c:\windows or c:\windows\system32 folder.
I would do a back up first.. If you do not feel comfortable then post the HJT log and the Gmer log after following thesse steps.
I would actually prefer you do it that way.

Please follow this guide. Preparation Guide For Use Before Using Hijackthis. Then go here HijackThis Logs and Virus/Trojan/Spyware/Malware Removal ,click New Topic,give it a relevant Title and post that complete log.

Let me know if it went OK.

Sorry, I was away for a couple days. I will do as you request and start a new thread in the HijackThis forum under the same title.

OK,no problem, it looks good,

Now that your log is properly posted, you should NOT make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a HJT Team member, nor should you continue to ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show it the log you already posted. Further, any modifications you make on your own may cause confusion for the helper assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

From this point on the HJT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response because the HJT Team members are very busy working logs posted before yours. They are volunteers who will help you out as soon as possible. Once you have made your post and are waiting, please DO NOT make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the HJT Team. Generally the staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another HJT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic.