BleepingComputer.com: Windows 7 Total Security 2011 Virus

Asked for help with the redirect virus but got no response. Now all of a sudden I have Windows 7 Total Security 2011 popping up all over the place. Cant get on your site using my laptop. Using my wife's. Now hers may also be infected with the redirect virus. Please help!!!!

I take it you have windows 7. Can you do a System Restore to a date before the infection?

Next run MBAM (MalwareBytes):

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

Download Link 1
Download Link 2

MBAM may "make changes to your registry" as part of its disinfection routine. If using other security programs that detect registry changes (ie Spybot's Teatimer), they may interfere or alert you. Temporarily disable such programs or permit them to allow the changes.

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  
• Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  For instructions with screenshots, please refer to the How to use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Guide.
  
• 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 definition 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. Be sure to post the complete log to include the top portion which shows MBAM's database version and your operating system.
  
• Exit MBAM when done.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be asked to reboot your computer so MBAM can proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

Troubleshoot Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Thanks for the reply. I was able to do a system restore. Downloaded MBAM, updated, and scanned without any issues. Nothing was found????? Here's the log you requested. And thanks again for your help.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 6324

Windows 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1
Internet Explorer 8.0.7601.17514

4/10/2011 10:27:45 AM
mbam-log-2011-04-10 (10-27-45).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 169164
Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 51 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)

As a side note before you get a headache as big as mine. Our laptops are exactly the same and get internet via a wireless router in another room. Hardlined to the router is a older desktop that is about to fail. When I say "fail" I mean a black screen comes up stating that the hard drive may have errors. We just press the F2 key and continue on. It won't download XP Service Pack 3 and recently it will not accept updates to the CA Antivirus that comes with roadrunner. I know this is a stupid question, but could that be causing some of the issues? I think I know the answer. Just unhook it from the internet and trash it.

Also I'm at work with my laptop using the router here. Everything seems to be working fine. No redirect, or Windows 7 Total Security 2011 coming up. Lot to read, I wanted to give you as much background info as I can. Thanks again.

I believe we removed the Total Security from here. The old machine sounds infected on top of the errors. (will not accept updates) is usually ,not always infection. But if you share files or connect a Flash Drive between them you may be cross infecting. can you scan that Old XP with MBAM?

So far so good with 7 Security not popping up, but when trying to navigate here kept getting redirected. I updated AVG Free and ran a scan. It showed 3 results:

(2) trojanhorse Generic22.BGS
(1) trojanhorse Backdoor.Generic 13.BDGR

It looks like from JAVA. Tried to copy and paste, but would'nt let me. When I right clicked it said copy to clipboard, but I have no idea where to find the clipboard. I ran MBAM, but again nothing was detected. Here is that log:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 6338

Windows 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1
Internet Explorer 8.0.7601.17514

4/11/2011 9:43:44 PM
mbam-log-2011-04-11 (21-43-44).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 169876
Time elapsed: 2 minute(s), 53 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)

Where are these coming from? I did nothing but turn the computer on, and go here. On another note, I downloaded MBAM on the desktop, but it won't update. I think it's time to upgrade the desktop.

Hi,this is most likely the issue... Backdoor

Rootkits, backdoor Trojans, Botnets, and IRC Bots are very dangerous because they compromise system integrity by making changes that allow it to by used by the attacker for malicious purposes. Rootkits are used by Trojans to conceal its presence (hide from view) in order to prevent detection of an attacker's software and make removal more difficult. Many rootkits can hook into the Windows 32-bit kernel, and patch several APIs to hide new registry keys and files they install. They can disable your anti-virus and security tools to prevent detection and removal. Remote attackers use backdoors as a means of accessing and taking control of a computer that bypasses security mechanisms. This type of exploit allows them to steal sensitive information like passwords, personal and financial data which is send back to the hacker. To learn more about these types of infections, you can refer to:

What danger is presented by rootkits?
Rootkits and how to combat them
r00tkit Analysis: What Is A Rootkit

If your computer was used for online banking, has credit card information or other sensitive data on it, you should disconnect from the Internet until your system is cleaned. All passwords should be changed immediately to include those used for banking, email, eBay, paypal and online forums. You should consider them to be compromised and change each password using a clean computer, not the infected one. If not, an attacker may get the new passwords and transaction information. If using a router, you need to reset it with a strong logon/password so the malware cannot gain control before connect again. Banking and credit card institutions should be notified of the possible security breach. Because your computer was compromised please read:

How Do I Handle Possible Identify Theft, Internet Fraud and CC Fraud?
What Should I Do If I've Become A Victim Of Identity Theft?
Identity Theft Victims Guide - What to do


Although the infection has been identified and may be removed, your PC has likely been compromised and there is no way to be sure the computer can ever be trusted again. It is dangerous and incorrect to assume the computer is secure even if the malware appears to have been removed. In some instances an infection may have caused so much damage to your system that it cannot be completely cleaned or repaired so you can never be sure that you have completely removed a rootkit. The malware may leave so many remnants behind that security tools cannot find them. Tools that claim to be able to remove rootkits cannot guarantee that all traces of it will be removed. Many experts in the security community believe that once infected with this type of malware, the best course of action is to wipe the drive clean, reformat and reinstall the OS. Please read:

When should I re-format? How should I reinstall?
Help: I Got Hacked. Now What Do I Do?
Where to draw the line? When to recommend a format and reinstall?


Should you decide not to follow that advice, we will do our best to help clean the computer of any infections but we cannot guarantee it to be trustworthy or that the removal will be successful. Some infections are difficult to remove completely because of their morphing characteristics which allows the malware to regenerate itself. Sometimes there is another hidden piece of malware which has not been detected by your security tools that protects malicious files and registry keys (which have been detected) so they cannot be permanently deleted. Disinfection will probably require the use of more powerful tools than we recommend in this forum. Before that can be done you will need you to create and post a DDS/HijackThis log for further investigation. Let me know how you wish to proceed.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place. I think the best bet would be to reformat and reinstall the OS. But even after doing that can the computer be trusted? Cause yes it has been used for sensitive info. Looks like I'll be making some phone calls today to alert my bank, etc. I haven't read the links you requested yet but will do so today. Now I'm worried my wife's laptop my have the same problem. I'll look in her AVG virus vault tonight to see if similar viruses are there. Thanks for your help. Would you be interested in seeing the DDS/Hijack logs? If so just let me know how. I'll post again this evening.

Yes ,the nuke and pave is the ONLY guarantee

Tried MBAM on the desktop, wouldn't update, ran anyhow. Found 5 trojans. Screen changed, heck with it, unplugged and laid to rest. Reset my router with new name and password. Would you be willing to help with formatting and reinstalling of the operating system on my laptop? Never done anything like this. Also looked through laptop info that came with it and found nothing. No disks for reinstalling OS or anything for that matter. How would I go about getting those? If you lead the way, I'll follow.

Not an unwise decision to make.
Caution: If you are considering backing up data and reformatting, keep in mind, with a Virut infection, there is always a chance of backed up data reinfecting your system. If the data is that important to you, then you can try to salvage some of it but there is no guarantee so be forewarned that you may have to start over again afterwards if reinfected by attempting to recover your data. Only back up your important documents, personal data files, photos to a CD or DVD drive, not a flash drive or external hard drive as they may become compromised in the process. The safest practice is not to backup any executable files (*.exe), screensavers (*.scr), autorun (.ini) or script files (.php, .asp, .htm, .html, .xml ) files because they may be infected by malware. Avoid backing up compressed files (.zip, .cab, .rar) that have executables inside them as some types of malware can penetrate compressed files and infect the .exe files within them. Other types of malware may even disguise itself by hiding a file extension or adding to the existing extension as shown here (click Figure 1 to enlarge) so be sure you look closely at the full file name. If you cannot see the file extension, you may need to reconfigure Windows to show file name extensions. Then make sure you scan the backed up data with your anti-virus prior to to copying it back to your hard drive.

If your CD/DVD drive is unusable, another word of caution if you are considering backing up to an external usb hard drive as your only alternative. External drives are more susceptible to infection and can become compromised in the process of backing up data. I'm not saying you should not try using such devices but I want to make you aware of all your options and associated risks so you can make an informed decision if its worth that risk.

• How and Where to backup your files in XP or Vista
  
• How to Backup and Restore in Windows 7
  
• How to use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from your dead Windows Computer

Again, do not back up any files with the following file extensions: exe, .scr, .ini, .htm, .html, .php, .asp, .xml, .zip, .rar, .cab as they may be infected.

If you're not sure how to reformat or need help with reformatting, please review:

• How to partition and format a hard disk in Windows XP
  
• Prepping for a Clean Install Windows XP.

These links include step-by-step instructions with screenshots:

• XP Clean Install Interactive Setup
  
• How to reformat your computer in case of a severe malware infection
  
• Reformat & Clean Install Windows XP

Vista users can refer to these instructions:

• Windows Vista Clean Install
  
• How to Do a Clean Install and Setup with a Full Version of Vista
  
• How to Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Version of Vista

Don't forget you will have to go to Microsoft Update and apply all Windows security patches after reformatting.

Note: If you're using an IBM, Sony, HP, Compaq or Dell machine, you may not have an original XP CD Disk. By policy Microsoft no longer allows OEM manufactures to include the original Windows XP CD-ROM on computers sold with Windows preinstalled. Instead, most computers manufactured and sold by OEM vendors come with a vendor-specific Recovery Disk or Recovery Partition for performing a clean "factory restore" that will reformat your hard drive, remove all data and restore the computer to the state it was in when you first purchased it. See Technology Advisory Recovery Media. If the recovery partition has become infected, you will need to contact the manufacturer, explain what happened and ask them to send full recovery disks to use instead..

If you need additional assistance with reformatting or partitioning, you can start a new topic in the Operating Systems Subforums forum.

What about Windows 7? I'll take your advice and post in the operating section. Thanks again for all your help. Glad there are those out there like you.

OK, sorry, I don't have that worked out yet.. One of the Advisors in the 7 forum can definately help you there.

Spoke to a friend of mine who is the IT director of a hospital. He said he would reformat the hard drive and reinstall the OS. I found a Trojan on my wife's laptop last night. Should I repost or would you look at that? Thanks again for all your help and pointing me in the right direction.

Yes that first one needs a reformat.
Yes,run MBAM on the next one and post that log.