BleepingComputer.com: Google/Search Engine Redirect Virus

Hello,

After a couple weeks of wondering if something was wrong with Google, I did a search and found out that I likely have a Redirect Virus. The only problem I've had so far is being redirected. I've tried Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, HitManPro, and TDSSKiller, and none of them found anything. I'm not sure what to do next. Can anyone help?

Hello, is this XP.

TDSS was updated today. Not sure when you ran it.
Please download the TDSS Rootkit Removing Tool (TDSSKiller.exe) and save it to your Desktop. <-Important!!!
Be sure to download TDSSKiller.exe (v2.5.0.0) from Kaspersky's website and not TDSSKiller.zip which appears to be an older version 2.3.2.2 of the tool.

• Double-click on TDSSKiller.exe to run the tool for known TDSS variants.
  Vista/Windows 7 users right-click and select Run As Administrator.
  
• If TDSSKiller does not run, try renaming it.
  
• To do this, right-click on TDSSKiller.exe, select Rename and give it a random name with the .com file extension (i.e. 123abc.com). If you do not see the file extension, please refer to How to change the file extension.
  
• Click the Start Scan button.
  
• Do not use the computer during the scan
  
• If the scan completes with nothing found, click Close to exit.
  
• If malicious objects are found, they will show in the Scan results - Select action for found objects and offer three options.
  
• Ensure Cure (default) is selected, then click Continue > Reboot now to finish the cleaning process.
  
• A log file named TDSSKiller_version_date_time_log.txt (i.e. TDSSKiller.2.4.0.0_27.07.2010_09.o7.26_log.txt) will be created and saved to the root directory (usually Local Disk C:).
  
• Copy and paste the contents of that file in your next reply.

Let's run an online scan.

ESET Online Scanner:

Note: You can use either Internet Explorer or Mozilla FireFox for this scan. You will however need to disable your current installed Anti-Virus, how to do so can be read here.

Vista/Windows 7 users: You will need to to right-click on the either the IE or FF icon in the Start Menu or Quick Launch Bar on the Taskbar and select Run as Administrator from the context menu.

• Please go here to run the scan.
  

  Quote

  Note: If using Mozilla Firefox you will need to download esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe when prompted then double click on it to install.
  All of the below instructions are compatible with either Internet Explorer or Mozilla FireFox.
• Select the option YES, I accept the Terms of Use then click on:
  
• When prompted allow the Add-On/Active X to install.
  
• Make sure that the option Remove found threats is NOT checked, and the option Scan archives is checked.
  
• Now click on Advanced Settings and select the following:

• Scan for potentially unwanted applications
  
• Scan for potentially unsafe applications
  
• Enable Anti-Stealth Technology


• Now click on:
  
• The virus signature database... will begin to download. Be patient this make take some time depending on the speed of your Internet Connection.
  
• When completed the Online Scan will begin automatically.
  
• Do not touch either the Mouse or keyboard during the scan otherwise it may stall.
  
• When completed select Uninstall application on close if you so wish, make sure you copy the logfile first!
  
• Now click on:
  
• Use notepad to open the logfile located at C:\Program Files\ESET\EsetOnlineScanner\log.txt.
  
• Copy and paste that log as a reply to this topic.

Note: Do not forget to re-enable your Anti-Virus application after running the above scan!

I don't know if it helps, but just before I got on this page, my computer tried to shut down on it's own, but then displayed an error saying it could not shut down correctly.

I made sure to run the correct file for TDSSKiller as requested. It didn't find anything.

The second item did find some threats. I hope this is the correct file log.

C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\10\5125954a-6891c511 multiple threats
C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\11\560f078b-41111fd8 multiple threats
C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\39\58ec35a7-4ee8afb4 a variant of Java/Exploit.CVE-2010-4452.A trojan
C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\44\14238a2c-2bf5b10d multiple threats
C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\47\32e44eaf-5d1d7d21 probably a variant of Java/TrojanDownloader.OpenStream.NCC trojan
C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\9\7be78a09-488ce912 probably a variant of Java/TrojanDownloader.OpenStream.NCC trojan

Hello, Is this XP or another? Are you on a router?

When a browser runs an applet, the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) stores the downloaded files into its cache folder (C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache) for quick execution later and better performance. Malicious applets are also stored in the Java cache directory and your anti-virus may detect them and provide alerts. For more specific information about Java exploits, please refer to Virus found in the Java cache directory.

Notification of these files as a threat does not always mean that a machine has been infected; it indicates that a program included the viral class file but this does not mean that it used the malicious functionality. As a precaution, I recommend clearing the entire cache to ensure everything is cleaned out:

• Clear the Java cache
  
• Clear the browser cache in Internet Explorer
  
• Safely Delete the Temporary Internet Files <- for Internet Explorer 8
  
• How to Clear Your Browser's Cache <- for other versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox and different browsers
  
• Clean out Windows temporary files

Please download GooredFix from one of the locations below and save it to your Desktop
Download Mirror #1
Download Mirror #2

• Ensure all Firefox windows are closed.
  
• To run the tool, double-click it (XP), or right-click and select Run As Administrator (Vista).
  
• When prompted to run the scan, click Yes.
  
• GooredFix will check for infections, and then a log will appear. Please post the contents of that log in your next reply (it can also be found on your desktop, called GooredFix.txt).

I'm sorry. It's Windows 7, and I'm using a wireless router.

Please do the goored thing.

If still redirecting>>>
Change your DNS Servers:

• Go to > Run... and in the open box, type: cmd
  
• Press OK or Hit Enter.
  
• At the command prompt, type or copy/paste: ipconfig /flushdns
  
• Hit Enter.
  
• You will get a confirmation that the flush was successful.
  
• Close the command box.

If the above commands did not resolve the problem, the next thing to try is to reset your network settings and Configure TCP/IP to use DNS.

• Go to > Control Panel, and choose Network Connections.
  
• Right-click on your default connection, usually Local Area Connection or Dial-up Connection if you are using Dial-up, and and choose Properties.
  
• Double-click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or highlight it and select Properties.
  
• Under the General tab, write down any settings in case you should need to change them back.
  
• Select the button that says "Obtain an IP address automatically" or make sure the DNS server IP address is the same as provided by your ISP.
  
• Select the button that says "Obtain DNS servers automatically".
  
• If unknown Preferred or Alternate DNS servers are listed, uncheck the box that says "Use the following DNS server address".
  
• Click OK twice to get out of the properties screen and restart your computer. If not prompted to reboot go ahead and reboot manually.

-- Vista users can refer to How to Change TCP/IP settings

CAUTION: It's possible that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) requires specific DNS settings here. Make sure you know if you need these settings or not BEFORE you make any changes or you may lose your Internet connection. If you're sure you do not need a specific DNS address,
then you may proceed.

Here are the results from GooredFix. I tested and it's still redirecting so I'll go on to the next step you posted.

GooredFix by jpshortstuff (03.07.10.1)
Log created at 18:58 on 10/06/2011 (JENDSHE)
Firefox version 3.6.17 (en-US)

========== GooredScan ==========

(none)

========== GooredLog ==========

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\
{972ce4c6-7e08-4474-a285-3208198ce6fd} [02:52 17/03/2011]

C:\Users\JENDSHE\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\qrrp4ia4.default\extensions\
(none)

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions]
"{BBDA0591-3099-440a-AA10-41764D9DB4DB}"="C:\ProgramData\Norton\{0C55C096-0F1D-4F28-AAA2-85EF591126E7}\NIS_18.1.0.37\IPSFFPlgn\" [01:42 17/03/2011]
"{2D3F3651-74B9-4795-BDEC-6DA2F431CB62}"="C:\ProgramData\Norton\{0C55C096-0F1D-4F28-AAA2-85EF591126E7}\NIS_18.1.0.37\coFFPlgn\" [00:08 10/05/2011]

-=E.O.F=-

I did the flush. I doesn't seem to be redirecting, however, I noticed that the address bar briefly had a different address, as if it was trying to redirect, before it went to the right page. Does that mean I might still be infected?

Possible that it is in your router,Your router is hijacked by trojan DNS-hijacker.

EDIT: This is needed IF it redirects

• Please read this: Malware Silently Alters Wireless Router Settings
  
  
  
• Then reset your router to it's factory default settings:
  
  

  Quote

  "If your machine has been infected by one of these Zlob/DNSchanger Trojans, and your router settings have been altered, I would strongly recommend that you reset the router to its default configuration. Usually, this can be done by inserting something tiny like a paper clip end or pencil tip into a small hole labeled "reset" located on the back of the router. Press and hold down the small button inside until the lights on the front of the router blink off and then on again (usually about 10 seconds)"
  
  
  
  
• This is the difficult part.
  First get to the routers server. To do that open Internet Explorer and type http:\\192.168.1.1 in the address bar and click Enter. You get the log in window.
  Fill in the password you have already found and you will get the configuration page.
  Configure the router to allow you to connect to your ISP server. In some routers it is done by a setup wizard. But you have to fill in the log in password your ISP has initially given to you.
  You can also call your ISP if you don't have your initial password.
  Don't forget to change the routers default password and set a strong password. Note down the password and keep it somewhere for future reference.

This post has been edited by boopme: 10 June 2011 - 09:24 PM

Hello. I was unable to get my ISP account information from my roommate until this weekend, so only now should I be able to try the router reboot. Since it's been so long, I started redoing the steps you gave me. TDSSKiller did not find anything, but the ESET Online Scanner found something new. The log is listed below. Could you please tell me what to do next?

C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\10\5125954a-6891c511 multiple threats
C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\11\560f078b-41111fd8 multiple threats
C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\44\14238a2c-2bf5b10d multiple threats
C:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\Roaming\dwm.exe a variant of Win32/Kryptik.QEE trojan

Let's do this and if you are NOT redirecting maybe we won't need to do the router.


Your HOSTS file may be infected.
Reset the HOSTS file
As this infection also changes your Windows HOSTS file, we want to replace this file with the default version for your operating system.
Some types of malware will alter the HOSTS file as part of its infection. Please follow the instructions provided in How do I reset the hosts file back to the default?

To reset the hosts file automatically,go HERE click the button. Then just follow the prompts in the Fix it wizard.


OR
Click Run in the File Download dialog box or save MicrosoftFixit50267.msi to your Desktop and double-click on it to run. Then just follow the promots in the Fix it wizard.

I did the Hosts fix and so far so good. So would you suggest I skip the router fix, since the issue seems to be resolved? I have some tasks I have been putting off because they deal with sensitive information, so I'm just nervous about using my computer for those things again. Should I run any other programs first?

By the way, I just want to say thank you so much for all your help. I was afraid my relatively new computer was going to end up an expensive paperweight. I don't know what I would have done without this site and without your help.

You're welcome. this looks good. I would run once more....
Rerun MBAM (MalwareBytes) like this:

Open MBAM in normal mode and click Update tab, select Check for Updates,when done
click Scanner tab,select Quick scan and scan (normal mode).
After scan click Remove Selected, Post new scan log and Reboot into normal mode.

Please ask any needed questions,post logs and Let us know how the PC is running now.


If that is clean then.....
Next 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 > 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 > 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 and Windows 7 users can refer to these links:

• Create a New Restore Point in Vista or Windows 7
  
• Disk Cleanup in Vista
  
• Disk Cleanup in Windows 7

Here is the log. It wasn't a clean scan, so should I still do the restore point? Or maybe I need to run the scan again to make sure it comes out clean?


Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.51.1.1800
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 7179

Windows 6.1.7600
Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385

7/17/2011 7:27:41 PM
mbam-log-2011-07-17 (19-27-41).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|D:\|)
Objects scanned: 288970
Time elapsed: 24 minute(s), 46 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: 1

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:
c:\Users\JENDSHE\AppData\Roaming\dwm.exe (Backdoor.Cycbot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Rats,yes hold off ,, That is an info stealer.

Yes update and rerun mBAM.
Now Reboot into Safe Mode with Networking
How to start Windows 7 in Safe Mode

>>>> Download this file and doubleclick on it to run it. Allow the information to be merged with the registry.

RKill....

Download and Run RKill

Please download RKill by Grinler from one of the 4 links below and save it to your desktop.

Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4



• Before we begin, you should disable your anti-malware softwares you have installed so they do not interfere RKill running as some anti-malware softwares detect RKill as malicious. Please refer to this page if you are not sure how.
  
  
• Double-click on Rkill on your desktop to run it. (If you are using Windows Vista, please right-click on it and select Run As Administrator)
  
  
• A black screen will appear and then disappear. Please do not worry, that is normal. This means that the tool has been successfully executed.
  
  
• If nothing happens or if the tool does not run, please let me know in your next reply

Do not reboot your computer after running rkill as the malware programs will start again. Or if rebooting is required run it again.


If you continue having problems running rkill.com, you can download iExplore.exe or eXplorer.exe, which are renamed copies of rkill.com, and try them instead.



Next run Superantisypware (SAS):

Download and scan with SUPERAntiSpyware Free for Home Users

• Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.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 Scanning Control tab.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Click "Next" to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.
  
• 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".
  
• 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 have a problem downloading, installing or getting SAS to run, try downloading and using the SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scanner instead. Save the randomly named file (i.e. SAS_1710895.COM) to a usb drive or CD and transfer to the infected computer. Then double-click on it to launch and scan. The file is randomly named to help keep malware from blocking the scanner.