BleepingComputer.com: Receiving two errors from Google: "Unusual Traffic.." and "Cross-Site Scripting"

Hi Olive Oyl,

Glad things are running well

It looks as though a few smalls errors may have been fixed with the first chkdsk, these may have been a source of some of your problems.

Q1 not yet.
Q2 I think, considering that only one scanner reported it as malware, we can assume that it was a 'false positive' and can be ignored.
Q3 & Q4 Yes, I think that these two things may be related, but I'm not sure what we can do at the moment. We'll get you cleaned up and see what we can do. I may have to refer you onto the experts in our hardware forums if we get stuck...we'll see.

Quote

I'm currently in my second year of my PhD in Space Physics, after having done a Masters degree in Physics. I wish you well in your endeavour - it's people like you who got me involved.

Run a scan with MBAM
Please update and run a full scan with MalwareByte's AntiMalware

I'd like us to scan your machine with ESET OnlineScan

• Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
  ESET OnlineScan
  
• Click the button.
  
• For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)
  • Click on to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
    
  • Double click on the icon on your desktop.
  
  
• Check
  
• Click the button.
  
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
  
• Check
  
• Push the Start button.
  
• ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
  
• When the scan completes, push
  
• Push , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
  
• Push the button.
  
• Push

Casey

This post has been edited by Casey_boy: 25 September 2011 - 02:27 PM

Thanks, Casey.

So what's the next step?

Olive Oyl

Whoops...so sorry, I didn't scroll down far enuf...yikes.

Here's the MBAM log:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.51.2.1300
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 7797

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

9/25/2011 2:35:58 PM
mbam-log-2011-09-25 (14-35-58).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 187239
Time elapsed: 4 minute(s), 17 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)

Hi Casey,

It took awhile...but the results are that it Scanned 1009432 files, 0 were Infected, 0 were Cleaned, Total scan time: 8:00:21, Scan Status: Finished.

I suppose that I didn't see the list of found threats, because...thankfully, there were none,so I didn't see the option to export a .txt file. I did take a screenshot, - I quoted it above.

Olive Oyl

Hi Olive,

Well that sounds good

I suggest we give it a couple of days and see how your PC is running after that.

Casey

Sounds good. Meanwhile,I guess I'm going to disassemble this thing again, extract the obnoxious dvd burner and look down its throat. If you hear anything from your hardware guys about whether or not it could be software related, I'd love to know. Or if there's a way to test. Otherwise, I haven't seen the weird Google 'unusual traffic' or 'cross-site scripting' messages, and the ol' gal seems to be zippin' right along. Thank you very much for that, Casey.

So, will we be seeing you at the new Virgin Galactic Space Port? They're hiring, I understand (http://careers.virgin.com/search/1921/). I'll think of you next time I explain about spectroscopy and help kids understand that we know what gases come from a star, as we build a little model using an old dvd. Am I naive to assume that you have a better chance getting to a place where you can see stars without light pollution in Australia than I do in Dallas, TX? Congrats to you for your accomplishments, and more power to you as you earn your PhD!

Hi Olive,

I think we should wait until we're sure that your PC is clean before we involve the Tech guys here

Hehe. As much as I'd love to - I have no astronaut experience! Certainly, there are vast areas in Australia with no light pollution at all, however, I'm sure you could find some in the US too!

Thanks Casey. Live long and prosper!

Olive Oyl

Hi again Olive Oyl,

Since you don't appear to be having any more symptoms, I think can call this one resolved. If you're still having trouble with your DVD drive then I recommend you post for help in the Internal Hardware forum.

The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Click Start > Run and copy/paste the following bolded text into the Run box and click OK:

ComboFix /Uninstall

We Need to Clean Up our Mess
Our work on your machine has left considerable leftovers on your box. Let's clean those up real quick:

• Reopen on your desktop.
  
• Click on
  
• You will be prompted to reboot your system. Please do so.

Below I have outlined a series of categories that outline how you can increase the security of your computer and help prevent reinfection. Please take the time to read through them and follow the advice given.

Keep Windows up-to-date
Microsoft continually releases security and stability updates for its supported operating systems and you should always apply these to help keep your PC secure.

• Windows XP users
  You should visit Windows Update to check for the latest updates to your system. The latest service pack (SP3) can be obtained directly from Microsoft here.

Practice Safe Internet

One of the main reasons people get infected in the first place is that they are not practicing Safe Internet. You practice Safe Internet when you educate yourself on how to properly use the Internet through the use of security tools and good practice. Knowing how you can get infected and what types of files and sites to avoid will be the most crucial step in keeping your computer malware free. The reality is that the majority of people who are infected with malware are ones who click on things they shouldn't be clicking on. Whether these things are files or sites it doesn't really matter. If something is out to get you, and you click on it, it most likely will. Below are a list of simple precautions to take to keep your computer clean and running securely:

• If you receive an attachment from someone you do not know, DO NOT OPEN IT! Simple as that. Opening attachments from people you do not know is a very common method for viruses or worms to infect your computer.
  
  
  
• If you receive an attachment and it ends with a .exe, .com, .bat, or .pif do not open the attachment unless you know for a fact that it is clean. For the casual computer user, you will almost never receive a valid attachment of this type.
  
  
  
• If you receive an attachment from someone you know, and it looks suspicious, then it probably is. The email could be from someone you know infected with a malware that is trying to infect everyone in their address book.
  
  
  
• If you are browsing the Internet and a popup appears saying that you are infected, ignore it!. These are, as far as I am concerned, scams that are being used to scare you into purchasing a piece of software. For an example of these types of popups, or Foistware, you should read this article: Foistware, And how to avoid it.
  
  There are also programs that disguise themselves as Anti-Spyware or security products but are instead scams. For a list of these types of programs we recommend you visit this link: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
  
  
  
• Another tactic to fool you on the web is when a site displays a popup that looks like a normal Windows message or alert. When you click on them, though, they instead bring you to another site that is trying to push a product on you. We suggest that you close these windows by clicking on the X instead of the OK button. Alternatively, you can check to see if it's a real alert by right-clicking on the window. If there is a menu that comes up saying Add to Favorites... you know it's a fake.
  
  
  
• Do not go to adult sites. I know this may bother some of you, but the fact is that a large amount of malware is pushed through these types of sites. I am not saying all adult sites do this, but a lot do.
  
  
  
• When using an Instant Messaging program be cautious about clicking on links people send to you. It is not uncommon for infections to send a message to everyone in the infected person's contact list that contains a link to an infection. Instead when you receive a message that contains a link, message back to the person asking if it is legit before you click on it.
  
  
  
• Stay away from Warez and Crack sites! In addition to the obvious copyright issues, the downloads from these sites are typically overrun with infections.
  
  
  
• Be careful of what you download off of web sites and Peer-2-Peer networks. Some sites disguise malware as legitimate software to trick you into installing them and Peer-2-Peer networks are crawling with it. If you want to download a piece of software a from a site, and are not sure if they are legitimate, you can use McAfee Siteadvisor to look up info on the site.
  
  
  
• DO NOT INSTALL any software without first reading the End User License Agreement, otherwise known as the EULA. A tactic that some developers use is to offer their software for free, but have spyware and other programs you do not want bundled with it. This is where they make their money. By reading the agreement there is a good chance you can spot this and not install the software.

Make Internet Explorer more secure

• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
  
• Click once on the Security tab
  
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
  
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
  
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
  
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
  
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
  
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
  
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
  
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
  
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
  
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
  
• Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

Regularly Update your AntiVirus Software

It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out. If you use a commercial antivirus program you must make sure you keep renewing your subscription. Otherwise, once your subscription runs out, you may not be able to update the programs virus definitions.


Make sure your applications have all of their updates

It is also possible for other programs on your computer to have security vulnerability that can allow malware to infect you. Therefore, it is also a good idea to check for the latest versions of commonly installed applications that are regularly patched to fix vulnerabilities. You can check these by visiting Secunia Software Inspector and Calendar of Updates.

Install SpywareBlaster

SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware


Update all these programs regularly
Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Casey

Thanks, Casey.

Good reading, I sent it to my daughter and her best buddy.

Yea! I had all the settings you recommend already set in IE8. I run Secunia; my report card shows straight A's. I subscribe to US-CERTS emails and have Microsoft Update set to Automatic. Norton 360 is set to do everything all the time. As much as some folks hate it, I use System Mechanic Pro regularly - it saves me time. Both are on my daughter's machine too, as she learns about the real, cruel world of computing ("...I don't know why, dear, those bad guys don't just go get a job.")

I uninstalled ComboFix & OTL as per your instructions. OTL insisted I turn off my A/V. All good - A/V's back on.

One question...some years ago, when I had my Norton 360 A/V running along with AdAware, Spybot and Spyware Blaster, things went wacky...can't recall details, but the boys overseas (Norton (uh)support) told me it was because I had too many ad/spy things running, and that I should uninstall them. Well, I know that Norton 360 does nothing to stop adware. Any recommendations as to whether or not I was given good advice? Is there a site that might suggest what works well with what? As it stands, certain pages take forever to load and I watch as the ad site names flash by while a web page is loading...ick.

Thanks so much for your considerable effort in helping make sure my machine is uninfected. Y'all are amazing!!!

Quote

You were

It's true that having multiple real-time agents running does nothing to improve your security and can cause problems and system slow down. I recommend that you have one real-time agent, normally your anti-virus program, and one on-demand scanner (i.e. it only works when you tell it to). For the on-demand scanner, I recommend MalwareByte's Anti-Malware. Anything else is superfluous, though if you want extra on-demand scanners then that's fine.

As for what works well - to be honest, that's personal preference. I, myself, go for Microsoft Security Essentials as my anti-virus since it's lightweight and free. It doesn't offer all the protection that Norton 360 does, but I don't do any high risk web surfing and feel it is not required for me. I then have MBAM as an on-demand anti-malware (which means viruses/adware/spyware/the lot) scanner.

Casey

This post has been edited by Casey_boy: 29 September 2011 - 02:15 PM

Thanks so much for the clear answer! I like MBAM, too, and use it frequently.

All right, then...now I'm off to find out why my DVD/CD players are acting wacky.

Take care!

OO

It appears that this issue is resolved, therefore I am closing the topic. If that is not the case and you need or wish to continue with this topic, please send me or any Moderator a Personal Message (PM) that you would like this topic re-opened.