BleepingComputer.com: Hijacked by an antivirus called AV Guard Online

Here is the MBAM log. It said it found one infection, Rootkit.0access.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 7940

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

10/13/2011 12:58:46 PM
mbam-log-2011-10-13 (12-58-46).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 303456
Time elapsed: 57 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: 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:\documents and settings\David\application data\Sun\Java\deployment\cache\6.0\15\455b38f-632ea6bb (Rootkit.0Access) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Here is the ESET scan log you requested:

C:\Documents and Settings\David\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\15\2478564f-78cff502 Java/TrojanDownloader.Agent.NBU trojan deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\David\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\34\5fc5a262-5c6d7eb4 a variant of Java/Agent.BR trojan deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\David\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\36\1ffc5a4-5d9f616c probably a variant of Java/Agent.BR trojan deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\David\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\38\1c0702e6-4f36c2f3 multiple threats deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\David\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\45\6dfd656d-1105be0f Java/TrojanDownloader.OpenStream.NCA trojan deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\David\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\47\3e36666f-1fb68a51 Java/Exploit.CVE-2009-3867.AL trojan deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\David\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\7\143b51c7-40422986 a variant of Java/TrojanDownloader.OpenStream.NCC trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\TDSSKiller_Quarantine\05.10.2011_15.31.15\susp0000\svc0000\tsk0000.dta Win32/Sirefef.DA trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined

Hi spiggy,

That looks good - any remaining problems before I give you the all clean?


Update Adobe Reader

Your version of Adobe Reader is out-of-date. Older versions has vulnerabilities which are fixed in later releases. I strongly recommend that you update your version. The latest version can be downloaded from here: http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/?promoid=BUIGO

Important Note: Your version of Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malicious sites can use to exploit and infect your system.

• Microsoft: ‘Unprecedented Wave of Java Exploitation’
  
• Drive-by Trojan preying on out-of-date Java installations
  
• Ghosts of Java Haunt Users

Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update:

• Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 6 and save it to your desktop.
  
• Look for "Java Platform, Standard Edition".
  
• Click the "Download JRE" button to the right.
  
• Read the License Agreement, and then check the box that says: "Accept License Agreement".
  
• From the list, select your OS and Platform (32-bit or 64-bit).
  
• If a download for an Offline Installation is available, it is recommended to choose that and save the file to your desktop.
  
• Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.

Go to > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features in Vista/Windows 7 and remove all older versions of Java.

• Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
  
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button and follow the onscreen instructions for the Java uninstaller.
  
• Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
  
• Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  
• Then from your desktop double-click on jre-7-windows-i586.exe to install the newest version.
  
• If using Windows 7 or Vista and the installer refuses to launch due to insufficient user permissions, then Run As Administrator.
  
• When the Java Setup - Welcome window opens, click the Install > button.
  
• If offered to install a Toolbar, just uncheck the box before continuing unless you want it.
  
• The McAfee Security Scan Plus tool is installed by default unless you uncheck the McAfee installation box when updating Java.

Note: The Java Quick Starter (JQS.exe) adds a service to improve the initial startup time of Java applets and applications but it's not necessary.
To disable the JQS service if you don't want to use it:

• Go to Start > Control Panel > Java > Advanced > Miscellaneous and uncheck the box for Java Quick Starter.
  
• Click Ok and reboot your computer.

Casey

OK...I will update Adobe and java today. A couple of important questions Casey.

1) Should I turn on the automatic update function for the system? I usually keep it off given that I'm afraid it's a conduit for viruses...but since I just got a terrible virus, maybe I should not be so worried about that source of system updates (it's microsoft I think?)?

2) Do I need a firewall, and how should I turn that on other than my operating system firewall? It did not seem to protect me so well I feel.

3) I have used AVP, free version, as an active anti-virus for three years now..but clearly it did not protect me well enough. Do you have a better recommendation for my active anti-virus system, or a regular process for keeping the computer clean? and

4) Should I still do the reformat next week when I'm in Europe as planned...or do you think just maybe rootkit is gone? I understand the warnings from before.

You have been absolutely fantastic. The system seems to be running as normal or even better at this time. I do not notice anything strange or unfamiliar at all (but I have no antivirus running and am not sure about the firewall right now).

Kind regards,
Spiggy

Hi spiggy,

spiggy, on 14 October 2011 - 11:39 AM, said:

Absolutely. It is certainly not a conduit for viruses and is vital to keeping your system up-to-date. In fact, by not enabling it, your are more likely to get infected.

Quote

With Windows XP, you have an in-built Windows Firewall which does a good enough job of preventing incoming traffic (i.e. hackers) but it doesn't protect you from outgoing traffic (i.e. malicious software sending data out). In addition, you connect via a router, which normally have their own built-in Firewall to stop incoming traffic.

So, essentially, that one is your choice

Quote

AVG is okay - remember, no anti-virus will be able to stop everything. New malware comes out daily and they are becoming increasing clever about how they operate and it takes time for anti-virus vendors to keep up with them. The best thing you can do is to make sure you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.

The anti-virus I have installed on my machines is Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free and light on system resources. (Remember to only have one AV installed at a time though)

Quote

That's your choice The rootkit is gone and there's no more sign of infection on your PC, however, we can't be sure if other things have been compromised.

Quote

Thank you Now is the time to turn your AV back on.


*********************************************************

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

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Casey. You have been a real professional and life saver. Thanks tremendously to bleeping computer also for providing this invaluable service to all of us vulnerable users out here. This virus thing is a vicious and evil cycle (anti-virus folks have no business platform without the folks who attack us with viruses...so it seems they may have incentive to work in tandem strangely enough).

Bleeping Computer and folks like you Casey are real life heroes I think. I have no idea how you folks do this for free, or why...but I for one am beyond grateful.

Chao,
Spiggy

Hi spiggy,

I'm glad I could help as to why - well if we all did one kind deed to another, then the world would be a better place would it not?

I'll close this topic as resolved.

Casey

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.