Suspected malware/virus

IE7 (Win XP SP3) began behaving strangely a couple days ago (search links redirecting to various sites), and as of yesterday ceased to funtion (open IE7, says connecting, then disappears, occasionally freezing computer). I've run various Anti-spyware (Malwarebytes, Ad-Aware, Spyware Terminator, Super Anti-Spyware, etc) each finding a few problems and successfully fixing those. I reset IE7 (Tools> Internet Options> Advanced> Reset) and purged the temp files which has allowed me to use IE7 with nearly all functionality.

Remaining problem is updates. I use AVG8 and it cannot connect to server for updates. Neither can Spybot S&D and also, most disconcertingly, Windows Update. When I go to Tools>Windows Update, the address appears correctly in the address bar, but then just goes to Google (homepage). Something is still blocking my attempts to access known AS sites (i.e. Malwarebytes.org)

I found a forum thread with a member having (a seemingly) identical issue, but wanted to go through the proper channels (heeding the warning of using ComboFix unaided).

Please help!

Thanks in advance

Edited by istbar, 06 February 2009 - 03:10 PM.

Hello and welcome to BC!

You seem to have a nasty infection going on. There may be a rootkit involved with it, let's check using GMER.

See if you can use a CD Burner and some CD's to transfer it if you cannot download it directly. Same goes with MBAM.

Download and Run Scan with GMER

We will use GMER to scan for rootkits.

• Download gmer.zip and save to your desktop.
  Alternate Download Site 1
• Unzip/extract the file to its own folder. (Click here for information on how to do this if not sure. Win 2000 users click here.
• When you have done this, disconnect from the Internet and close all running programs.
  There is a small chance this application may crash your computer so save any work you have open.
• Double-click on Gmer.exe to start the program.
• Allow the gmer.sys driver to load if asked.
• If it gives you a warning at program start about rootkit activity and asks if you want to run a scan...click NO.
• Click the >>>
• Click on Settings, then check the first five settings:
  • System Protection and Tracing
  • Processes
  • Save created processes to the log
  • Drivers
  • Save loaded drivers to the log
• You will be prompted to restart your computer. Please do so.

After the reboot, run Gmer again and click on the Rootkit tab.

• Look at the right hand side (under Files) and uncheck all drives with the exception of your C drive.
• Make sure all other boxes on the right of the screen are checked, EXCEPT for Show All.
• Click on the Scan and wait for the scan to finish.
  Note: Before scanning, make sure all other running programs are closed and no other actions like a scheduled antivirus scan will occur while this scan completes. Also do not use your computer during the scan. You will know that the scan is done when the Stop buttons turns back to Scan.
• When completed, click on the Copy button and right-click on your Desktop, choose New>Text document. Once the file is created, open it and right-click again and choose Paste. Save the file as gmer.txt and copy the information in your next reply.

If GMER doesn't work in Normal Mode try running it in Safe Mode

Important!:Please do not select the Show all checkbox during the scan..

Download and run MalwareBytes Anti-Malware

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.
alternate download link 1
alternate download link 2

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
• Double-click on Download_mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
• 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 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 and you may be prompted to restart your computer. (see Note below)
• 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 and exit MBAM.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts. Click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

For complete or visual instructions on installing and running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware please read this link

Post back with both log once you are done.

With Regards,
Extremeboy

extremeboy,
Thank you for your response, I've been tearing my hair out on this one.

Malwarebytes is one of the AS I used previously and had 8 or so problems it found and eliminated. I ran the gmer.exe with no issues and the log is as follows:

GMER 1.0.14.14536 - http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2009-02-06 15:43:18
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3


---- System - GMER 1.0.14 ----

Code 8A127110 ZwEnumerateKey
Code 8A4D9010 ZwFlushInstructionCache
Code 89F0C068 ZwQueryValueKey
Code 8A4682E6 IofCallDriver
Code 8A5BF506 IofCompleteRequest

---- Kernel code sections - GMER 1.0.14 ----

.text ntoskrnl.exe!IofCallDriver 804E13A7 5 Bytes JMP 8A4682EB
.text ntoskrnl.exe!IofCompleteRequest 804E17BD 5 Bytes JMP 8A5BF50B
PAGE ntoskrnl.exe!ZwQueryValueKey 80573037 5 Bytes JMP 89F0C06C
PAGE ntoskrnl.exe!ZwEnumerateKey 80578E14 5 Bytes JMP 8A127114
PAGE ntoskrnl.exe!ZwFlushInstructionCache 80587BFB 5 Bytes JMP 8A4D9014

---- Devices - GMER 1.0.14 ----

AttachedDevice \FileSystem\Ntfs \Ntfs InCDrec.SYS (InCD File System Recognizer/Nero AG)

---- Modules - GMER 1.0.14 ----

Module \systemroot\system32\drivers\gaopdxtykltfea.sys (*** hidden *** ) ACC46000-ACC70000 (172032 bytes)

---- Services - GMER 1.0.14 ----

Service C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\gaopdxtykltfea.sys (*** hidden *** ) [SYSTEM] gaopdxserv.sys <-- ROOTKIT !!!

---- Registry - GMER 1.0.14 ----

Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@start 1
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@type 1
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@imagepath \systemroot\system32\drivers\gaopdxtykltfea.sys
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@group file system
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@userdata -1
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys\modules
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys\modules@gaopdxserv \\?\globalroot\systemroot\system32\drivers\gaopdxtykltfea.sys
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gaopdxserv.sys\modules@gaopdxl \\?\globalroot\systemroot\system32\gaopdxbdjeavrg.dll
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@start 1
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@type 1
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@imagepath \systemroot\system32\drivers\gaopdxtykltfea.sys
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@group file system
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys@userdata -1
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys\modules
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys\modules@gaopdxserv \\?\globalroot\systemroot\system32\drivers\gaopdxtykltfea.sys
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\gaopdxserv.sys\modules@gaopdxl \\?\globalroot\systemroot\system32\gaopdxbdjeavrg.dll

---- EOF - GMER 1.0.14 ----

The MBAM log is as follows:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.33
Database version: 1714
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

2/6/2009 3:52:47 PM
mbam-log-2009-02-06 (15-52-47).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 59701
Time elapsed: 2 minute(s), 45 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: 3

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:\RECYCLER\S-2-5-81-100022668-100012205-100013168-1696.com (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\gaopdxbdjeavrg.dll (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\gaopdxtykltfea.sys (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.


I really appreciate your help on this, and if you can respond before 5 PST I will be eternally grateful.

Cheers
istbar

Edited by istbar, 06 February 2009 - 06:57 PM.

Hello.

It seems we are dealing with rootkits here as expected. Better if you start another topic in the HJT-Malware Removal forum. Follow this guide before posting a Hijackthis log. Also, it would be best if you Format/Reinstall as your computer is already compromised. Disconnect from the internet, and it would be better if you reply using another computer if you have one instead of using this computer.

Many Rootkits and backdoors can hook into the Windows 32-bit kernel, and patch several APIs to hide new registry keys and files they install. Remote attackers use backdoor Trojans and rootkits as part of an exploit to gain unauthorized access to a computer and take control of it without your knowledge.

If your computer was used for online banking, has credit card information or other sensitive data on it, you should immediately 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. You should change each password by using a different computer and 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?

Although the rootkit 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 that because this malware has been removed the computer is now secure. In some instances an infection may have caused so much damage to your system that it cannot be completely cleaned or repaired. The malware may leave so many remnants behind that security tools cannot find them. 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?

If you do not want to format/reinstall then follow the guide on starting a new topic in the HJT-Malware Removal forum.

With Regards,
Extremeboy

Well that is certainly discouraging and terrifying. I'd rather not reformat, but will do if necessary.
Thanks for your time and your help, and hopefully I can get some solutions on the HJT-Malware Removal forum.

istbar

Your welcome.

Well that is certainly discouraging and terrifying. I'd rather not reformat, but will do if necessary.

Well, it's better if I tell you it now then later. This also helps you get an idea of what kind of infection you have and take what action. I don't want to hide anything from you, so I will just say it straight forward.

We are very busy so it may take some time before we get a reply for you. If you do not recieve a reply withing 5 days post a reminder for us over here. We will try our best to get to you once you post in that topic.

With Regards,
Extremeboy

Hello.

Koal Yorel has moved your thread back here as we need to see a DDS scan so we have an idea of what's happening on your machine. We will continue over here as see if we can get DDS to work before we start another topic over there again. My instructions will be in the next post. Please stand by for a few minutes..

With Regards,
Extremeboy

Edited by extremeboy, 06 February 2009 - 08:58 PM.

Hello.

Side Note: If DDS.scr does not work, try if DDS.com works or DDS.pif works from the links in the preparation guide. If it does then just post the log directly into that forum, if not then continue in this topic, until we can get DDS to work.

Tell me if DDS.com/DDS.pif works or not in your next reply.

With Regards,
Extremeboy

Edited by extremeboy, 06 February 2009 - 08:57 PM.

Thanks for the continued assistance. I am home for the weekend now (the affected machine is my boss' work comp), and will be unable to check if DDS.com/.pif work or whether RSIT will be necessary. Will check first thing Monday morning.

Enjoy your weekend.

istbar

Okay. Thanks for letting us know. Tell us how it goes when you do get it back and require further assistance.

With Regards,
Extremeboy

I changed DDS.scr to DDS.pif and it worked.

DDS.txt:

DDS log removed. ~ OB

Please let me know what I need to do next. Thanks again.

istbar

Edited by Orange Blossom, 09 February 2009 - 11:15 PM.

Just to throw a glorious wrench in the works... after making my last post I thought I'd give a quick check to see if Windows Update would work... lo and behold! I can now link to all the update sites/servers that I was unable to before. Nothing was changed between Friday evening and this afternoon, but it somehow works now.

Just when I thought I was starting to get the slightest inkling of a notion of a concept of how this stuff work, the machine arbitrarily decides to fix itself. *sigh*

I know it's naive to think that everything is ok now, so I wait with baited breath for the bad news...

istbar

Hello.

Great you got it working again, but this is not the place for the DDS log. Post it in the HJT-Malware removal forum as I mentioned in my previous posts.

Post it over here please. Post a link in that topic referring to this page so the helper who is helping you has an idea of what's happening.

Good luck.

With Regards,
Extremeboy

Ok, I've started another new thread in the HJT log forum. I wasn't sure how to link back to this thread, so I pasted the url in the body of the text, like this: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/202117/dds-log-for-malware-removal/
If there is another way, please let me know.

Take care

istbar

Hello istbar.

Yes, that's what I meant. Sorry for not explaining it very clearly for you. Glad you figured it out yourself.

Please be patient before someone helps you. It may take more than 5 days or less. There are over 600+ logs that need to be answered at the moment.

Thanks for understanding and I will let a Mod close this thread now.

With Regards,
Extremeboy