Rogue XP Police antivirus

Hi

visited a website and was confronted by the XP Police Antivirus popups. The first thing I did was physically disconnected my modem. The next thing I did was kill the processs that I suspected were running, however I had to use Process Explorer to do this as ctrl alt del and Task Manager were locked out allegedly by my computers Administrator. After I killed the unfamilier processes I ran scans with Spybot Search and Destroy and AVG Free.

Fearing the worst I then used another isolated computer to access the web and find out more about this malware. I read a little of what was written on Kasperski's Forum and decided to visit this Forum for help. Because my infected computer has minimal protection with regards Firewall and Anti-virus I didn't want to hook it up to the web. So I did a number of the things that were suggested to another member. I downloaded Hijackthis, SuperAntispyware and ATF Cleaner. I ran Hijackthis and it created a log. I also ran ATF Cleaner and SuperAntispyware in that order. Super reported several references to XPPolice in the registry, in Windows Sys32 directory, Docs and settings and an XPPolice dir in Program files dir. It also mentioned a number of Vundo variants and Trojan Dropper/Gen-NV. I let Super to delete these objects.

I restarted my computer and ran SuperAntispyware with my computer in Safe Mode, it reported Rogue.XPPolice entries in the registry, another Vundu variant and a new BHO. I let Super delete these objects. I restarted my computer and ran Super again and it didn't report anything. I also ran Spybot Search and Destroy and that reported an XPPolice Directory in C: Program Files and an entry in the registry, I let Spybot fix these problems.

Since the restart I have had access to Task Manager, I do not have any popups and Process Explorer isn't showing any processes that I don't recognise though there is one or two that I'm suspicious of. And that is where I am now. I would really appreciate any help you can give me since I am pretty sure that the Rogue.XPPolice has just gone to ground and is replacing it's reg keys and its .exe by some means unknown to myself and the malware tools at my disposal.


Thanx in advance
Antony

Hello and welcome. A couple things to note.. Hijackthis is not something you want to use unsupervised. Deleting the wrong thing can render your PC unoperable.
Is there any warning or error associated with Task Manager..like Disabled by Administrator??

Next run MBAM:
Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (v1.32) and save it to your desktop.
alternate download link 1
alternate download link 2
If you have a previous version of MBAM, remove it via Add/Remove Programs and download a fresh copy.

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
• Double-click on 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. Alternatively, you can update through MBAM's interface from a clean computer, copy the definitions (rules.ref) located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from that system to a usb stick or CD and then copy it to the infected machine.

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 and exit MBAM.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you may be asked to reboot your computer so it can proceed with the disinfection process. Regardless if prompted to restart the computer or not, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware. 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 after scanning with MBAM. Please temporarily disable such programs or permit them to allow the changes.

Thanks for the very prompt reply

Here is the log from Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.34
Database version: 1766
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

16/02/2009 19:27:53
mbam-log-2009-02-16 (19-27-53).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 65731
Time elapsed: 4 minute(s), 1 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:\WINDOWS\system32\shell31.dll (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.


Also in answer to your question "Is there any warning or error associated with Task Manager..like Disabled by Administrator??"

Yesterday before I ran Superantispyware and Spybot scans I was unable to start Task Manager and "Disabled by Administrator" was the warning given.

I would just like to add that when I tried to post the original request for help my modem disconnected, it did this twice, so I went on to my other computer to see if the post had been successful or not, and apparently it had.

Edited by snowyman, 16 February 2009 - 02:37 PM.

You're very welcome!
For TASK MGR>>
This step involves making changes in the registry. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

Go to Start » Run and type: regedit

Click OK.
On the left side, click to highlight My Computer at the top.
Go up to File » Export
Make sure in that window there is a tick next to "All" under Export Branch.
Leave the "Save As Type" as "Registration Files".
Under "Filename" put RegBackup.
Choose to save it to C:\
Click save and then go to File » Exit.

Or you can download and use ERUNT which is an excellent free tool that allows you to to take a snapshot (backup) of your registry before making changes and restore it when needed.

Click on the link below:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Scroll down to #275 and click "Lift Restrictions - TM, Regedit and CMD" in the left column. Go to File, choose "Save page as" All Files and save regtmcmdrestore.vbs to your desktop. Double-click on that file to allow the script to run and reboot when done. Since the script modifies certain registry settings your anti-virus package may warn you about it. Ignore the warning and allow it to run.


Now Rerun MBAM

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

At the moment I am able to access Task Manager, I believe either SuperantiSpyware or Search and destroy fixed that, do you still recommend I run this script?

No if it's operating normally leave it.
Run the MBAm then run SAS...

From your regular user account..
Download Attribune's ATF Cleaner and then SUPERAntiSpyware , Free Home Version. Save both to desktop ..
DO NOT run yet.
Open SUPER from icon and install and Update it
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 and exit the program. DO NOT run yet.

Now reboot into Safe Mode: How to enter safe mode(XP)
Using the F8 Method
Restart your computer.
When the machine first starts again it will generally list some equipment that is installed in your machine, amount of memory, hard drives installed etc. At this point you should gently tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with a Windows XP Advanced Options menu.
Select the option for Safe Mode using the arrow keys.
Then press enter on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.

Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main "Select Files to Delete" choose: Select All.
Click the Empty Selected button.

If you use Firefox or Opera browser click that browser at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.

NOW Scan with SUPER
Open from the desktop icon or the program Files list
On the left, make sure you check C:\Fixed Drive.
Perform a Complete scan. After scan,Verify they are all checked.
Click OK on the summary screen to quarantine all found items.
If asked if you want to reboot, click "Yes" and reboot normally.

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.

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

Thanks again, here is the SUPERAntiSpyware log.

SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log
http://www.superantispyware.com

Generated 02/17/2009 at 01:22 AM

Application Version : 4.25.1012

Core Rules Database Version : 3760
Trace Rules Database Version: 1722

Scan type : Complete Scan
Total Scan Time : 02:03:50

Memory items scanned : 265
Memory threats detected : 0
Registry items scanned : 7036
Registry threats detected : 0
File items scanned : 33908
File threats detected : 0

You look good here. If you have no more issues showing up then...

Now 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 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 Start > 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 Start > 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 Users can refer to these links: Create a New Restore Point and Disk Cleanup.

Thanks very much for all your advice Boopme
And thanks for just being here!

Both my computer and I are feeling a lot better today, it's quite alarming how the virtual world can bite you and make you feel decidedly ill.

Keep up the good work, all of you at bleepingcomputer.com

You are very welcome and thanks for the kind words.
You're welcome , please take a moment to read quietman7's excellent prevention tips in post 17 here
Click>>Tips to protect yourself against malware and reduce the potential for re-infection: