Post-infection problems?

Hello, I have read a few great posts helping people resolve infections here, and figured that you are the people to whom I should turn.

My computer is running Windows XP SP2; I have tried to upgrade to SP 3 a few times, but it always hangs my computer (the computer won't load up once the update is installed), and then I have to do a system restore, so I've just been resigned to having the computer perpetually tell me that I have updates that can be installed.
In terms of protection, I was running ESET nod32 and Webroot Spy Sweeper, and I have spybot search and destroy loaded on the computer as well. The computer seemed clean for the longest time, regularly updating and everything, but about 2 1/2 weeks ago my antivirus and webroot spysweeper stopped updating, and the computer started doing odd things. I wasn't home, but when I got in my wife said that the computer (which was on, but the screen was turned off) had been making a lot of noise all evening. It had been opening up page after page, many of them blocked, but I suspect it was busily infecting itself. It wouldn't let me do a boot-up scan, so I I downloaded a new antivirus package and managed to get a lot of infections out.

I think I've managed to get rid of most or all of it, but I'm having residual problems so there may still be something hiding on here.

Sometimes when I do a google search and click on a link it instead takes me to scour.com, and sometimes when I try to open certain things (e.g., spoiler boxes on forums) it instead seems to stop all the links from working while opening up another window. That window doesn't end up connecting, thankfully. My webroot spysweeper still can't connect to the server to update (nor can I update by going to the site), and many antivirus sites won't load for me at all (e.g., the microsoft malware removal tool wouldn't D/L, so I had to get it on the laptop and transfer it over on a flash drive).

Any help is greatly appreciated,

Many Thanks,
Richard

Hello ,it appears you have an infection,, We will do a few scans then we can fix the Updater.
Please first turn offf SpyBot as it may interfere. If some of these won't run you may need to disable McAfee.
Are you running Windows firewall?

Next run MBAM (MalwareBytes):

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.Download Link 1
Download Link 2
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. Temporarily disable such programs or permit them to allow the changes.

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
• Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  For instructions with screenshots, please refer to the How to use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Guide.
• 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 definition 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.
• 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. Be sure to post the complete log to include the top portion which shows MBAM's database version and your operating system.
• Exit MBAM when done.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be asked to reboot your computer so MBAM can proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.



Next run ATF and SAS: If you cannot access Safe Mode,run in normal ,but let me know.

Note: On Vista, "Windows Temp" is disabled. To empty "Windows Temp" ATF-Cleaner must be "Run as an Administrator".

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 logs and Let us know how the PC is running now.

Well, I started, but the first thing that happened was that the Malwarebyte wouldn't update:
MBAM_ERROR_UPDATING (12007, 0, WinHttpSendRequest)

It wouldn't let me download the rules manually, so I downloaded them to the laptop and transfered them with a flash drive, then ran it to update the file. Hopefully that's ok.

MBAM log:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 4798

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer 7.0.5730.11

14/10/2010 9:52:36 PM
mbam-log-2010-10-14 (21-52-36).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 187896
Time elapsed: 34 minute(s), 45 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 3
Registry Values Infected: 2
Registry Data Items Infected: 5
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 4

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\3FWHZQA3LT (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\SMH2B46TDP (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\XML (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\3fwhzqa3lt (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\smh2b46tdp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Infected:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\AntiVirusDisableNotify (Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\FirewallDisableNotify (Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{b333b895-260d-4277-8d5d-8b6a3429dc21}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: 93.188.163.74,93.188.166.109 -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{b333b895-260d-4277-8d5d-8b6a3429dc21}\NameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: 93.188.163.74,93.188.166.109 -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{e3b3f012-a30e-46a3-947a-d978e7fc908c}\NameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: 93.188.163.74,93.188.166.109 -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Owner\Local Settings\Temp\veusll.exe (Trojan.Downloader) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Server\admin.txt (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Server\server.dat (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\Tasks\{22116563-108C-42c0-A7CE-60161B75E508}.job (Trojan.Downloader) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.


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

Generated 10/15/2010 at 10:59 AM

Application Version : 4.33.1000

Core Rules Database Version : 5687
Trace Rules Database Version: 3499

Scan type : Complete Scan
Total Scan Time : 12:15:58

Memory items scanned : 242
Memory threats detected : 0
Registry items scanned : 6819
Registry threats detected : 0
File items scanned : 176505
File threats detected : 0

Things seem better so far - haven't been redirected yet, and my Spy Sweeper was able to update.
Thanks so much, I can't believe how many things had escaped the various anti-malware packages I'd tried. Do you think it's clean now?

Edited by rmcateer, 15 October 2010 - 04:15 PM.

Ugh, nevermind, I just got another redirect from a google search.

This one sent me to Frisgo, and another time to Bing.com.

I managed to get a screenshot while it was redirecting me, the address was www.oargoenhtgni.com/search.php[searchterms] if that helps identify what it is.

Please ensure these items are excluded from your Antivirus AND your Firewall - 12007 error usually means that the download is being blocked -

Exclude Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware's Files and Folders From Other Active Security Programs:

For Windows XP:

•C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe
•C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe
•C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe
•C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\zlib.dll
•C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.dll
•C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamext.dll
•C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\rules.ref
•C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mbam.sys
•C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mbamswissarmy.sys

The FAQ contains examples of setting file exclusions for some known AV products


In any event also run this online scan ..
[*]Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
ESET OnlineScan
[*]Click the ESET Online Scanner button.
[*]For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)

• Click on Export to text file... to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
• Double click on the Eset Smart Installer icon on your desktop.

[*]Check the "YES, I accept the Terms of Use"
[*]Click the Start button.
[*]Accept any security warnings from your browser.
[*]Check Scan archives
[*]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 "List of found threats"
[*]Push "Export to text file", 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 "<<Back" button.
[*]Push Finish
[/list]In your next reply, please include the following:

• Eset Scan Log

Thanks, the ESET scan log is below:

C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Owner\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 1 for HSS-1.21-install-anchorfree-76-conduit.zip\HSS-1.21-install-anchorfree-76-conduit.exe a variant of Win32/HotSpotShield application deleted - quarantined

Are we able to update MBAM now?

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.

Yes, I was able to update MBAM, it found no issues this time:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 4855

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer 7.0.5730.11

16/10/2010 9:29:40 PM
mbam-log-2010-10-16 (21-29-40).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 170048
Time elapsed: 22 minute(s), 50 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)

OK, looks good here. If there are no more problems or signs of infection, 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.

Tips to protect yourself against malware and reduce the potential for re-infection:

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe.
• How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!.
• Hardening Windows Security - Part 1 & Part 2.
• Configuring Internet Explorer for Practical Security and Privacy - How to Secure Your Web Browser.
• Your Guide To Staying Safe Online.
• Use Task Manager to close pop-up messages to safely exit malware attacks.

• Avoid gaming sites, pirated software, cracking tools, keygens, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. They are a security risk which can make your computer susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, exposure of personal information, and identity theft. Many malicious worms and Trojans spread across P2P file sharing networks, gaming and underground sites. Users visiting such pages may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and malicious Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans and spyware. Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid these types of web sites and not use any P2P applications. Read P2P Software User Advisories and Risks of File-Sharing Technology.

• Keeping Autorun enabled on USB and other removable drives has become a significant security risk due to the increasing number of malware variants that can infect them and transfer the infection to your computer. To learn more about this risk, please read:

• USB-Based Malware Attacks.
• When is AUTORUN.INF really an AUTORUN.INF?.
• Please disable Autorun asap!.