[rydash]

I'm not really sure what to do here. AVG 9's Resident Shield informs me of Pakes.GDP virus being present in my Local Settings/Temp folder. I've deleted the offending files, but it keeps coming back, though the folders that the virus is alleged to be in no longer exist. Thinking it was a false positive, I temporarily whitelisted that segment.

Today I got a new message about the same virus being present in a folder known as Toetef in the Application Data folder. Once more, I've removed the offending files, yet do not believe the issue is resolved.

Why do I think this? Well, every few seconds, something is sending a request to connect to a specific IP, 193.105.207.29 . Malwarebytes is blocking this for now, but I'm not content with treating the symptoms.

Oh, TSG people, please help me. I want to avoid reformatting like the plague, but I also want a clean and happy computer again.

[rydash]

Included below is a HijackThis log. Sorry for not providing it sooner.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 6:03:36 PM, on 7/25/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgchsvx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgrsx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Brightness.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\ipoint.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PSIService.exe
c:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\dpupdchk.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPointP\SetPoint.exe
C:\Program Files\DivX\DivX Update\DivXUpdate.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools Lite\daemon.exe
C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMERunner.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\STacSV.exe
C:\Program Files\Pando Networks\Media Booster\PMB.exe
C:\Program Files\WizMouse\WizMouse.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgnsx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Pen_Tablet.exe
C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMEService.exe
C:\Program Files\VentSrv\ventrilo_svc.exe
C:\Program Files\VentSrv\ventrilo_srv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WTablet\Pen_TabletUser.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchIndexer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Pen_Tablet.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Desktop Search\WindowsSearch.exe
C:\Program Files\Stardock\Impulse\Now\ImpulseNow.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Tray Tools\ATI Tray Tools\atitray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LogiShrd\KHAL3\KHALMNPR.EXE
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Roger D. McGill\Desktop\StarDock ObjectDock 1.9.0.536 Portable\JPE\Programs\StarDock\ObjectDock\ObjectDock.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\UWA\AAM Updates Notifier.exe
C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe
C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox 3.6 Beta 4\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox 3.6 Beta 4\plugin-container.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchProtocolHost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HiJackThis\HiJackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.skip-search.com/?cfg=2-82-0-nIWc

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
O2 - BHO: AskBar BHO - {201f27d4-3704-41d6-89c1-aa35e39143ed} - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\askBar.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: Groove GFS Browser Helper - {72853161-30C5-4D22-B7F9-0BBC1D38A37E} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveShellExtensions.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Gears Helper - {E0FEFE40-FBF9-42AE-BA58-794CA7E3FB53} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Gears\Internet Explorer\0.5.36.0\gears.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Foxit Toolbar - {3041d03e-fd4b-44e0-b742-2d9b88305f98} - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\askBar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleTime] C:\WINDOWS\system32\AppleTime.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Brightness] C:\WINDOWS\system32\Brightness.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SigmatelSysTrayApp] sttray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GrooveMonitor] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG9_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliPoint] "c:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\ipoint.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdobeAAMUpdater-1.0] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\UWA\UpdaterStartupUtility.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SwitchBoard] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\SwitchBoard\SwitchBoard.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdobeCS5ServiceManager] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\CS5ServiceManager\CS5ServiceManager.exe" -launchedbylogin
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EvtMgr6] C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPointP\SetPoint.exe /launchGaming
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DivXUpdate] "C:\Program Files\DivX\DivX Update\DivXUpdate.exe" /CHECKNOW
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware] "C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe" /starttray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools Lite] "C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools Lite\daemon.exe" -autorun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TomTomHOME.exe] "C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMERunner.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Pando Media Booster] C:\Program Files\Pando Networks\Media Booster\PMB.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WizMouse] "C:\Program Files\WizMouse\WizMouse.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [{567ED2F9-1C90-F3A4-90D7-177755798AD3}] "C:\Documents and Settings\Roger D. McGill\Application Data\Qaboy\ecal.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [{34A09B45-C14A-A4C6-3BCD-A6431BDF2A5B}] "C:\Documents and Settings\Roger D. McGill\Application Data\Koetv\arkom.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [FlashPlayerUpdate] C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashUtil10b.exe
O4 - S-1-5-18 Startup: Digsby.lnk = C:\Program Files\Digsby\digsby.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - S-1-5-18 Startup: Impulse Now.lnk = C:\Program Files\Stardock\Impulse\Now\ImpulseNow.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - S-1-5-18 Startup: Shortcut to atitray.lnk = C:\Program Files\ATI Tray Tools\ATI Tray Tools\atitray.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - .DEFAULT Startup: Digsby.lnk = C:\Program Files\Digsby\digsby.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - .DEFAULT Startup: Impulse Now.lnk = C:\Program Files\Stardock\Impulse\Now\ImpulseNow.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - .DEFAULT Startup: Shortcut to atitray.lnk = C:\Program Files\ATI Tray Tools\ATI Tray Tools\atitray.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: Digsby.lnk = C:\Program Files\Digsby\digsby.exe
O4 - Startup: Impulse Now.lnk = C:\Program Files\Stardock\Impulse\Now\ImpulseNow.exe
O4 - Startup: Shortcut to atitray.lnk = C:\Program Files\ATI Tray Tools\ATI Tray Tools\atitray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Photosmart Premier Fast Start.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqthb08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Windows Search.lnk = C:\Program Files\Windows Desktop Search\WindowsSearch.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {09C04DA7-5B76-4EBC-BBEE-B25EAC5965F5} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Gears\Internet Explorer\0.5.36.0\gears.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Gears Settings - {09C04DA7-5B76-4EBC-BBEE-B25EAC5965F5} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Gears\Internet Explorer\0.5.36.0\gears.dll
O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {40F576AD-8680-4F9E-9490-99D069CD665F} (System Requirements Lab Class) - http://srtest-cdn.systemrequirements...qlabdetect.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1248891472454
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{A287C585-9F7F-4B4F-970C-D63E44B937E3}: NameServer = 151.197.0.38,151.197.0.39
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{A848CEB0-28CC-44A0-9F06-788B818D72D8}: NameServer = 151.197.0.38,151.197.0.39
O18 - Protocol: grooveLocalGWS - {88FED34C-F0CA-4636-A375-3CB6248B04CD} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveSystemServices.dll
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgpp.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - avgrsstx.dll (file missing)
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: FencesShellExt - {1984DD45-52CF-49cd-AB77-18F378FEA264} - C:\Program Files\Stardock\Fences\FencesMenu.dll
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free WatchDog (avg9wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: HP Status Server - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\HPBOID.EXE
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Oracle - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: Logitech Bluetooth Service (LBTServ) - Logitech, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LogiShrd\Bluetooth\lbtserv.exe
O23 - Service: MBAMService - Malwarebytes Corporation - C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: ProtexisLicensing - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PSIService.exe
O23 - Service: SigmaTel Audio Service (STacSV) - SigmaTel, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\STacSV.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe SwitchBoard (SwitchBoard) - Adobe Systems Incorporated - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\SwitchBoard\SwitchBoard.exe
O23 - Service: TabletServicePen - Wacom Technology, Corp. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Pen_Tablet.exe
O23 - Service: TomTomHOMEService - TomTom - C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMEService.exe
O23 - Service: Ventrilo - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\VentSrv\ventrilo_svc.exe

--
End of file - 12509 bytes

[rydash]

Further information: Malwarebytes identifies a Trojan.Dropper in the place AVG seems to reference with its messages. However, deleting the offending data appears to do nothing.

Additionally, requests are still attempting to be sent to that volatile IP. It's really concerning me at this point.

[rydash]

It would appear the virus (or, as I'm beginning to suspect, viruses?) have moved to the Application Data folder, creating nonsensical folder names. I'm stopping those that I can, but I really need some help, here - I have no idea what to do next.

[rydash]

Good news: The original IP is now not being requested anymore, according to MBAM's logs.

Bad news: A new IP has taken its place - however, whatever is causing this makes requests to it only every 15 minutes or so.

EDIT: Also, AVG reports of something called Generic18. Not sure what that is. Please help.

[rydash]

Still need help.

[dvk01]

pakes is a file infector virus so first step is

* Run Kaspersky online virus scan Kaspersky Online Scanner.

After the updates have downloaded, click on the "Scan Settings" button.
select the (b)"Spyware, Adware, Dialers and other potentially dangerous programs" for the scan.
Under "Please select a target to scan", click "My Computer".
When the scan is finished, Save the results from the scan!

Note: Kavscan is a scanner only & won't fix anything but will normally find the most infected files so it's report gives us a good place to work from

If that won't run then
Run an online antivirus check from one of the following sites

http://www.eset.com/online-scanner
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html

[rydash]

Sorry, this took quite a bit of time.

Objects scanned 154741
Threats found 6
Infected objects found 67
Suspicious objects found 0
Scan duration 05:08:07

C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll/C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll
Infected: Trojan.Win32.Patched.gq 60

C:\Documents and Settings\[Username]\Desktop\Other Programs\DONKEY KONG\DONKEY KONG.exe
Infected: Trojan-Clicker.Win32.VBiframe.cqw 1

C:\Documents and Settings\[Username]\Desktop\Other Programs\Flood_The_Chamber.exe
Infected: Constructor.Win32.IDL.ej 1

C:\Documents and Settings\[Username]\Desktop\Other Programs\gpdi\Games_Games_1.1\daemon408-x86.exe
Infected: not-a-virus:WebToolbar.Win32.WhenU.a 1

C:\Program Files\AdvancedDefrag\RM.dll
Infected: Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Agent.eaof 1

C:\RECYCLER\S-1-5-21-1659004503-790525478-839522115-1004\Dc170.rar
Infected: Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Exchanger.bat 1

C:\RECYCLER\S-1-5-21-1659004503-790525478-839522115-1004\Dc171.rar
Infected: Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Agent.eaof 1

C:\RECYCLER\S-1-5-21-1659004503-790525478-839522115-1004\Dc172\Advanced.Defrag.v3.5\AdvancedDefrag_Setup.exe
Infected: Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Agent.eaof 1

I chuckled a bit at the "not-a-virus" part of the one. However, some of these seem benign, as Flood The Chamber is a freeware game...at any rate, User32.dll seems to be the concern at this point.

[dvk01]

Delete any existing version of ComboFix you have sitting on your desktop

Please read and follow all these instructions very carefully

Download ComboFix from Here or Hereto your Desktop.

**Note: It is important that it is saved directly to your desktop and run from the desktop and not any other folder on your computer**
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.

• Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus and anti-malware real-time protection and any script blocking components of them or your firewall before performing a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause "unpredictable results" or stop combofix running at all
• Click on THIS LINK to see instructions on how to temporarily disable many security programs while running combofix. The list does not cover every program. If yours is not listed and you don't know how to disable it, please ask.
• Remember to re enable the protection again after combofix has finished

--------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Close any open browsers and any other programs you might have running

Double click on combofix.exe & follow the prompts.

If you are using windows XP It might display a pop up saying that "Recovery console is not installed, do you want to install?"
Please select yes & let it download the files it needs to do this
When finished, it will produce a report for you.
Please post the "C:\ComboFix.txt" for further review


****Note: Do not mouseclick combofix's window while it's running. That may cause it to stall or freeze ****

Note: ComboFix may reset a number of Internet Explorer's settings, including making it the default browser.
Note: Combofix prevents autorun of ALL CDs, floppies and USB devices to assist with malware removal & increase security. If this is an issue or makes it difficult for you -- please tell us when you reply. Read HERE why we disable autoruns

Please do not install any new programs or update anything (always allow your antivirus/antispyware to update) unless told to do so while we are fixing your problem. If combofix alerts to a new version and offers to update, please let it. It is essential we always use the latest version.

Please tell us if it has cured the problems or if there are any outstanding issues

[rydash]

Everything seems to be okay! I'm not getting any more warning messages, which is good. I'm starting to suspect that the repeated connection attempts may be from a misbehaving program...but if they're being blocked anyhow, then it shouldn't be that much of a worry. Though I'm open to any further insights, if you've got them.

[dvk01]

post teh combofix log so we can fix the infected user32.dll

[rydash]

Alrighty, beware of the heftiness! It's included as an attachment.

[dvk01]

looks like combofix repaired the dmaged user32.dll

*Follow these steps to uninstall Combofix and the other tools it downloaded to remove the malware*
* Click START then RUN
* Now type Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the /U, it needs to be there.


This will also purge the restore folder and clear any malware that has been put in there. Now Empty Recycle bin on desktop Then reboot.

go here http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?page=3 for info on how to tighten your security settings and how to help prevent future attacks.

and scan here http://secunia.com/software_inspector/ for out of date & vulnerable common applications on your computer and update whatever it suggests

Then pay an urgent visit to windows update & make sure you are fully updated, that will help to plug the security holes that let these pests on in the first place

[rydash]

Thank you once again!