[sinaplenty]

Problem started few weeks ago but just back from holiday so only just investigating. Every 10 minutes or so I get audio adverts but can't see anything running. Generally use Chrome but also have IE8 installed and what looked like two blank IE windows were open in the background when the problem first appeared.

Hijackthis log attached.

Thanks for any assistance.

[NeonFx]

Hello there Welcome to the TSG Forums.
My name is NeonFx. I'll be glad to help you with your computer problems. Logs can take some time to research, so please be patient with me.


Please note the following:

• The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used on this machine.
• Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine appears to be clean. Absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean that the system is completely clean.
• It's often worth reading through these instructions and printing them for ease of reference. I may ask you to boot into Safe Mode where you will be unable to follow my instructions online.
• If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to say or ask!! It's better to be sure and safe than sorry.
• Please refrain from doing any fixing of your own while I am assisting you with this problem. I need to keep track of what is going on as the order in which we do things can often be important.
• If this is a company owned system or a work computer let me know.
• Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.

Step 1

Download OTS to your Desktop

• Close ALL OTHER PROGRAMS.
• Double-click on OTS.exe to start the program.
• Check the box that says Scan All Users
• Under Basic Scans please change the radio button under Registry from Safe List to All.
• Under Additional Scans check the following:
  • Reg - Desktop Components
  • Reg - Disabled MS Config Items
  • Reg - NetSvcs
  • Reg - Shell Spawning
  • Reg - Uninstall List
  • File - Lop Check
  • File - Purity Scan
  • Evnt - EvtViewer (last 10)
• Please paste the contents of the following codebox into the Custom Scans box at the bottom

%SYSTEMDRIVE%\*.*
%systemroot%\system32\*.wt
%systemroot%\system32\*.ruy
%systemroot%\Fonts\*.com
%systemroot%\Fonts\*.dll
%systemroot%\Fonts\*.ini
%systemroot%\Fonts\*.ini2
%systemroot%\system32\spool\prtprocs\w32x86\*.tmp
%systemroot%\system32\Spool\prtprocs\w32x86\*.dll
%systemroot%\REPAIR\*.bak1
%systemroot%\REPAIR\*.ini
%systemroot%\system32\*.jpg
%systemroot%\*.scr
%systemroot%\*._sy
%APPDATA%\Adobe\Update\*.*
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Favorites\*.*
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\*.*
%PROGRAMFILES%\*.*
%APPDATA%\Update\*.*
%systemroot%\*. /mp /s
CREATERESTOREPOINT
%systemroot%\system32\*.dll /lockedfiles
%systemroot%\Tasks\*.job /lockedfiles
%systemroot%\System32\config\*.sav
%systemroot%\system32\user32.dll /md5
%systemroot%\system32\ws2_32.dll /md5
%systemroot%\system32\ws2help.dll /md5
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update\Results\Install|LastSuccessTime /rs

• Now click the Run Scan button on the toolbar.
• Let it run unhindered until it finishes.
• When the scan is complete Notepad will open with the report file loaded in it.
• Click the Format menu and make sure that Wordwrap is not checked. If it is then click on it to uncheck it.

Please attach the log in your next post. To do so click on the blue "Reply" button or "Go Advanced" and click on the "Manage Attachments" button

Step 2

GMER Rootkit Scanner
Please download GMER from one of the following locations and save it to your desktop:

• Main Mirror
  This version will download a randomly named file (Recommended)
• Zipped Mirror
  This version will download a zip file you will need to extract first. If you use this mirror, please extract the zip file to your desktop.

• Disconnect from the Internet and close all running programs. Make sure you disable your security programs as well, as they may interfere with the program.
• Double-click on the randomly named GMER file (i.e. n7gmo46c.exe) and allow the gmer.sys driver to load if asked.
• Note: If you downloaded the zipped version, extract the file to its own folder such as C:\gmer and then double-click on gmer.exe.
  
  
  
• GMER will open to the Rootkit/Malware tab and perform an automatic quick scan when first run. (do not use the computer while the scan is in progress)
• If you receive a WARNING!!! about rootkit activity and are asked to fully scan your system...click NO.
• Now click the Scan button. If you see a rootkit warning window, click OK.
• When the scan is finished, click the Save... button to save the scan results to your Desktop. Save the file as gmer.log.
• Click the Copy button and paste the results into your next reply.
• Exit GMER and re-enable your security programs when done.

If you have trouble running GMER, please try running it in Safe Mode. To get to Safe Mode you'll need to repeatedly tap the F8 key on your keyboard as you turn your computer on until a black and white menu appears with the option.

If you continue to have trouble with it, try running it without the "Files" scan checked.



Again, if the results are really long, please attach them using the instructions I gave you at the end of step 1. This is to avoid having to scroll down the page too much and make the space cleaner.

[sinaplenty]

Thanks very much for the quick response and help. Attached logs from OTS and GMER. You asked to mention if it is a work computer...the PC is on my work LAN but I run it as my own and can make any changes I like to the PC.

Thanks again.

[NeonFx]

Alright. Let's get fixing:

STEP 1

NOTE: ComboFix should NOT be used without supervision by someone trained in its use. It does a whole lot more to a system than just remove infected files.

Download ComboFix from one of these locations:

Link 1
Link 2


* IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop

• Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. Note: If you are having difficulty properly disabling your protective programs, or are unsure as to what programs need to be disabled, please refer to the information available through this link : Disabling Security Programs
• Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
  
  Note: Combofix will run without the Recovery Console installed.
• As part of it's process, ComboFix will check to see if the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed. With malware infections being as they are today, it's strongly recommended to have this pre-installed on your machine before doing any malware removal. It will allow you to boot up into a special recovery/repair mode that will allow us to more easily help you should your computer have a problem after an attempted removal of malware.
• Follow the prompts to allow ComboFix to download and install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console, and when prompted, agree to the End-User License Agreement to install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console.

**Please note: If the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is already installed, ComboFix will continue it's malware removal procedures.

Once the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed using ComboFix, you should see the following message:




Click on Yes, to continue scanning for malware.

When finished, it shall produce a log for you. Please include the C:\ComboFix.txt in your next reply.

Notes:

1. Do not mouse-click Combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
2. ComboFix may reset a number of Internet Explorer's settings, including making I-E the default browser.
3. Combofix prevents autorun of ALL CD, floppy and USB devices to assist with malware removal & increase security. If this is an issue or makes it difficult for you please let me know. A increasing number of infections are spreading using Autoplay and leaving it disabled is a good idea.
4. CF disconnects your machine from the internet. The connection is automatically restored before CF completes its run. If CF runs into difficulty and terminates prematurely, the connection can be manually restored by restarting your machine.


STEP 2

Please download MBRCheck.exe to your desktop.

• Be sure to disable your security programs
• Double click on the file to run it (Vista and Windows 7 users will have to confirm the UAC prompt)
• A window similar to this should open on your desktop:
  
  
  
  
• If you are prompted with options, enter N at the prompt and press Enter
• Press Enter again
• A .txt file named MBRCheck_mm.dd.yy_hh.mm.ss should appear on your deskop. Please post the contents of that file.

[sinaplenty]

Thanks for the continued help. Attached are logs from ComboFix and MBRCheck.

[NeonFx]

That's great. It seems like that took care of the problem. Let's clean up a bit and run a couple more scans to be sure we got everything:

STEP 1

Run OTS

• Under the Paste Fix Here box on the right, paste in the contents of following code box

[Unregister Dlls]
[Empty Temp Folders]
[EmptyFlash]
[ClearAllRestorePoints]
[Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done
• This will create a log in C:\_OTS\MovedFiles\<date>_<time>.log where date and time are those of when the fix was run. Open it from there if it does not appear automatically on reboot. Please copy and paste or attach the contents of that file here.

Note: You may receive some errors while running the fix. Just press Ok and the fix should continue normally.
If it seems to get stuck, give it some time. It's probably still working.


STEP 2

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from Here.

Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

• Make sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
• Once the program has loaded, select "Perform Full Scan", then click Scan. Scan all of your harddrives.
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
• When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart.(See Extra Note)
• The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
• Copy&Paste the entire report in your next reply.

Extra 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 immediatly.




STEP 3


Using Internet Explorer or Firefox, visit Kaspersky Online Scanner

1. Click Accept, when prompted to download and install the program files and database of malware definitions.



2. To optimize scanning time and produce a more sensible report for review:

• Close any open programs
• Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan. Click HERE to see how to disable the most common antivirus programs.

3. Click Run at the Security prompt.


The program will then begin downloading and installing and will also update the database.


Please be patient as this can take quite a long time to download.

• Once the update is complete, click on Settings.
• Make sure these boxes are checked (ticked). If they are not, please tick them and click on the Save button:
  • Spyware, adware, dialers, and other riskware
  • Archives
  • E-mail databases
• Click on My Computer under the green Scan bar to the left to start the scan.
• Once the scan is complete, it will display if your system has been infected. It does not provide an option to clean/disinfect. We only require a report from it.
• Do NOT be alarmed by what you see in the report. Many of the finds have likely been quarantined.
• Click View report... at the bottom.
• Click the Save report... button.
  
  
• Change the Files of type dropdown box to Text file (.txt) and name the file KasReport.txt to save the file to your desktop so that you may post it in your next reply

[sinaplenty]

Sorry for taking a while to post the results - combination of Kaspersky Scanner taking 3 attempts to complete, and having to get some actual work done No symptoms for last week though, brilliant.

Here are the logs from OTS, MBAM and Kaspersky.

OTS:

All Processes Killed
[Empty Temp Folders]


User: All Users

User: Chris
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 67 bytes

User: Chris1

User: Default User
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes

User: Francesc Mariscal
->Temp folder emptied: 57655 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 597813816 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 37048408 bytes
->Google Chrome cache emptied: 277418469 bytes
->Apple Safari cache emptied: 13175808 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 202262 bytes

User: LocalService
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 7779538 bytes
->FireFox cache emptied: 2542290 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 4624 bytes

User: NetworkService
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 456 bytes

%systemdrive% .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot% .tmp files removed: 1138618 bytes
%systemroot%\System32 .tmp files removed: 1162769 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\dllcache .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\drivers .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
Windows Temp folder emptied: 2497 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 87162 bytes
RecycleBin emptied: 6259064 bytes

Total Files Cleaned = 901.00 mb


[EMPTYFLASH]

User: All Users

User: Chris

User: Chris1

User: Default User

User: Francesc Mariscal
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: LocalService
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: NetworkService
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

Total Flash Files Cleaned = 0.00 mb


Restorepoints cleared and new OTS Restore Point set!
< End of fix log >
OTS by OldTimer - Version 3.1.35.0 fix logfile created on 08192010_140524

Files\Folders moved on Reboot...

Registry entries deleted on Reboot...

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

Database version: 4449

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

19/08/2010 18:01:30
mbam-log-2010-08-19 (18-01-30).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 247476
Time elapsed: 2 hour(s), 54 minute(s), 46 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 10
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:
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{191 27ad2-394b-70f5-c650-b97867baa1f7} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{344 6af26-b8d7-199b-4cfc-6fd764ca5c9f} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{43b f8cd1-c5d5-2230-7bb2-98f22c2b7dc6} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{477 6c4dc-e894-7c06-2148-5d73cef5f905} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{494 e6cec-7483-a4ee-0938-895519a84bc7} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{19127ad2-394b-70f5-c650-b97867baa1f7} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{3446af26-b8d7-199b-4cfc-6fd764ca5c9f} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{43bf8cd1-c5d5-2230-7bb2-98f22c2b7dc6} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{4776c4dc-e894-7c06-2148-5d73cef5f905} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\{494e6cec-7483-a4ee-0938-895519a84bc7} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

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)

Kaspersky:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KASPERSKY ONLINE SCANNER 7.0: scan report
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
Kaspersky Online Scanner version: 7.0.26.13
Last database update: Friday, August 20, 2010 07:29:41
Records in database: 4131583
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scan settings:
scan using the following database: extended
Scan archives: yes
Scan e-mail databases: yes

Scan area - My Computer:
A:\
C:\
D:\
P:\

Scan statistics:
Objects scanned: 151709
Threats found: 1
Infected objects found: 1
Suspicious objects found: 0
Scan duration: 06:07:56


File name / Threat / Threats count
C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\MBR_HardDisk0.mbr Infected: Trojan-Clicker.Win32.Wistler.a 1

Selected area has been scanned.

[NeonFx]

That's excellent. All Kaspersky found was what we took care of. Let's clean up:

STEP 1

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:

(If you use Vista or 7 just paste it into the text box that appears next to your start button)

ComboFix /Uninstall

Note: If you have trouble and it doesn't want to uninstall using the method described above, you can rename ComboFix.exe to Uninstall.exe and double click on it to uninstall it.

STEP 2

To clean up OldTimer's tools, along with a few others, do the following:

• Run OTS.exe by double clicking on it
• Click on the "CleanUp" button on the top.
• You will be asked if you wish to reboot your system, select "Yes"

STEP 3

Remove any other tools or files we used by right-clicking on them or any folders they created, hold down the Shift key, and select "Delete" by clicking on it. This will delete the files without sending them to the RecycleBin.

You can also uninstall the other programs (HijackThis or MalwareBytes if we used them) by going to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove programs (The Control Panel is different in different versions of Windows. It will be Programs and Features in Vista and Programs > Uninstall a Program in 7)

You might want to keep MalwareBytes AntiMalware though and that's fine Make sure you update it before you run the scans in the future.

All Clean

Congratulations!, , your system is now clean. Now that your system is safe we would like you to keep it that way. Take the time to follow these instructions and it will greatly reduce the risk of further infections and greatly diminish the chances of you having to visit here again.

Microsoft Windows Update
Microsoft releases patches for Windows and Office products regularly to patch up Windows and Office products loopholes and fix any bugs found. Install the updates immediately if they are found.
To update Windows
Go to (Start) > (All) Programs > Windows Update
To update Office
Open up any Office program.
Go to Help > Check for Updates


Install WinPatrol
Download it HERE
You can find information about how WinPatrol works HERE and HERE

Note: This program will work alongside all other security programs without conflicts. It might ask you to allow certain actions that security programs perform often, but if you tell Scotty to remember the action by checking the option, the alerts will lessen.

Other Software Updates
It is very important to update the other software on your computer to patch up any security issues you may have. Go HERE to scan your computer for any out of date software. In particular make sure you download the updates for Java and Adobe as these are subject to many security vulnerabilities.

Setting up Automatic Updates
So that it is not necessary to have to remember to update your computer regularly (something very important to securing your system), automatic updates should be configured on your computer. Microsoft has guides for XP and Vista on how to do this. See HERE for Windows 7.

Read further information HERE, HERE, and HERE on how to prevent Malware infections and keep yourself clean.


Please mark this thread as Solved by clicking on the button at the top of this page. Let me know if you need anything else.

[sinaplenty]

Brilliant, all sorted and PC running much more smoothly again. This forum is the best, thanks very much for your patience and help.

[NeonFx]

You're very welcome sinaplenty I'll mark this as Solved for you.