Issue with accessing certain internet sites

[Myrph]

Within the last 2-3 days my computer contracted something that meant that certain websites (e.g. Google.co.uk but only the search results, Yahoo.co.uk, Ebay.co.uk, Ask.co.uk, all invisionfree forum sites, among various others) could not be accessed through any of my internet browsers. Suspecting something nasty had got me, I went through your steps to clear my computer of spyware/malware/etc. and though this solved my problem and I can now access all the sites I wish, I wanted to post the logs from my scans, just in case there was anything else lurking about that could be detrimental to the health of my PC.

I know that you don't like looking at other logs, however, I wanted a second opinion on a Trend Micro virus scan log that happened when I scanned in safe mode. As far as I can see, its just killed short of a dozen legitimate pieces of software for 'generic' viruses and trojans. Were the files that its deleted (without my permission I might add) actually a threat to my system, if so what are the 'generic' things it found, or is it just wrongfully attacking a load of my software?

 

[raybay]

Yes there was a threat to your system. Two serious infestations, and a resulting registry infection
After finding, and deleting, both Rootkit Agent and Trojan Vundo, and your registry being infected, I would reboot and re-run MalwareBytes again. Then immediately shut down and run it again in SAFE MODE.

 

[Myrph]

Ah, brilliant... In theory, everything that was found in those logs should have been removed/dealt with. Nevertheless, I'm doing another scan with MalwareBytes just to be on the safe side.

 

[Blind Dragon]

Run CFScript

Open notepad and copy/paste the text in the code box below into it:
NOTE* make sure to only highlight and copy what is inside the quote box nothing out side of it.
Also ..

Pay particular attention to this :-

Make sure the word File:: is on the first line of the text file you save (no blank line above it, & no space in front of it)

File::
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wfydbrwo.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\gxxsalej.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\uhojfwey.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\pqasghjd.sys
C:\WINDOWS\system32\xxyyyAqp.dll

Registry::
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"Aim6"=-
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"NWEReboot"=-

Save this as CFScript.txt

Then drag the CFScript.txt into ComboFix.exe as you see in the screenshot below.

This will start ComboFix again. After reboot, (in case it asks to reboot), Attach Combofix.txt in your next reply together with a fresh HJT log.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Right click on this link DelO15Domains.inf and choose Save As. Save it to your desktop. Right click on that file and choose Install. It will run immediately (you won't be able to see anything happen). You may delete it afterwards. NOTE: This script will delete any sites you may have added to the Trusted Sites. So if you want them back, you have to add them back to the Trusted Sites again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Run Kaspersky Online AV Scanner

Order to use it you have to use Internet Explorer.
Go to Kaspersky and click the Accept button at the end of the page.

Note for Internet Explorer 7 users: If at any time you have trouble with the accept button of the licence, click on the Zoom tool located at the right bottom of the IE window and set the zoom to 75 %. Once the license accepted, reset to 100%.

• Read the Requirements and limitations before you click Accept.
• Allow the ActiveX download if necessary.
• Once the database has downloaded, click Next.
• Click on "My Computer"
• When the scan has completed, click Save Report As...
• Enter a name for the file in the Filename: text box and then click the down arrow to the right of Save as type: and select text file (*.txt)
• Click Save - by default the file will be saved to your Desktop, but you can change this if you wish.

Attach the report into your next reply


Attach Here:
1) Combofix log
2) New Hijackthis
3) Kaspersky log

 

[Myrph]

Okay, so here are the results of my latest set of tests...

Make what you will of it, and let me know how dead my computer is ;p

 

[Blind Dragon]

is your computer not running better?


Delete everything in this folder but not the folder itself:
C:\Documents and Settings\Nathan\.housecall6.6\Quarantine\

Then these items appear to be something to do with your email:
C:\Program Files\Mail Stuff!!\Local Folders.7z
C:\Program Files\Mail Stuff!!\Local Folders\Sent

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Uninstall Combofix
* Click START then RUN
* Now type Combofix /u in the runbox
* Make sure there's a space between Combofix and /u
* Then hit Enter.

* The above procedure will:
* Delete the following:
* ComboFix and its associated files and folders.
* Reset the clock settings.
* Hide file extensions, if required.
* Hide System/Hidden files, if required.
* Set a new, clean Restore Point.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

OTCleanit! by Oldtimer

• Download OTCleanIt
• Click the CleanUp! button.
  • It will go thorugh the list and remove all of the tools it finds and then delete itself (requiring a reboot).

 

[Myrph]

Yeah, its running loads better thanks! I just want it to be as free from nasties as possible. My sister has killed about 3 computers in the last 12-15 months, presumably from getting lots of unpleasant stuff on her computer, and I guess its just made me a little paranoid!

Thanks for the help!

 

[Blind Dragon]

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

1. Set correct settings for files
   • Click Start > My Computer > Tools menu (at top of page) > Folder Options > View tab.
   • Under "Hidden files and folders" if necessary select Do not show hidden files and folders.
   • If unchecked please check Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
   • If necessary check "Display content of system folders"
   • If necessary Uncheck Hide file extensions for known file types.
   • Click OK
   
   clear system restore points
   • 
     This is a good time to clear your existing system restore points and establish a new clean restore point:
     • Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
     • Select Create a restore point, and Ok it.
     • Next, go to Start > Run and type in cleanmgr
     • Select the More options tab
     • Choose the option to clean up system restore and OK it.
     This will remove all restore points except the new one you just created.
   
   
2. Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
   1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
   2. Click once on the Security tab
   3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
   4. Click once on the Custom Level button.
      • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
        
      • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
        
      • Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
        
      • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
        
      • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
        
      • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
        
      • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
        
      • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
   5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
   
   
3. Use an AntiVirus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.
   
   See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:
   
   Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources
   
   
4. Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
   
   
5. Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
   
   For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
   
   Understanding and Using Firewalls
   
   
6. Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.This is done in Vista through control panel -> windows updates.
   
   
7. Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.
   
   A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
   
   Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers
   
   
8. Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
   
   A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
   
   Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
   
   
9. Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

here are some additional utilities that will enhance your safety

• IE/Spyad <= IE/Spyad places over 4000 websites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
• MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
• Google Toolbar <= Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
• Winpatrol <= Download and install the free version of Winpatrol. a tutorial for this product is located here:
  Using Winpatrol to protect your computer from malicious software

 

[Myrph]

Okay, I've sorted most of that. Couple of issues that have come up is that I cannot use SS&D since the current version of Trend Micro Internet Security apparently cannot run alongside it and although I did have it on my computer, I was forced to delete it when I installed that.

Also, I rarely use IE in favour of Firefox, only switching to IE when a certain website calls for it. Is there anything I can do within FF to provide the same or at least similar security, or will I need to switch back to IE (something I'm somewhat loathe to do...)?

 

[Blind Dragon]

Firefox is more secure

Spyware Blaster can secure IE, Firefox, and your restricted sits

You are right in thinking to not use IE unless you have to. I just put those settings up in my clean speach because it is still a good idea to secure IE even if you don't use it.

 

[raybay]

Spybot S&D, though popular and fun, is practically worthless. Every bit of research, no matter who does the analysis, shows that it does little or nothing with any serious threat. It is mainly for Cookies and very old spyware. TeaTimer doesn't add anything useful, really. Use Adaware 2008 which is much more effective, along with MalwareBytes or SuperAntiSpyware.
I would not worry about not having it.
Be careful about installing too many programs... no more than three spyware, because they such up memory and generate a lot of processes that slow down, and clutter up, the computer.

 

[raybay]

Every security software suite I know of will work fine in Firefox...and in IE... whichever you are connect at the time.
The only time you "NEED" Internet Explorer is when you are communicating with Microsoft... downloading, updating, installing, knowledgebase inquiries, ordering software, manual security updates, etc.

 

[Myrph]

Thanks raybay, I thought that would probably be the case, but its reassuring to hear it again from someone like you!

I reckon I'm probably sorted now, all the initial problems have been solved, so I think that's it now! Thanks to you both for your help, it was greatly appreciated!