Avast URL:Mal spam

Viruses and worms
1

Dear volunteers,

I have been receiving repeated “virus has been detected” popups from Avast, originating from C:\Windows\explorer.exe. Since then I have run MalwareBytes and FRST on my system (logs attached), the former of which cleared some Trojans, and I have never seen the popup from Avast ever since (nor have I seen the second explorer.exe process in Task Manager hogging memory).

I hope I’m not being too paranoid, but is there anything else I need to do to ensure that the viruses are wiped from my system for good?

Thanks in advance!

2

Hello bennw11 and welcome to avast!. I will be working on your Malware issues.

Please note that these fixes are not instantaneous. Most infections require more than one round to properly eradicate.

Please stay with me until given the ‘all clear’ even if symptoms seemingly abate.

Kindly follow my instructions and please do no fixing on your own or running of scanners unless requested by a helper

  1. Please download ComboFix by sUBs (
    http://www.mcshield.net/personal/magna86/Images/IconComboFix.png
    ) from here and save it to your Desktop.
    [i]If you are unsure how ComboFix works, read this guide.
  1. Temporarily disable your AntiVirus program, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may interfere with Combofix.
    If you are unsure how to do this please read this or this Instruction.

Instructions how to disable avast:
• Right click on the avast! system tray icon (
http://www.mcshield.net/pg/images/avast5.png
) in the lower right corner of the screen and scroll up to avast! shield controls;
• In the menu that appears, choose Disable Permanently. When you are prompted to turn off security, click Yes.

Note: Do not forget to turn back on this option after the cleaning by choosing avast! shield controls > Enable all shield options.

  1. Run ComboFix. Then, on disclaimer window, click I Agree! button.

[i][size=7pt]- ComboFix will check if there is a newer version of ComboFix available.
Click Yes if prompted to download.
-If Recovery Console is not installed, ComboFix will offer download & installation.
Click Yes to allow ComboFix to install Recovery Console.

  • ComboFix will scan your computer in stages, total of 50 stages.
    Do not mouse-click around while ComboFix is running.
  • If malware is detected, ComboFix will begin with its removal, and may need to restart Windows.
    Note:If you see a message like “Illegal operation attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion” just restart your computer.
    [/i]
  1. When the tool is finished, it will produce a log report for you. (typical location: C:\ComboFix.txt)
    => Attach log report (ComboFix.txt) back to topic.

ComboFix shall also create addition log (typical location: C:\Qoobox\ComboFix-quarantined-files.txt)
=> Please attach that report (ComboFix-quarantined-files.txt) as well.

Now, please reset your browser settings back to there default, here is how to do that;

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/reset-firefox-easily-fix-most-problems
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/3296214?hl=en

3

Thanks for the speedy response.

All instructions have been followed through, with a few unexpected errors:

  • during 50 stage scan, error “Commandline standard stream splitter has stopped working” appeared numerous times, had to click close program manually each time;
  • right before system restart triggered by ComboFix, multiple popups appeared stating that creation of backup files could not be done.

Attached is the log.

4

Hello bennw11, everything went just fine. Now reset your browser as instructed and monitor computer behavior. Tell me, has alearts hushed?

5

Browser reset.

Alerts have hushed since the Malwarebyte scan even before using Combofix.

Nothing seems to have changed since using Combofix - everything seems fine on the surface! Only one explorer.exe process running, is it safe to assume the virus is purged for good?

6

Yes, you where infected with ‘Trojan.Agent.ED’, droper and Malwrebytes has done the job. With ComboFix I was done some additional examing …

Glad I could help. Posted logs appear cleans and show no signs of active infection. You should be good to go …

We’re gonna remove my used tools now as well as carry out some further cleaning and security settings. To learn more about how to protect yourself I’ll give you a few tips for reading.

• The following will implement some post-cleanup procedures:

http://www.mcshield.net/pg/images/arrow.png
It is necessary to uninstall ComboFix :

[*]Click Start (or
http://amf.mycity.rs/pg/images/VistaStartButton.png
) then Run.
On Windows7 or Vista you may use Start Search field if Run is not available.

[*]In the line of text type in (Copy) the following:

ComboFix /Uninstall

Note that there is a space between " ComboFix " and " /Uninstall " .

[*]then click OK (or press Enter ).

Wait for the uninstall process is complete. This will uninstall ComboFix. It will also implement some cleanup procedures and reset System Restore to prevent reinfection from old restore points.

http://www.mcshield.net/pg/images/arrow.png
Please download DelFix by Xplode to your Desktop.

Run the tool and check the following boxes below;
[i]
http://www.mcshield.net/personal/magna86/Images/checkmark.png
Remove disinfection tools

http://www.mcshield.net/personal/magna86/Images/checkmark.png
Create registry backup

http://www.mcshield.net/personal/magna86/Images/checkmark.png
Purge System Restore [/i]
Click Run button and wait a few seconds for the programme completes his work.
At this point all the tools we used here should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:[b]DelFix.txt[/b])

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.

Tip: Do not use security tools such as ComboFix, FRST, Zoek and the like. These are advanced security tool, should not be used without supervision.

• Learn how to protect yourself:

=> In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software and Windows Operating System.

It is important that you visit Windows Update regularly.
How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows

It’s vital that you keep all your software up-to-date as older versions may have some security vulnerabilities. Keeping Java and Adobe update is priority.
Download and install latest version of Java
Download and install latest version of Adobe Reader

=> I recommend that you use one of the fantastic opportunities provided by
http://www.mcshield.net/pg/images/avast5.png
avast! AntiVirus.

For security protection, an active AntiVirus is required. If you want to reinforce your security setup I recommended additional security software and utilities:
Download and install Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and perform ‘Threat Scan’ from time to time. Malwarebytes will detect and remove all traces of known malware.
Download and install MCShield Anti-Malware Tool to prevent infections transmitted via removable drives.
Download and install Unchecky to keeps your checkboxes clear by preventing installing additional adware and other PUP bad software.
Download and install AdBlock for safe web browser surfing without annoying and malicious advertising ads.

• Extra text for reading:

Please visit and review PC Safety and Security - What Do I Need? for some helpful information.

Please visit FAQ - Answers to common security questions - Best Practices to read tips how to protect yourself against malware infection.

You may also visit and read What to do if your Computer is running slowly? if you like to read some basic geek stuff.

• The specific type of infection:

Meet CryptoPrevent. Security app that shall attempt to prevent dangerous malware that encrypts certain types of files stored on your disk, like CryptoWall, CryptoLocker and simular clones.

More information about this family of malicious software: CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ ;
Cryptolocker Ransomware: What You Need To Know and CryptoDefense and How_Decrypt Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ

Stay safe.

Best Regards,
magna86

7

All done, greatly appreciate your time and help! I’ll be more careful next time.