Avast will not open (group policy issue)

Hello,

Google’s turning this forum up for this kind of issue most often, so I thought I’d come and post my problem here and hope for a solution.

MalwareBytes has been run thrice, the last being clean. Two logs attached. In addition to the problem described in the title, I’ve had to disable Firefox Adobe Flash plugin as every five seconds it would crash and bring a warning screen up.

I have Farbar running right now, and will run aswMBR after it finishes.

Thank you in advance,

Firebert

Attached are the FRST logs.

I’m taking a shot here. I’m guessing the Trojan.Sathurbot that MBAM just removed set a GP up on avast!.

Remover Notified.

I see you have IOBit installed. I recommend you remove it right now, and read the following link.
https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?/topic/33217-iobit-theft-conclusion/

IOBit doesn’t appear in Programs and Features; it may have been previously CCleaned. Any suggestions?

I’m only really seeing an Orphan file…

E:\Program Files (x86)\IObit\Game Booster 3\Driver\WinRing0x64.sys .

I would wait, A remover will probably remove it for you anyways.

Do note; it’s around Midnight for them. They might be a while until they can have a look and post.

It’s fine, I’m currently on reverse shifts, so I won’t be back until ~1500 BST, so I just wanted to give you guys as much info as I can.

EDIT: aswMBR seems to be stuck at “Scanning: C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\Hola\firefox\app\zplugin.dll”. aswMBR is still scanning, albeit at an incredibly slow pace, and explorer.exe is incredibly unstable.

aswMBR log attached.

Please note that I’ve had problems with nvstor64.sys before (as detailed in this link).

Kind regards,

Hi Firebert, :slight_smile:

My name is Valinorum and I will be the acolyte today. Before we proceed, please, acknowledge yourself the following(s):

[*]Please do not create any new threads on this while we are working on your system as it wastes another volunteer’s time. If you are being helped/have solved the issue/no longer wish to continue, notify me in your reply and I will quickly close this thread. Failing to comply will result in denial of future assistance.
[*]Please do not install any new software while we are working on this system as it may hinder our process.
[*]Malware removal is a complicated process so don’t stop following the steps even if the symptoms are not found. Keep up with me until I declare you clean.
[*]Please do not try to fix anything without being ask.
[*]Please do not attach your logs or put them inside code/quote tags. Do a Copy/Paste of the entire contents of the log file and submit it inside your post unless directed otherwise.
[*]Please print or save the instructions I give you for quick reference. We may be using Safe mode which will cut you off from internet and you will not always be able to access this thread.
[*]Back up your data. I will not knowingly suggest your any course that might damage your system but sometimes Malware infections are so severe that only option we have is to re-format and re-install the operating system.
[*]If you are confused about any instruction, stop and ask. Do not keep on going.
[*]Do not repeat the steps if you face any problems.
[*]I am not an omniscient. There are things even I cannot foresee. But what I know took years to learn and perfect the skill. This site is run by volunteers who help people in need in their own free time. I would ask you to respect their time and be patient as sometimes real life demands our time and replies to you can be delayed.
[*]Private Message(PM) if and only if I have not responded to your thread within three days or your query is offtopic and personal. Do not PM me under any other circumstances. Your thread is the only medium of communication.
[*]The fixes are for your system only. Please refrain from using these fixes on other system as it may do serious damage.


PunkBuster Advice:

There are some issues with infections in relation to PunkBuster…

Your computer has installed gaming tools. Some of these, like Punkbuster, use spyware techniques to engage in the anti-piracy battle.
In the process, they take control of much of your PC, and they actually meet the definition of spyware/malware.
They are sometimes designed to prevent orderly removal or modification, and they have only limited respect for retaining the overall security and integrity of your machine.

My advice would be to download the removal tool from here. Use this to uninstall PunkBuster Services. Then when I give the all clear use it again to reinstall PunkBuster Services if you so wish.


Do you recognise the following files?
C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\ucuser\ucuser.exe
C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\Udxmedia\Test.dll
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\regsvr32.exe C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\YmPack\Test.dll

If not, please, upload them to VirusTotal separately and post the resultant link.

Did you set the following proxy server?
ProxyServer: [S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000] => 192.168.1.2:80


[*]Step #1 Fix with FRST
Make sure that you still have FRST.exe on your Desktop. If you do not have it, download the suitable version from here to your Desktop.
[*]Open Notepad.exe. Do not use any other text editor software;
[*]Copy and Paste the contents inside the code-box to your Notepad

Start
CreateRestorePoint:
CloseProcesses:
EmptyTemp:
HKLM Group Policy restriction on software: C:\Program Files\AVAST Software <====== ATTENTION
File: C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\ucuser\ucuser.exe
HKU\S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000\...\MountPoints2: {7b328023-5bc8-11e0-8f54-806e6f6e6963} - F:\setup.exe
HKU\S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000\...\MountPoints2: {d4cfc112-10c7-11e3-9d3c-806e6f6e6963} - F:\setup.exe
CMD: netsh winsock reset
End

[*]Click on File > Save as…
[list][*]Inside the File Name box type fixlist.txt
[*]From the Save as type drop down list, choose All Files
[*]Save the file to your Desktop;
[*]Re-run FRST.exe and click Fix;
[*]Note: If FRST advises there is a new updated version to be downloaded, do so/allow this.[]After the completion, a log will be produced;
[
]Attach the log in your next reply.[/list]


[*]Required Log(s):
[*]FRST Fix Log

Regards,
Valinorum

Punkbuster removed.

Files and proxy server not recognised:

https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/4b981d8d30d66df81ead851c9f7f0196c7336a4afaf55ef926ec3e0ed39b0448/analysis/1429193926/
https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/6e35ba8376bcf99bb63f11f00a25378ae3cb42917e87f6d8825c483ebb6224d9/analysis/1429193812/
https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/ae31c9aafcf8f2c5a61374761ee27b7f6564b894b5dd67a56ef0ea01eec8bd57/analysis/1429193681/

Expecting my PC to end up on /r/techsupportgore…

Thanks,

Firebert

EDIT: Attachment below as required in the previous post. Avast is alive, Microsoft Security Essentials isn’t (red cross). Skype is still uninstalled. Adobe Flash Plugin for Firefox is still disabled.

Fix result of Farbar Recovery Tool (FRST written by Farbar) (x64) Version: 15-04-2015 04
Ran by Max at 2015-04-16 15:20:58 Run:1
Running from C:\Users\Max\Desktop
Loaded Profiles: Max (Available profiles: Max)
Boot Mode: Normal

Content of fixlist:


Start
CreateRestorePoint:
CloseProcesses:
EmptyTemp:
HKLM Group Policy restriction on software: C:\Program Files\AVAST Software <====== ATTENTION
File: C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\ucuser\ucuser.exe
HKU\S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000.…\MountPoints2: {7b328023-5bc8-11e0-8f54-806e6f6e6963} - F:\setup.exe
HKU\S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000.…\MountPoints2: {d4cfc112-10c7-11e3-9d3c-806e6f6e6963} - F:\setup.exe
CMD: netsh winsock reset
End


Restore point was successfully created.
Processes closed successfully.
HKLM => Group Policy Restriction on software restored successfully.

========================= File: C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\ucuser\ucuser.exe ========================

MD5: 81A3D1F946F8630E518ED34031C041F2
Creation and modification date: 2015-04-15 15:19 - 2015-04-15 15:19
Size: 0357999
Attributes: ----A
Company Name: LocallyRefuses
Internal Name: NippedPennantsRecordists.exe
Original Name: NippedPennantsRecordists.exe
Product Name: LedgersObstetricianLightening ManufacturedOptimisePatties
Description: ReductionPhotocopyReticent LiftsPrussia RegistryLowering
File Version: 2.8.3.9
Product Version: 2.8.3.9
Copyright: Copyright PhotosynthesisProspective

====== End Of File: ======

“HKU\S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MountPoints2{7b328023-5bc8-11e0-8f54-806e6f6e6963}” => Key deleted successfully.
HKCR\CLSID{7b328023-5bc8-11e0-8f54-806e6f6e6963} => Key not found.
“HKU\S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MountPoints2{d4cfc112-10c7-11e3-9d3c-806e6f6e6963}” => Key deleted successfully.
HKCR\CLSID{d4cfc112-10c7-11e3-9d3c-806e6f6e6963} => Key not found.

========= netsh winsock reset =========

Sucessfully reset the Winsock Catalog.
You must restart the computer in order to complete the reset.

========= End of CMD: =========

EmptyTemp: => Removed 2.4 GB temporary data.

The system needed a reboot.

==== End of Fixlog 15:35:30 ====

My display driver just crashed under no stress whatsoever:

“Display driver stopped responding and has recovered
Display driver nvlddmkm stopped responding and has successfully recovered.”

EDIT: BSOD under no stress whatsoever. Error code 0x116, file nvlddmkm.sys. I’ve booted into safe mode with Networking for the time being.

Windows unexpected shutdown log:

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.0.6002.2.2.0.768.3
Locale ID: 2057

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 116
BCP1: FFFFFA800AE8C4E0
BCP2: FFFFFA6003D455D4
BCP3: 0000000000000000
BCP4: 000000000000000D
OS Version: 6_0_6002
Service Pack: 2_0
Product: 768_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\Mini041615-01.dmp
C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-207434-0.sysdata.xml
C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\Temp\WER335E.tmp.version.txt

Read our privacy statement:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=50163&clcid=0x0409

EDIT II: Returning at around 1500 BST.

Thanks,

Firebert

Reboot your PC and tell me if your avast! issue has been resolved.

Avast seems to be working normally.

Are you facing any more BSOD?

Not currently.

Perusing your logs, I see no infection currently present in your system. Unless you are having any issue(s), the machine appears to be Malware-free as we speak.


:clubs: Removal of Tools and Quarantined Files :clubs:


Despite the tools we have used are clean, they are powerful removal tools and made in a way so that they carry out any commands given to them without (most cases) asking for a confirmation. In the hands of an inept person, they can make the machine un-bootable – a scenario we do not wish to see. Also, we need to remove the quarantined files/folders from your system as a dormant malware can be as bad as an active one if given the proper environment. I shall now give you the guidelines to remove the tools and the quarantined files from your system.

[*]Cleanup with Delfix
Please download DelFix by Xplode to your Desktop.
Download Link
[*]Double-click to run the program;
[list][*]Note: Windows Vista/7/8 users right-click and choose Run as administrator[*]Make sure that all the boxes are checked;
[*]Click Run;
[*]A log will be opened after the operation is finished;
[*]Copy and Paste it in your next reply[/list]


:clubs: Prevention and Future Guidelines :clubs:


Prevention is better than cure – goes the old saying. As much as we love to see you visit our site, we do not want to see you having your PC infected by malwares again.

[*]Keep Windows up-to-date.
It is extremely important that you keep your operating system (Windows) updated when updates are made available. It is set to alert you, so be sure not to ignore these notices and to allow the updates to install. Many of these are critical security packages which could very possibly be the difference between your picking up a future infiltration and simply passing right by it unharmed.
[*]Run antivirus software and keep it up-to-date, too.
Antivirus software is your safety net if all other protections fail. The first line of defense is smart computing, of course, but everyone needs a backup. Once they’re installed, check periodically to ensure they have been successfully updating as well. An out-of-date antivirus is not a happy antivirus!
[*]Keep your web browser plugins and other programs updated also.
This tip is rarely shared by technicians and its importance is not widely recognized, but it’s absolutely critical. Programs such as Java, Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer, and myriad other such web-exposed items are deeply vulnerable to attack, which can quickly lead to a hopelessly infected system no matter what protection you currently have installed. The reason is that these programs are ubiquitous, but are also not perfect and are extremely complex… and as such, security vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited by hackers hoping to gain control over your machine. By performing every update for these programs as soon as it’s made available, you will greatly reduce your exposure to dangerous internet threats.

A great way to do this is to install the Filehippo Update Checker and run it regularly. Also, try not to ignore any notifications you receive regarding updates to programs already installed on your PC.

No scripts is an excellent security device too. I like it but it is not for everyone because it requires you to take action if you want to see some things (pop ups, banners etc.) on sites you visit.

Download NoSript by Giorgio Maone.

Note: Sometimes you will get a site telling you that you need to install Java when actually all you need to do is enable the site through the no script icon down on the right hand side of your computer.

[*]Watch out for new threat named CryptoLocker
CryptoLocker is a new type ransomware family malware that encrypts your important files and asks for a ransom to decrypt them. At the moment of posting this reply there are no tools that can undo the havoc this malware causes. We can help you to remove the malware from your system but the files that was encrypted cannot be recovered without the decryption key. So, I ask for your forbearance and practice constant vigilance. Please read the following article to acknowledge yourself about the safety measures.
How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by CryptoLocker.

[*]And last of all, surf smart.
It doesn’t matter how well the autopilot system works if the pilot keeps flying the plane into mountain ranges. Don’t forget that no matter how much you have protecting yourself, your security ultimately begins and ends with you. Don’t visit dangerous or questionable web sites, avoid suspicious links on Facebook and emails/email attachments you’re unsure about, and just generally keep your wits about you, and you’ll be much safer. Also, avoid illegal downloads, cracks, “warez”, and all other too-good-to-be-true internet offerings: they’re typically laden with malware. Be smart and you can avoid most threats lurking about the darker corners of the internet! And for even more tips, see our article, How Did I Get Infected in the First Place?

My help is free but if you feel like making my day you may donate any amount you wish by clicking the ‘donate’ button. I really appreciate your kindness.

https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donate_SM.gif

Regards,
Valinorum

Downloading Delfix, but MSE detected a virus before I installed it:

VirTool:Win32/DelfInject.gen!BQ

Category: Tool

Description: This program is used to create viruses, worms or other malware.

Recommended action: Remove this software immediately.

Items:
file:C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\ucuser\ucuser.exe

It was removed by MSE.

EDIT: Skype will not install (it insta-crashes on install). Seem to be virus-free, but my registry seems screwed. :frowning:

EDIT II: Running Avast Quick Scan and 14 files are infected, 8% in. :frowning:

My sincere apology. I forgot to remove those files.

[*]Step #2 Fix with FRST
Make sure that you still have FRST.exe on your Desktop. If you do not have it, download the suitable version from here to your Desktop.
[*]Open Notepad.exe. Do not use any other text editor software;
[*]Copy and Paste the contents inside the code-box to your Notepad

Start
CreateRestorePoint:
CloseProcesses:
C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\ucuser\ucuser.exe
C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\Udxmedia\Test.dll
C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\YmPack\Test.dll
HKU\S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000\...\Run: [Udxmedia] => regsvr32.exe C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\Udxmedia\Test.dll <===== ATTENTION
HKU\S-1-5-21-2029041675-2857190503-2144724149-1000\...\Run: [Emltion] => C:\Windows\SysWOW64\regsvr32.exe C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\YmPack\Test.dll
HKLM\...\Policies\Explorer\Run: [ucuser] => C:\Users\Max\AppData\Local\ucuser\ucuser.exe [357999 2015-04-15] ( (LocallyRefuses))
Restart:
End

[*]Click on File > Save as…
[list][*]Inside the File Name box type fixlist.txt
[*]From the Save as type drop down list, choose All Files
[*]Save the file to your Desktop;
[*]Re-run FRST.exe and click Fix;
[*]Note: If FRST advises there is a new updated version to be downloaded, do so/allow this.[]After the completion, a log will be produced;
[
]Attach the log in your next reply.[/list]


[*]Required Log(s):
[*]FRST Fix Log

Regards,
Valinorum

Fix log attached.

The previously mentioned Avast scan was cancelled and actions were applied to infected files, and it attempted a boot-time scan, which I cancelled.

EDIT: Skype has re-installed itself?

You can perform a quick scan with avast! and apply the action. Do not worry if it finds the previous files. They have been quarantined.