Browser Hi-Jacked How do they do it?

I recently had my browser hi-jacked despite having Avast Internet Security. I could not reach Avast forum or any other AV site; could not install mbam; reach Microsoft Community, Yahoo email, most of my regular browser sites. It affected my laptop the same way when connected to the router connected to the same DSL line. I couldn’t run an Avast scan and anyway it couldn’t be updated. Got nonsense from Avast’s phone tech support and insistence that I didn’t have malware, just a dirty machine which their engineers could clean up for $300.

I think I got rid of it either by re-booting the DSL modem or using CC cleaner to get rid of cookies, internet history, cache. I would like to know how the hi-jack works. Is it simply a cookie or is more involved?

I would like to know how the hi-jack works.
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+does+browser+hijack+work

if you want somone to check for leftover files, follow instructions and attach OTL diagnostic logs https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0

Monitoring should the OP decides a check-up. :slight_smile:

Here are some logs. RK spends hours on pre-scan, gets to services but never through them. I’m still having symptoms of browser hi-jack, had to wait until now to get through.

Hi,
I cannot read your OTL log. The log is automatically saved as OTL.txt in the same folder of OTL.exe. Just attach the OTL.txt file.

  • Step #1 Fix with AdwCleaner

      [li]Download [b]AdwCleaner[/b] by [i][b]Xplode[/b][/i] to your [i]Desktop[/i] from the following link.
    

[list]
[li]Download Link #1
- Download Link #2
[/li]
- Right-click on AdwCleaner.exe and choose Run as administrator;
- Click on Scan and let the program run unhindered;
- When done, click on Clean and allow the system to reboot after it is done;
- A log will be opened automatically after the restart;
- Attach the log in your reply.
[/list][/li]


  • Step #2 Fix with Junkware Removal Tool
    Download Junkware Removal Tool by thisisu to your Desktop from the link below.
    Download Link 1
    Download Link 2

      [li]Disable your anti-virus to avoid potential conflicts. For more information please acknowledge yourself [url=http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/114351/how-to-temporarily-disable-your-anti-virus-firewall-and-anti-malware-programs/]this[/url] article;
      - Run the program either by double-clicking(Windows XP) or Right-clicking and choosing [i]Run as administrator[/i](Windows Vista and above);
      - Please be patient as the tool cleans your system;
      - After completion of the process a log named [b]JRT.txt[/b] will automatically open and is save to your Desktop;
      - Attach the log in your next reply.
    

    [/li]


Re-run OTL and click on Quick Scan and post the log after the scan.


  • Required Log(s):

      [li]AdwCleaner Log
      - Junkware Removal Tool Log
      - OTL.txt
    

    [/li]
    Regards,
    Valinorum

@grayscot2 your OTL log is saved as Unicode so it looks like chinese… you need to save it as ANSI

Win 7 64-bit, Intel 3.2ghz, 8GB RAM, Gigabyte motherboard, browsers mainly Opera 12.17 and Google 35.0

Hi,

How is your system running?

  • Step #3 Fix with OTL

      [li]Re-run [b]OTL[/b] by right clicking and choosing [i]Run as administrator[/i];
      - Under the [i]Custom Scans/Fixes[/i] Box copy and paste the following contents inside the [i]code[/i] box.
    

    [/li]

:Commands
[createrestorepoint]

:OTL
IE - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = https://www.yahoo.com?fr=hp-avast&type=avastbcl
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{3AF320DE-16E7-4856-8CEA-027B73CE24F8}: "URL" = http://yhs4.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs_avast_search_bcu&type=avast001&p={searchTerms}
IE - HKU\.DEFAULT\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope = 
IE - HKU\S-1-5-18\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope = 
IE - HKU\S-1-5-19\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope =  
IE - HKU\S-1-5-20\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope = 
O13[b]64bit:[/b] - gopher Prefix: missing
O13 - gopher Prefix: missing
O15 - HKU\S-1-5-21-4064365589-807308172-4294185133-1000\..Trusted Domains: ancestry.com ([]* in Trusted sites)
[3 C:\Users\Pres\AppData\Local\*.tmp files -> C:\Users\Pres\AppData\Local\*.tmp -> ]
[2 C:\Windows\SysNative\*.tmp files -> C:\Windows\SysNative\*.tmp -> ]
[1 C:\Windows\*.tmp files -> C:\Windows\*.tmp -> ]

:Files
ipconfig /flushdns /c

:Command
[emptytemp]
[resethosts]

  •   [li]Click on [b]"Run Fix"[/b] and let the program run unhindered;
      - Your PC will reboot automatically and a log will be opened;
      - Please attach it in your next reply.
    
    [/li]

  • Required Log(s):

      [li]OTL Fix Log
    

    [/li]
    Regards,
    Valinorum

Prior to last posting, pc had been running well as it has for short periods after CC cleaning. Don’t know if I ran the fix correctly but file is attached.

Hi,

  • Step #4 Scan with Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware

      [li]Download [b]Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware[/b] from the suitable link below --
    

[list]
[li]Download Link #1
- Download Link #2
- Download Link #3
[/li]
- Double-click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
- Before clicking Finish perform the following actions –

		[li][b]Un-check[/b] the box beside [i]Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium[/i].
		- [b]Check[/b] the box beside [i]Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware[/i]
	[/li]
	- Once the program has loaded, The MBAM dashboard will appear with an alert to update - click the green button [b]Update Now[/b];
	- Click on [b]Setting[/b]--

		[li]Navigate to the tab [b]Detection and Protection[/b] and check [i]all[/i] the boxes under [b]Detection Options[/b]
	[/li]
	- From the [b]Dashboard[/b] click on [b]Scan Now[/b];
	- If threats are detected click on [b]Apply actions[/b]. If the program asks to reboot your PC, let it do so;
	- On completion of the scan click on [b]View Detailed Log[/b] after that click on [b]Export Button[/b], select [b]Text File[/b] and save the log to your [i]Desktop[/i];
	- Attach the log in your next reply.
[/list][/li]

  • Step #5 ESET Online Scanner
    Disable your security programs which includes but not limited to anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spyware et cetera. Peruse this for additional information.

      [li]Download [b]esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe[/b] by clicking [url=http://download.eset.com/special/eos/esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe][b]here[/b][/url].
      - Right-click on the program and choose [i]Run as administrator[/i].
      - Accept their terms and condition and proceed.
      - Install [b]Add-On/Active X[/b] if prompted.
      - From the [b]Computer Scan Setting[/b] --
    

[list]
[li]Uncheck the box beside Remove Found Threats;
- Check the box beside Scan archives
[/li]
- Click on Advanced Setting and check the following boxes–

		[li][b]Scan for potentially unwanted applications[/b]
		- [b]Scan for potentially unsafe applications[/b]
		- [b]Enable Anti-Stealth Technology[/b]
	[/li]
	- Click on [b]Start[/b] and wait for the [b]virus signature database[/b] to update.
	- The online scan will begin [i]automatically[/i] and can take several hours.

		[li][b]Note:[/b] Do not touch either the Mouse or keyboard during the scan. Otherwise it may stall.
	[/li]
	- After the Scan finishes --
	- 
		[li][b]If no threats were found:[/b]

[list]
[li]Put a checkmark in Uninstall application on close.
- Close the program and report that nothing was found
[/li]
- If threats were found:

			[li]Open the file located in [b]C:\Program Files\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\log.txt[/b] (32-bit) or [b]C:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\log.txt[/b] (64-bit).
			- Attach the log file in your next reply.
		[/li]
	[/list][/li]
[/list][b]Note:[/b] Enable your security programs afterwards.[/li]

  • Required Log(s):

      [li]Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Scan Log
      - ESET Scan Log
    

    [/li]
    Regards,
    Valinorum

Here are Step 4 & 5 results.

How is your system?

System is running OK at the moment. Of all the earlier deletions and the threats found by Eset I haven’t seen anything that would identify the hi-jack program, but I probably don’t know enough to isolate it anyway. There were no odd pop-ups, the DNS controls were all on blocking my getting out, particularly to Avast or any other AV sites or installing Spy or mbam, cutting off Yahoo email. The one thing that seemed curious to me was that after I hooked up the laptop to the router to try to get out, that too was affected in the same way, yet didn’t have the virus itself. The hi-jacker seemed able to control the whole Internet feed. Of course the router takes it’s feed from the Desktop which gets it from the DSL modem.

Should I run Eset again with the Fix switch?

Thank you, Valinorum, for all the help and patience hanging in here through all these steps for over a week now. I thank Pondus for his contributions, too.

Hi,

Most of the ESET threats were already quarantined by our previous tools. Can you reset your router and then run the following fix.

  • Step #5 Fix with OTL

      [li]Re-run [b]OTL[/b] by right clicking and choosing [i]Run as administrator[/i];
      - Under the [i]Custom Scans/Fixes[/i] Box copy and paste the following contents inside the [i]code[/i] box.
    

    [/li]

:Commands
[createrestorepoint]

:Files
C:\20130802_035813_08-01-13 Full Disk\sda11\ProgramData\Tarma Installer\
C:\Documents and Settings\Pres2\AppData\Local\Temp\mia1\hstart.exe
C:\Users\Pres2\AppData\Local\Temp\mia1\hstart.exe
C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\kdidombaedgpfiiedeimiebkmbilgmlc\1.1.25_0\plugins\npDefaultTabSearch.dll /64
C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\kdidombaedgpfiiedeimiebkmbilgmlc\1.1.28_0\plugins\npDefaultTabSearch.dll /64
C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\kdidombaedgpfiiedeimiebkmbilgmlc\1.1.29_0\plugins\npDefaultTabSearch.dll /64
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\kdidombaedgpfiiedeimiebkmbilgmlc\1.1.25_0\plugins\npDefaultTabSearch.dll
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\kdidombaedgpfiiedeimiebkmbilgmlc\1.1.28_0\plugins\npDefaultTabSearch.dll
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\kdidombaedgpfiiedeimiebkmbilgmlc\1.1.29_0\plugins\npDefaultTabSearch.dll
ipconfig /flushdns /c
netsh advfirewall reset /c
netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on /c 

:Commands
[emptytemp]

  •   [li]Click on [b]"Run Fix"[/b] and let the program run unhindered;
      - Your PC will reboot automatically and a log will be opened;
      - Please attach it in your next reply.
    
    [/li]

  • Required Log(s):

      [li]OTL Fix Log
    

    [/li]
    Regards,
    Valinorum

Machine running OK.

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.


[b]♣ Removal of Tools and Quarantined Files ♣ [/b]

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

      [li]Double-click to run the program;
      - [list]
      	[li][b]Note[/b]: Windows Vista/7/8 users right-click and choose [i]Run as administrator[/i]
      [/li]
      - Make sure that all the boxes are checked;
      - Click [b]Run[/b];
      - A log will be opened after the operation is finished;
      - [i]Copy[/i] and [i]Paste[/i] it in your next reply
    

    [/list][/li]


[b]♣ Prevention and Future Guidelines ♣ [/b]

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.

- [b]Watch out for new threat named CryptoLocker[/b]

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.

- [b]And last of all, surf smart.[/b]

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?

Regards,
Valinorum

Many thanks, Valinorum :slight_smile: I’ll try to avoid whatever it was in the future, but glad you were here.

Browse safely. :slight_smile:

Back again, this time totally. But I cleaned with CC and then checked again. Same problem, no sites available; can’t update Avast. Checked the Internet connection. Everything looks fine. But re-booted the DSL modem, and everything is back. Have to think now that despite Windows telling me I have Internet Access, something is wrong with the modem or CenturyLink’s connection. I’m going to proceed on that assumption for now. If that doesn’t break it each time, I’ll come back here.