Malicious URL blocked : svchost.exe

Viruses and worms
1

Hi everyone

I’ve picked up a problem. Avast keeps popping up (about every minute) with a notice saying MALICIOUS URL BLOCKED (see image)

Since I’ve picked up the problem, I’ve had Avast do a system scan. It said it picked up a threat, so i told it to remove the threat. It did so, and suggested it restert and do a bootscan, which it did (it took a few hours). After that, windows restarted, and as soon as i connected to the internet, this notice kept popping up.

Can someone guide me through this problem please. This is the first time I’ve encountered a problem like this.

I have found a similar thread, but im not sure if its the same problem as mine because the ‘object’ in the Avast notice is different, and i dont have the CPU memory usage problem that this person had.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=80552.0

Thanks in advance for your help.
G

2

Please attach your logs. (AdwCleaner, MBAM, OTL and aswMBR…!!)
Instructions: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0

3

Hi

After I ran the AdwCleaner, I couldnt connect to the net anymore. I am connected to the wireless network, but with no internet access. I tried troubleshooting, but “troubleshooting couldn’t identify the problem.” I’m on another computer now.

  1. Because I cant go online, MBAM couldn’t update. It said it was 39 days old.

ADWCleaner reboot log attached
MBAM log pasted below
OTL log attached
OTL Extras attached
aswMBR log attached

MBAM Log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Trial) 1.65.1.1000
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.09.29.05

Windows 7 x86 NTFS
Internet Explorer 9.0.8112.16421
SuperG :: SUPERG-PC [administrator]

Protection: Enabled

2012/11/08 06:30:47 PM
mbam-log-2012-11-08 (18-30-47).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 204608
Time elapsed: 4 minute(s), 55 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 2
C:\Users\SuperG\Downloads\SoftonicDownloader_for_bloom.exe (PUP.OfferBundler.ST) → Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Users\SuperG\Downloads\SoftonicDownloader_for_winzip.exe (PUP.OfferBundler.ST) → Quarantined and deleted successfully.

(end)

4

You are several services missing due to zero access

Warning This fix is only relevant for this system and no other, using on another computer may cause problems

Be advised that when the fix commences it will shut down all running processes and you may lose the desktop and icons, they will return on reboot

Run OTL

[*]Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/OTL_Fix.GIF


:OTL
[2012/09/18 17:18:31 | 000,005,371 | ---- | M] () (No name found) -- C:\Users\SuperG\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\3m8gq3xc.default\extensions\50584b21a6d6c@50584b21a6da4.com.xpi

:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]
[Reboot]

[*]Then click the Run Fix button at the top
[*]Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done
[*]Open OTL again and click the Quick Scan button. Post the log it produces in your next reply.

THEN

Download and Install Combofix

Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:
Link 1
Link 2

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

  • IMPORTANT - Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. If you have difficulty properly disabling your protective programs, refer to this link here

[*]Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
[*]Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/NSIS_disclaimer_ENG.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/NSIS_extraction.png

[*]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. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
  3. If after the reboot you get errors about programmes being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

Please make sure you include the combo fix log in your next reply as well as describe how your computer is running now

FINALLY

Download and run farbar service scanner

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee362/Essexboy3/Farbar/FSS-1.jpg

Tick “All” options.
Press “Scan”.
It will create a log (FSS.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.

Please copy and paste the log to your reply.

5

Hi

I still cant figure out what is wrong with my internet connection. Other people on my wireless network are connected.
The malicious URL notice has stopped popping up, but I assume that’s because I cant connect.

Attached, OTL quickscan log

I ran the Combofix, and it stalled. (I work in an open office, and I stepped away from my computer for 15 min when it was running. Not sure if someone else touched it while I was away.)
Your instructions below advise not to re-run it.

Everything else seems fine at the moment.

Please advise

Thanks for your help.
G

6
[C:\Windows\$NtUninstallKB1744$] -> Error: Cannot create file handle -> Unknown point type
This is the problem, could you run Combofix again please, from safe mode if necessary
7

Hi

I ran combofix in safemode. It took about 30 minutes, but eventually rebooted, started up again normally, automatically ran again, and provided a log about 25 minutes later.
Please see log attached

I tried to proceed and run FSS, but it said:
“Illegal operation attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion”
I get this same response for all the shortcuts on my taskbar and desktop. it won’t open Word or any other programs

It now says that I have internet access (i tested skype, which runs fine), but neither explorer nor firefox will run (see problem in 2 above).

Please advise

Thanks again for your help.

G

8

A reboot clears the deletion problem

A file is still infected so I need to find a replacement

Run OTL

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/OTL_Main_Tutorial.gif

[*]Select All Users
[*]Under the Custom Scan box paste this in

netsvcs
BASESERVICES
%SYSTEMDRIVE%*.exe
/md5start
winver.*
/md5stop
CREATERESTOREPOINT

[*]Click the Run Scan button. Do not change any settings unless otherwise told to do so. The scan wont take long.

9

Hi

As you said, a reboot fixed the ‘deletion’ problem, and I am back online.

Please find attached:
New OTL log (“OTL2”)
FSS log

Please advise
Thanks again
G

10

Lets replace that file now, once done could you let me know what problems remain

  1. Close any open browsers.

  2. Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.

  3. Open notepad and copy/paste the text in the quotebox below into it:

FCopy:: C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_microsoft-windows-winver_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_b627d45ffdcc6f00\winver.exe|C:\Windows\System32\winver.exe

Save this as CFScript.txt, in the same location as ComboFix.exe

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/sUBs/CFScriptB-4.gif

Refering to the picture above, drag CFScript into ComboFix.exe

When finished, it will produce a log for you at C:\ComboFix.txt which I will require in your next reply.

11

Hi

I created the CFScript.txt file and ran it as you instructed.
Please find log attached.

After running Combofix, i had the same deletion problem as before
“Illegal operation attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion”
But after restarting the computer everything seems to be normal.

Please advise what is next.

Thank you so much for your help. I was worried that I’d have to go and reinstall windows or something.

Kind regards
G

12

How is the computer behaving now ?

13

Everything seems fine.
Startup is good, all programs are responding timeously, i was playing some games on it last night without any problem.
Ill be using it all day at work today, and ill post another reply in a few hours to confirm there are no problems.

Thanks
G

14

Hi

Ive been using my computer all day without any problems. Everything seems back to normal.

Please advise what is next.

Thanks
G

15

Just this ;D

Subject to no further problems :slight_smile:

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems

Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean :thumbsup:

A good workman always cleans up after himself so…The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Remove ComboFix
[*]Hold down the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will display the Run dialogue box
[*]In the Run box, type in ComboFix /Uninstall
(Notice the space between the “x” and “/”)
then click OK

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee362/Essexboy3/Misc%20screen%20shots/CF_Uninstall-1.jpg

[]Follow the prompts on the screen
[]A message should appear confirming that ComboFix was uninstalled

Run OTL and hit the cleanup button. It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself.

We will now confirm that your hidden files are set to that, as some of the tools I use will change that
[*]Click Start.
[*]Open My Computer.
[*]Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
[*]Select the View Tab.
[*]Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Do not show hidden files and folders.
[]Click Yes to confirm.
[]Click OK.

http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/images/javaicon.gif
Your Java is out of date.
Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.
Please follow these steps to remove older version of Java components and upgrade the application.

Upgrading Java:
[] Go to this site and click Do I have Java
[] It will check your current version and then offer to update to the latest version

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7729/mbamicontw5.gif
Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker and run it monthly it will show you which programmes on your system need updating and give a download link

If you use on-line banking then as an added layer of protection install Trusteer Rapport

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated. To keep your operating system up to date visit
[*]Microsoft Windows Update

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide How did I get infected in the first place ?Keep safe :wave:

16

Right, everything is done.

Thank you so much for your help. You’ve been awesome!!!

Regards
G

17

My pleasure ;D