Outgoing malware attempt

system · 2015-06-14T14:35:43.000Z

I’ve seen this question answered a few times here, but the answers are all system specific, so here it goes again.

I’ve got a new Lenovo laptop, and must have gotten hit with malware as I was setting it up. On start up or wake up, I get ~16 notifications of avast blocking outgoing attempts to contact sites such as simplesitescan, bestdriverstar, anythichicago, etc.

I’ve run full antivirus scan with avast and Microsoft’s malicious software removal tool and found nothing.

Thanks in advance for the help, I really appreciate it!

Asyn · 2015-06-14T14:37:04.000Z

Attach your basic diagnostic logs. (MBAM, FRST and aswMBR)
Instructions: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0

system · 2015-06-14T18:54:01.000Z

Monitoring.

system · 2015-06-14T18:58:31.000Z

Thanks, the .txt files are attached!

system · 2015-06-15T03:54:41.000Z

[*]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:
IE trusted site: HKU\.DEFAULT\...\amazon.com -> amazon.com
SearchScopes: HKLM -> DefaultScope {A0C2CB86-D8F7-4628-BF70-0F77D955ED22} URL = 
SearchScopes: HKLM -> {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = 
SearchScopes: HKLM-x32 -> {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = 
SearchScopes: HKU\S-1-5-21-1094611925-3861376224-1484579070-1001 -> DefaultScope {A0C2CB86-D8F7-4628-BF70-0F77D955ED22} URL = 
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;
[*]Copy and Paste the contents of the log in your next reply.[/list]

[*]Step #2 Fix with AdwCleaner
[*]Download AdwCleaner by Xplode to your Desktop from the following link.
[list][]Download Link #1
[]Download Link #2
[*]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]

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

Regards,
Valinorum

system · 2015-06-15T12:08:41.000Z

I ran both fixes, reports are attached. I haven’t had any notifications of blocked activity since applying the fixes and rebooting.

Thanks for your help!

system · 2015-06-15T12:11:46.000Z

Re-run Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and remove everything it finds.

system · 2015-06-15T23:44:01.000Z

Malware Bytes found nothing. Hopefully I’m all good, now.

Seems like a lot of the messages on the board are about this malware, it must get boring fixing the same thing over and over!

Thanks for all your help!

system · 2015-06-16T07:38:20.000Z

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.

Removal of Tools and Quarantined Files

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]

Prevention and Future Guidelines

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

system · 2015-06-16T20:09:04.000Z

Thanks again, I plan on donating.

system · 2015-06-17T05:48:57.000Z

You are welcome. Surf safely.

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