Rootkit/svchost.exe problem

Viruses and worms
1

Hello,

I seem to be having trouble with my computer. Avast (which I installed today) keeps informing me of a problem with svchost.exe. I hadn’t even started a scan when the messages came up. The rootkit may have been embedded for a while.

I followed the steps that were provided and have the basic information and also a screen capture of the three different warnings that Avast brings up.

I hope this is enough information; please let me know if there is anything else I can do. Thank you for you time.

2

Hi ManaKnight,

You took the tight steps in making those logs. Could you please also run aswMBR and attach its log in this thread?
Instructions, which you probably already found: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0

Best regards,

3

Hello again,

Apologies for not running it earlier; I ran aswMBR and have the log right here.
Also, there is a “MBR.dat” now saved to my desktop, is this file significant?
Thank you for your help and swift reply.

4

The dat file is only if needed

Download the latest version of TDSSKiller from here and save it to your Desktop.

[*]Doubleclick on TDSSKiller.exe to run the application

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/TDSSFront.JPG

[*]Then click on Change parameters.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/TDSSConfig.JPG

[*]Check the boxes beside Verify Driver Digital Signature and Detect TDLFS file system, then click OK.

[*]Click the Start Scan button.

[*]If a suspicious object is detected, the default action will be Skip, click on Continue.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/TDSSFound.JPG

[*]If malicious objects are found, they will show in the Scan results and offer three (3) options.
[*]Ensure Cure is selected, then click Continue => Reboot now to finish the cleaning process.

[*]Get the report by selecting Reports

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/TDSSEnd.JPG

[*]Note: If Cure is not available, please choose Skip instead, do not choose Delete unless instructed.

Please copy and paste its contents on 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

5

Essexboy,

I followed through with what you had posted.

When rebooted, a prompt came up for Windows malicious software removal tool. I clicked yes and it said malicious software was detected and partially removed, and recommended a scan from an anti-virus program. I will do that now.

I’m not getting a message from Avast every 20 seconds or so now, which is a relief, but I will be on stand-by and watch for any further activity.

Anything else I should do? I feel like buying the full Avast and Malwarebytes to help avoid further problems… I know how to surf the web relatively safely, but after this I feel a little shaken.

Anyways, thank you for your help, Kwartet and Essexboy. I will let you know if anything else comes up.

6

One final run to get the remnants… Re-run TDSSKiller with the same parameters, when the following appears select delete :

\Device\Harddisk0\DR0 ( TDSS File System )

Whilst it is being moved Avast will shout but you can ignore that ;D

Once done let me know of any outstanding problems

7

Everything seems good!

Thanks again for your help, I certainly appreciate it. Now off to fortify my computer…

8

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:

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

:Commands [resethosts] [emptytemp] [Reboot]

[*]Then click the Run Fix button at the top
[*]Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done

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

[*]Go to control panel
[*]Select folder options (Appearance > Folder options in category view)
[*]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.

SPRING CLEAN

To manually create a new Restore Point

[*]Go to Control Panel and select System
[*]Select System
[*]On the left select System Protection and accept the warning if you get one
[*]Select System Protection Tab
[*]Select Create at the bottom
[*]Type in a name i.e. Clean
[*]Select Create

Now we can purge the infected ones

[*]GoStart > All programs > Accessories > system tools
[*]Right click Disc cleanup and select run as administrator
[*]Select Your main drive and accept the warning if you get one
[*]For a few moments the system will make some calculations
[*]Select the More Options tab
[*]In the System Restore and Shadow Backups select Clean up
[*]Select Delete on the pop up
[]Select OK
[]Select Delete

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

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: