svchost.exe URL:MAL problem

Viruses and worms
1

I suspect a lot of others are having this problem. I have no idea why but avast keeps popping up saying it’s blocked a webpage or file from random websites and it has something to do with the Windows/System32/svchost.exe process and a URL:Mal type infection. I’ve run thorough scans with Avast, Malware bytes and Adwcleaner but none of them found whatever is causing this.

Aside from the alerts I’m getting from avast, everything seems to be running normally on my computer but I’m still concerned. I’d really like to find out what is causing this and put a stop to it. Please help.
After looking at other threads on this forum I’ve attached log files to this post as suggested here: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0
Hope they help.

2

Nice and clean apart from one little bad boy

CAUTION : This fix is only valid for this specific machine, using it on another may break your computer

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

CreateRestorePoint: EmptyTemp: CMD: bitsadmin /reset /allusers

Save this as fixlist.txt, in the same location as FRST.exe

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/FRSTfix.JPG

Run FRST and press Fix
On completion a log will be generated please post that

3

I did as you suggested and so far I haven’t gotten any alerts from avast. I’m not sure what your instructions did aside from wiping out my cookies, browsing history and temp files but whatever it did seems to have worked.
Thanks :slight_smile:

4
BITSAdmin is deprecated and is not guaranteed to be available in future versions of Windows. Administrative tools for the BITS service are now provided by BITS PowerShell cmdlets.

Unable to cancel {7B932D07-FE29-4143-8C51-A56F185AB54B}.
{0C16C994-DB2A-4866-8E08-F0F674C93D87} canceled.
1 out of 2 jobs canceled.

The bad boy :slight_smile:

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 tools

Download and run Delfix

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/delfix.JPG

: Keep Java Updated :

WARNING: Java is the #1 exploited program at this time. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java
See this article

I would recommend that you completely uninstall Java unless you need it to run an important software.
In that instance I would recommend that you disable Java in your browsers until you need it for that software and then enable it. (See How to diasble Java in your web browser and How to unplug Java from the browser)

If you do need to keep Java then download JavaRa
Run the programme and select Remove Java Runtime. Uninstall all versions of Java present
Once done then run it again and select Update Java runtime > Download and install Latest version

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/javara.JPG

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

CryptoPrevent install this programme to lock down and prevent crypto ransome ware

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/CryptoPrevent.JPG

Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Unchecky

Click on the link above to be taken to Unchecky.com
click the very large Download button.
click Save
Click Open folder
Right click on the Unchecky_setup and choose to Run as Administrator
Once open click the Install button.
Then click on Finish
Unchecky is now installed and will help you keep unwanted check boxes unchecked, this is a fire and forget programme :wink:

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this little guide Best security practices Keep safe :wave:

5

Thanks for the advice. :slight_smile: I’m pretty sure my java is already up to date. That’s what the software update feature in avast antivirus is for, isn’t it? That’s why I like avast. It clearly does more than just block malware. The remote assistance feature has come in handy a lot of times too.

One thing I’d still like to know: What caused this problem in the first place and why could none of the scanners I used detect it? My guess (and I emphasize “guess”) is that this wasn’t just a virus but some kind of malicious setting or command that someone somehow snuck into one of my system’s regular processes (eg: svchost.exe). Am I close?

Unable to cancel {7B932D07-FE29-4143-8C51-A56F185AB54B}. 1 out of 2 jobs canceled. "Subject to no further problems"
I'm also going to assume that that job that didn't get cancelled is a normal one. One that's supposed to be there?
6

A small programme ran on a website which created a bits job. There is a simple description here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Background_Intelligent_Transfer_Service

Once the job is installed it uses svchost to download data (this is how windows updates works)

I have yet to determine where it comes from. Avast as far as I am aware is the only AV to block the job from transmitting or receiving data, my current guess as to what is happening is that it is trying to download adware programmes

There is only one automated tool which clears that queue as a matter of course, and to use it just for that is a bit of an overkill

The other job was windows updates and that is protected by the system

7

I understand. Thanks :slight_smile: I haven’t heard of BITS jobs before. Now I can say I’ve learned something new from this.

8

Glad to help