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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Audio Commercial "Pop ups"

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Post #1
Malware infection - Audio Commercial "PoP ups" My laptop appears to be infected with a type of malware that causes random "audio commercials" to play. It plays stuff like "Please buy Lysol" , etc. I can't find anything obvious in my Startup Entries or in the Task Manager processes. Please see my attached log files from OTL, HijackThis, and DDS. I have Norton Antivirus provided by my ISP (comcast) but that doesn't seem to pick up any virus. MalwareBytes and Spybot Search & Destroy, don't appear to be picking this up as well. I also tried using a Firefox extension that disables Flash, but that doesn't seem to work either. Really appreciate the help!

Attachments:

Post #2
Hi

Please do the following:



Please download MBRCheck.exe to your desktop.
  • Be sure to disable your security programs
  • Double click on the file to run it (Vista and Windows 7 users will have to confirm the UAC prompt)
  • A window will open on your desktop
  • if an unknown bootcode is found you will have further options available to you, at this time press N then press Enter twice.
  • If nothing unusual is found just press Enter
  • A .txt file named MBRCheck_mm.dd.yy_hh.mm.ss should appear on your desktop.
  • Please post the contents of that file.


NEXT


Download GMER Rootkit Scanner from here to your desktop. It will be a randomly named executable.
  • Double click the exe file.
  • If it gives you a warning about rootkit activity and asks if you want to run scan…click on NO, then use the following settings for a more complete scan.

    [external image: Posted Image]
    Click the image to enlarge it
  • In the right panel, you will see several boxes that have been checked. Ensure the following are unchecked
    • IAT/EAT
    • Drives/Partition other than Systemdrive (typically C:\)
    • Show All (don't miss this one)
  • Then click the Scan button & wait for it to finish.
  • Once done click on the [Save..] button, and in the File name area, type in "Gmer.txt" or it will save as a .log file which cannot be uploaded to your post.
  • Save it where you can easily find it, such as your desktop, and attach it in reply.

**Caution**
Rootkit scans often produce false positives. Do NOT take any action on any "<— ROOKIT" entries
Post #3
Adding the MBR log file. The first time I ran GMER a Blue Screen occurred. I rebooted and tried running GMER a 2nd time, but it crashed and stopped without causing another Blue Screen. I'll try running it a 3rd time and post the log file if successful.

Attachments:

Post #4
I've tried running GMER a few times, but everytime it either stops unexpectedly or causes a Blue Screen and memory dump. Hopefully you have enough information from the MBRCheck file that I sent, but please let me know if there's anything else that I should try. -Joe
Post #6
Below is my log file from Running GMER, I was having trouble booting my PC into safe mode, but I was able to get GMER to finish scanning in normal mode.


GMER 1.0.15.15281 - http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2010-08-11 10:52:50
Windows 6.0.6002 Service Pack 2
Running: joyd0e4n.exe; Driver: C:\Users\Jose\AppData\Local\Temp\pwtdypow.sys


—- System - GMER 1.0.15 —-

SSDT 89F0F110 ZwAlertResumeThread
SSDT 89F0C110 ZwAlertThread
SSDT 8A67DD80 ZwAllocateVirtualMemory
SSDT 889F6430 ZwAlpcConnectPort
SSDT 8A562120 ZwAssignProcessToJobObject
SSDT 8A625B30 ZwCreateMutant
SSDT 8A6339A0 ZwCreateSymbolicLinkObject
SSDT 8A67C270 ZwCreateThread
SSDT 8A550BE0 ZwDebugActiveProcess
SSDT 8A67DED8 ZwDuplicateObject
SSDT 8A67DBE0 ZwFreeVirtualMemory
SSDT 89F20118 ZwImpersonateAnonymousToken
SSDT 89F15118 ZwImpersonateThread
SSDT 889F63B8 ZwLoadDriver
SSDT 8A67DB00 ZwMapViewOfSection
SSDT 89F21118 ZwOpenEvent
SSDT 8A67C158 ZwOpenProcess
SSDT 89E45110 ZwOpenProcessToken
SSDT 89F4B120 ZwOpenSection
SSDT 8A67C088 ZwOpenThread
SSDT 8A6327F0 ZwProtectVirtualMemory
SSDT 89E45CA0 ZwResumeThread
SSDT 88B0C548 ZwSetContextThread
SSDT 8A67D9A8 ZwSetInformationProcess
SSDT 89F4A118 ZwSetSystemInformation
SSDT 89F3E110 ZwSuspendProcess
SSDT 89E5CCA0 ZwSuspendThread
SSDT 88B11068 ZwTerminateProcess
SSDT 88B0F210 ZwTerminateThread
SSDT 89E5A648 ZwUnmapViewOfSection
SSDT 8A67DCB0 ZwWriteVirtualMemory
SSDT 8A633EB0 ZwCreateThreadEx

—- Kernel code sections - GMER 1.0.15 —-

.text ntkrnlpa.exe!KeSetEvent + 11D 824EE880 8 Bytes [10, F1, F0, 89, 10, C1, F0, …]
.text ntkrnlpa.exe!KeSetEvent + 131 824EE894 4 Bytes [80, DD, 67, 8A]
.text ntkrnlpa.exe!KeSetEvent + 13D 824EE8A0 4 Bytes [30, 64, 9F, 88] {XOR [EDI+EBX*4-0x78], AH}
.text ntkrnlpa.exe!KeSetEvent + 191 824EE8F4 4 Bytes [20, 21, 56, 8A]
.text ntkrnlpa.exe!KeSetEvent + 1F5 824EE958 4 Bytes [30, 5B, 62, 8A]
.text …
.text C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\tos_sps32.sys section is writeable [0x8AB58000, 0x4036D, 0xE8000020]
.dsrt C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\tos_sps32.sys unknown last section [0x8ABA1000, 0x510, 0x40000040]
.text C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys section is writeable [0x8EA04340, 0x3E5D57, 0xE8000020]

—- Devices - GMER 1.0.15 —-

AttachedDevice \Driver\tdx \Device\Tcp SYMTDIV.SYS (Network Dispatch Driver/Symantec Corporation)
AttachedDevice \Driver\tdx \Device\Udp SYMTDIV.SYS (Network Dispatch Driver/Symantec Corporation)
AttachedDevice \Driver\tdx \Device\RawIp SYMTDIV.SYS (Network Dispatch Driver/Symantec Corporation)

—- EOF - GMER 1.0.15 —-
Post #7
Hi,

Please do the following:

Download Combofix from either of the links below, and save it to your desktop.

Link 1
Link 2



**Note: It is important that it is saved directly 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.
  • When finished, it will produce a report for you.
  • Please post the C:\ComboFix.txt for further review.
Post #9
Hi

Please do the following:

  • Please open your MalwareBytes AntiMalware Program
  • Click the Update Tab and search for updates
  • If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  • Once the program has loaded, select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan.
  • The scan may take some time to finish, so please be patient.
  • When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  • Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. <– very important
  • When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart. (See Extra Note)
  • The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  • Copy&Paste the entire report in your next reply.

Extra Note:If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts, click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process, if asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately.



NEXT

**Vista/Win7 users - right click on the IE icon and run as administrator

Run an on-line scan with Kaspersky

Using Internet Explorer or Firefox, visit Kaspersky On-line Scanner

1. Click Accept, when prompted to download and install the program files and database of malware definitions.
2. To optimize scanning time and produce a more sensible report for review:
  • Close any open programs
  • Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan
3. Click Run at the Security prompt.
The program will then begin downloading and installing and will also update the database.
Please be patient as this can take several minutes.
  • Once the update is complete, click on My Computer under the green Scan bar to the left to start the scan.
  • Once the scan is complete, it will display if your system has been infected. It does not provide an option to clean/disinfect. We only require a report from it.
  • Do NOT be alarmed by what you see in the report. Many of the finds have likely been quarantined.
  • Click View scan report at the bottom.

    [external image: Posted Image]
  • Click the Save as Text button to save the file to your desktop so that you may post it in your next reply
Post #11
Hi

Please do the following:

Delete the PowerTools back up file and create a new backup once we are done here
C:\Program Files\jv16 PowerTools 2010\Backups\00247C\5b3d5486-4734998f


NEXT

[external image: Posted Image]
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 Java components and update.
  • Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 21 and save it to your desktop.
  • Scroll down to where it says JDK 6 Update 21 (JDK or JRE)
  • Click the Download JRE button to the right
  • Select the Windows platform from the dropdown menu.
  • Read the License Agreement and then check the box that says: "I agree to the Java SE Runtime Environment 6u21 with JavaFX 1 License Agreement". Click on Continue.The page will refresh.
  • Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation and save the file to your desktop.
  • Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
  • Go to Start > Control Panel, double-click on Add or Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java.
  • Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE or Java™ 6) in the name.
  • Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
  • Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
  • Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  • Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u21-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.
  • After the install is complete, go into the Control Panel (using Classic View) and double-click the Java Icon. (looks like a coffee cup)
    • On the General tab, under Temporary Internet Files, click the Settings button.
    • Next, click on the Delete Files button
    • There are two options in the window to clear the cache - Leave BOTH CheckedApplications and Applets
      Trace and Log Files
  • Click OK on Delete Temporary Files Window
    Note: This deletes ALL the Downloaded Applications and Applets from the CACHE.
  • Click OK to leave the Temporary Files Window
  • Click OK to leave the Java Control Panel.


NEXT

Visit ADOBEand download the latest version of Acrobat Reader (version 9.3)
Having the latest updates ensures there are no security vulnerabilities in your system.







NEXT

Please advise how your computer is running and if there are any outstanding issues.
Post #12
I've uploaded the latest versions of Java and Adobe Reader. No issues right now. I'll post again if I here any more unwanted audio commercials on my PC. Thanks for all of the help.
Post #13
Just some housekeeping to do now,

please do the following:

You can delete the MBRCheck, DDS and GMER logs and programs from your desktop.


NEXT

Follow these steps to uninstall Combofix

  • Make sure your security programs are totally disabled.
  • Click START then RUN
  • Now copy/paste Combofix /uninstall into the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the ..X and the /U, it needs to be there.

[external image: Posted Image]


If there are any logs/tools remaining > right click and delete them.


NEXT


Below I have included a number of recommendations for how to protect your computer against malware infections.

  • It is good security practice to change your passwords to all your online accounts on a fairly regular basis, this is especially true after an infection. Refer to this Microsoft article
    Strong passwords: How to create and use them     Then consider a password keeper, to keep all your passwords safe.

  • Keep Windows updated by regularly checking their website at :
    http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
    This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer.

  • Make Internet Explorer more secure
    • Click Start > Run
    • Type Inetcpl.cpl & click OK
    • Click on the Security tab
    • Click Reset all zones to default level
    • Make sure the Internet Zone is selected & Click Custom level
    • In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to "Prompt", and ("Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe") to "Disable".
    • Next Click OK, then Apply button and then OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

  • Download TFC to your desktop
    • Close any open windows.
    • Double click the TFC icon to run the program
    • TFC will close all open programs itself in order to run,
    • Click the Start button to begin the process.
    • Allow TFC to run uninterrupted.
    • The program should not take long to finish it's job
    • Once its finished it should automatically reboot your machine,
    • if it doesn't, manually reboot to ensure a complete clean
    It's normal after running TFC cleaner that the PC will be slower to boot the first time.

  • WOT, Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
    • Green to go
    • Yellow for caution
    • Red to stop
    WOT has an addon available for both Firefox and IE

  • Keep a backup of your important files - Now, more than ever, it's especially important to protect your digital files and memories. This article is full of good information on alternatives for home backup solutions.

  • ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed. The standard registry backup options that come with Windows back up most of the registry but not all of it. ERUNT however creates a complete backup set, including the Security hive and user related sections. ERUNT is easy to use and since it creates a full backup, there are no options or choices other than to select the location of the backup files. The backup set includes a small executable that will launch the registry restore if needed.

  • In light of your recent issue, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please take a look at these well written articles:
    Think Prevention.
    PC Safety and Security–What Do I Need?.


**Be very wary with any security software that is advertised in popups or in other ways. They are not only usually of no use, but often have malware in them.


Thank you for your patience, and performing all of the procedures requested.

Please respond one last time so we can consider the thread resolved and close it, thank-you.
Post #14
I moved Mbrcheck, DDS and GMER programs to another directory, in case I need them later. combofix uninstalled, changed settings on IE as requested, Installed and Ran TFC, Erun downloaded and installed. Thanks for the help!

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