What the Tech?! Free tech support Archive
This is a read-only archive. No new posts or registrations. Privacy Page
Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Browser Hijacked

7 min read

This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

Looking for the outcome? Ask AI

Post #1
Hey guys,

Browser has been hijacked. Startup page is either porn or spyware removal ad. No other obvious disruptions. Thanks.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:54:44 AM, on 1/22/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Pav_Agent\Pagent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Symantec\ACT\SideACT.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Scheduler\pavsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Pav_Agent\pagentwd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Bob\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.x-hosting.biz/?Enter=Website CLICK YES TO ENTER WEBSITE
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliPoint] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: SideACT!.lnk = C:\Program Files\Symantec\ACT\SideACT.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{1BE5B92E-01D7-49F1-861C-E24C6A4D8919}: Domain = navistar.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{6A85BE4A-2166-4509-9855-30522A412C15}: Domain = navistar.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{6A85BE4A-2166-4509-9855-30522A412C15}: NameServer = 64.59.144.18,64.59.144.19
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{1BE5B92E-01D7-49F1-861C-E24C6A4D8919}: Domain = navistar.com
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NavLogon.dll
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: Panda AdminSecure Communications Agent (PAVAGENTE) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Pav_Agent\Pagent.exe
O23 - Service: Panda AdminSecure Scheduler (PavAtScheduler) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Scheduler\pavsched.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Process Protection Service (PavPrSrv) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Antivirus Report Service (PavReport) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\PavReport\PavReport.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
Post #2
Welcome to Tom Coyote :) I'm GS2, and I will be helping you I am an Undergraduate, and therefore everything I post has to be checked by an expert; this means there may be a slight delay between my replies, I will post shortly with the next step. Please feel free to ask questions at anytime if you are unsure of the steps I ask you to undertake.
Post #4
Hi fukngruvn, a few questions first - do you recognise this site:
navistar.com
and these IP addresses [removed] [removed] they both belong to the same netblock that of Shaw Communications Ltd, or Shaw High Speed Internet

I also notice you have two Anti-virus programs installed, Panda and Symantec. Has the Symantec Anti-virus got a real-time scanner ?


Before the fix you currently are running the HijackThis executable from your desktop, because HijackThis makes backups when we use it, it is important you move HijackThis into its own folder so any backups made are kept safe from deletion. Make a new folder named HJT on your desktop and cut/paste the HijackThis.exe file into the new folder. The new path will be:
C:\Documents and Settings\Bob\Desktop\HJT\HijackThis.exe


DO NOT follow the steps below until you have moved HijackThis
================================================================

Please download ATF Cleaner here by Atribune. This program is for XP and Windows 2000 only. It does not require any installation and uses minimal system resources. It is set up to clean IE, FireFox and Opera, and detects the browsers you have and grays out the other(s).
Ensure all browsers are closed while using ATF Cleaner
  • Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
  • Under Main choose: Select All
  • Recommend UNCHECKING COOKIES if you rely on system remembered passwords.
  • Click the Empty Selected button.

    If you use Firefox browser
  • Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All EXCEPT FIREFOX SAVED PASSWORDS
  • Click the Empty Selected button.
    NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

    If you use Opera browser
  • Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All EXCEPT COOKIES AND SAVED PASSWORDS
  • Click the Empty Selected button.
  • NOTE: If you would like to keep your cookies and saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.

Using HijackThis
  • Run HijackThis
  • Click on the Scan button
  • Put a check beside all of the items listed below:

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.x-hosting.biz/?Enter=Website CLICK YES TO ENTER WEBSITE

Close all running programs windows and browsers/email, etc. except HijackThis and
Click on the Fix Checked button
When completed, close the application.


Please download AVG Anti-Spyware to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder.
http://www.ewido.net/en/download/
  • Install AVG Anti-Spyware by double clicking the installer.
  • Follow the prompts. Make sure that Launch AVG Anti-Spyware is checked.
  • On the main screen under Your Computer's security.
    • Click on Change state next to Resident shield. It should now change to inactive.
    • Click on Change state next to Automatic updates. It should now change to inactive.
    • Next to Last Update, click on Update now. (You will need an active internet connection to perform this)
    • Wait until you see the Update succesfull message.
  • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and uncheck Start with Windows.
  • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and select Exit. Confirm by clicking Yes.
If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update ewido.
AVG Anti-Spyware manual updates.
Download the Full database to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder and install it by double clicking the file. Make sure that AVG Anti-Spyware is closed before installing the update.
____________________________

Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.
  • If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
  • Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
  • Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a
    keyboard error
    message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
  • Ensure that the Safe Mode option is selected.
  • Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
  • Login on your usual account.
______________________________


Please start AVG Anti-Spyware and run a full scan.
  • Click on Scanner on the toolbar.
  • Click on the Settings tab.
    • Under How to act?
      • Click on Recommended Action and choose Quarantine from the popup menu.
    • Under How to scan?
      • All checkboxes should be ticked.
    • Under Possibly unwanted software:
      • All checkboxes should be ticked.
    • Under Reports:
      • Select Automatically generate report after every scan and uncheck Only if threats were found.
    • Under What to scan?
      • Select Scan every file.
  • Click on the Scan tab.
  • Click on Complete System Scan to start the scan process.
  • Let the program scan the machine.
  • When the scan has finished, follow the instructions below.
    IMPORTANT : Don't click on the
    Save Scan Report
    button before you did hit the
    Apply all Actions
    button.
    • Make sure that Set all elements to: shows Quarantine (1), if not click on the link and choose Quarantine from the popup menu. (2)
    • At the bottom of the window click on the Apply all Actions button. (3)
      [external image: Posted Image]
  • When done, click the Save Scan Report button. (4)
    • Click the Save Report as button.
    • Save the report to your Desktop.
  • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and select Exit. Confirm by clicking Yes.
Reboot in Normal Mode.

Please post a new HijackThis log, and the AVG log in your next reply (this may take several posts)
Post #6
looks like its fixed. thanks

———————————————————
AVG Anti-Spyware - Scan Report
———————————————————

+ Created at: 11:06:39 AM 1/25/2007

+ Scan result:



Nothing found.



::Report end




Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:11:06 AM, on 1/25/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Pav_Agent\Pagent.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Scheduler\pavsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Pav_Agent\pagentwd.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\ACT\SideACT.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
\?\C:\WINDOWS\system32\WBEM\WMIADAP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Bob\Desktop\hjt\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://msn.com/
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliPoint] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: SideACT!.lnk = C:\Program Files\Symantec\ACT\SideACT.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{1BE5B92E-01D7-49F1-861C-E24C6A4D8919}: Domain = navistar.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{6A85BE4A-2166-4509-9855-30522A412C15}: Domain = navistar.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{6A85BE4A-2166-4509-9855-30522A412C15}: NameServer = 64.59.144.18,64.59.144.19
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{1BE5B92E-01D7-49F1-861C-E24C6A4D8919}: Domain = navistar.com
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NavLogon.dll
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: Panda AdminSecure Communications Agent (PAVAGENTE) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Pav_Agent\Pagent.exe
O23 - Service: Panda AdminSecure Scheduler (PavAtScheduler) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\Scheduler\pavsched.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Process Protection Service (PavPrSrv) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Antivirus Report Service (PavReport) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Administrator 3\PavReport\PavReport.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
Post #7
Thank you for the logs, and for getting them back to me so promptly. Running two antivirus programs can often cause conflicts and reduce the security of your system. So please remove one of the following products through add/remove:

Norton 2005
Panda Anti-virus.

As your Norton is out of date, I would advise removing that (I am assuming your Panda subscription is up-to-date - if both are subscriptions are not current let me know and I can advise you of some free anti-virus products). The first step is to remove it through add/remove in the control panel:
The following link will help you, just follow step 1-3:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.n…004082712005006
I would advise saving the information, or even better printing it out before removal - and read the steps carefully.

If that does not work, which can occur in some cases there is a removal tool available here:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgen…005033108162039

This time follow steps 1-2, again either save the information or print it out for your reference, and read the instructions carefully.

Once you have taken those steps I'd like you to run one more scan to ensure your system is clean:
Now I would like you to run an online scan by KAV
Visit Kaspersky Anti-Virus Online scanner
Please use Internet Explorer for this scan
Click on the Kaspersky Online Scanner Button (The first button)
A new window will now open
Accept the agreement by clicking on the accept button at the bottom of the agreement page
It will now install an active x compenent into your browser
Once done it will automatically start downloading the virus definitions, once it has done click on the next button
Now click on Scan Settings
In the scan settings make that the following are selected:
–> Scan using the following Anti-Virus database:
–> Extended (If available otherwise Standard)
–> Scan Options:
–> Scan Archives
–> Scan Mail Bases
Click OK
Now under select a target to scan select My Computer
The scan will take a while so be patient and let it run. Once the scan is complete it will display if your system has been infected.
Now click on the Save as Text button:
Save the file to your desktop.

Then copy/paste the Kaspersky log into a reply along with a fresh HijackThis log. Also let me know how your system is behaving now :)
Post #9
Because no reply was made. This topic is now closed. If you wish it reopened, please send us an email (Click for address) with a link to your thread.

Do not bother contacting us if you are not the topic starter. A valid, working link to the closed topic is required along with the user name used. If the user name does not match the one in the thread linked, the email will be deleted.
Make sure you use proper prevention to keep from having problems occur to your computer in the future.

Coyote's Installed programs for prevention:
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showtopic=31418

Visit the CoyoteStore http://TomCoyote.org/coyotestore.php

Also follow the recommendations in Tony Klein's article
So how did I get infected in the first place?

Ask AI

AI can make mistakes. Check the cited posts. Archived advice can be out-of-date

Don't include personal information. Questions and selected public posts go to OpenAI. About Ask AI