Yesterday (at precisely 6:48 PM, possibly five minutes before) I was minding my own innocent business on the internet explorer, when all of a sudden, the browser crashed. I shrugged my shoulders (or some such dismissive action) and sought out something to eat. Upon my return roughly five minutes later, I engaged the internet explorer once more with a double click. The homepage opened up, along with a large number of pop-ups that mercilessly bombarded my screen, and I quickly made use of the X in the top right-hand corner of all open windows. I then emitted a groan and began to scan for Evil, which I truly did find.
In my History folder, I discovered three sites that I never visited, the sites from which the pop-ups hailed. They are ad.oinadserver.com (which I believe to be the strongest of the three), rond.starsdoor.com, and zredirector.com, all of which were accessed at precisely 6:48 PM. At 8:22 PM, when I engaged the browser once more to see if my work had successfully defeated the pop-ups, ad.oinadserver.com was the only one to appear. Now none of them appear.
As far as actual progress goes, Spybot Search and Destroy gave the most notable result, claiming to have deleted the following:
TagASaurus, AdSponsor, DoubleClick, MediaPlex, Media Tickets, Smitfraud-C, Statcounter, Virtumonde.WinPor, Virtumonde, YazzleSudoku.
I see no reason to disbelieve it. It comes up clean now.
Ad-aware has deleted myriad cookies, as well as several Evil processes and the like. I cannot name these, I fear.
A dated Ewido Anti-Malware took care of many filthy cookies, as well. I do not recall whether it achieved anything else.
AVG Anti-Spyware, which (as I am sure you are aware) is the new name of Ewido anti-malware, turned up many cookies, as well as something called PurityScan and Adware.Generic. I should like to note that Adware.Generic was ordered to die, but when I later ran AVG Anti-Spyware in Safe Mode, it reappeared. I then ordered it to die on reboot, but I do not know what has become of this.
I have also installed SpywareBlaster, and it is running. Also, the immunization function of Spybot Search and Destroy has been put into use. I do indeed wish I had known about them earlier.
As for HijackThis!, I have reviewed all that it records, deleted two or three obviously bad entries, and I am fairly certain the log is clear of malicious content at this point. Be that as it may, for whatever it is worth, I shall post the log:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:44:50 PM, on 7/23/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaantmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\UAService7.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\BCMSMMSG.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\PROSet\PRONoMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaanotif.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~2\mm_tray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Share-to-Web\hpgs2wnd.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\HEWLET~1\HPSHAR~1\hpgs2wnf.exe
C:\Program Files\Byteswarm\LiveUpdate\LiveUpdate.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\X3watch\x3watch.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLI.EXE
C:\Program Files\Nova Development\Greeting Card Factory Deluxe 6.0\ReminderApp.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative Home\Hallmark Card Studio 2006\Planner\PLNRnote.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqgalry.exe
C:\Program Files\InterMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Josh\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 8 for hijackthis2.zip\HijackThis.exe
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {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:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PRONoMgr.exe] C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\PROSet\PRONoMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IAAnotif] C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaanotif.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StorageGuard] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDet] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~2\mm_tray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Share-to-Web Namespace Daemon] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Share-to-Web\hpgs2wnd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LiveUpdate] C:\Program Files\Byteswarm\LiveUpdate\LiveUpdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [x3watch] C:\Program Files\X3watch\x3watch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATICCC] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLIStart.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ReminderApp] C:\Program Files\Nova Development\Greeting Card Factory Deluxe 6.0\ReminderApp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] "C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: Registration-Studio 8.lnk = C:\Program Files\Pinnacle\Studio 8\Register\RegTool.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Event Planner Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Creative Home\Hallmark Card Studio 2006\Planner\PLNRnote.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Event Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\PrintMaster 16\pmremind.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Image Zone Fast Start.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqthb08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: SpySubtract.lnk = C:\Program Files\InterMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {54B52E52-8000-4413-BD67-FC7FE24B59F2} (EARTPatchX Class) - http://simcity.ea.com/update/EARTPX.cab
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/Facebo…otoUploader.cab
O16 - DPF: {C36661D7-3590-45B1-80B5-520839E94DAD} (MaxisSimCity4PatcherX Control) - http://simcity.ea.com/update/MaxisSimCity4PatcherX.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - GRISOFT s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: Canon Camera Access Library 8 (CCALib8) - Canon Inc. - C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
O23 - Service: IAA Event Monitor (IAANTMon) - Intel - C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaantmon.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee SecurityCenter Update Manager (mcupdmgr.exe) - Networks Associates Technology, Inc - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\mcupdmgr.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com VirusScan Online Realtime Engine (MCVSRte) - Networks Associates Technology, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel® Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: SecuROM User Access Service (V7) (UserAccess7) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\UAService7.exe
Lastly, every time I log onto the computer, I am informed that something is no longer functional for the McAfee Security Center, and that I ought to reinstall it. This is a valid message from McAfee, I am sure. If the message itself interests you, I shall post it on request. Also, this may simply be paranoia, but there is a folder called "Oracle" in My Documents that I do not recall seeing before. Is it evil?
This is the case for one of the two computers in my home, which form a network. The other, being newer, would seem to have better security, or otherwise better luck. It was never faced with popups or any sign of infection, but Spybot Search and Destroy turned up several of the problems on the other system, including TagASaurus and MediaPlex. It also informed me that having certain features of Norton Internet Security disabled served as a security risk. I do not believe this was caused by an outside source, though. On this system, it is notable that no suspicious HijackThis! entries have turned up, and indeed, neither have any malicious processes, only lots of mostly innocent cookies and the claims of Spybot Search and Destroy.
I cannot fathom where these troubles came from, as I have reviewed the browsing history and nothing suspicious appears. Even when the problems began, I was utilizing a perfectly innocent site that I access on a regular basis. I suppose this is simply more frustrating than helpful, (That is, I cannot even say that I have these problems because I have done something wrong or stupid!) The presence of these troubles (in different degrees, even) on both PC's throws me off even more. The only origin that makes any sense to me is Battlefield 1942, which was utilized on both systems the day before, but that would mean the programs sat dormant for nearly 24 hours. The source of my troubles, though, is not why I am here. I merely though I would bring this up so as to maximize the information in the hands of my most good and kind helper.
Please, I would very much like to rid myself of these unwanted files and remnants as completely as possible. The last thing I want is to leave some villianous file or folder or some such thing lying about to do heaven knows what without my knowledge. It is a simply wonderful thing that people such as yourselves are willing to offer aid to those such as myself. I thank you for all efforts devoted to me and to us all.