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

[Closed] Core Adware Removal

3 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 Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.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
Hello,
I have been receiving IE pop-up advertisements, even when I am using Firefox. When I scan the computer with Webroot Spysweeper, it detects Core Adware and quarantines it. Even after I delete it from the quarantine list, I am still receiving pop-ups. I have been infected with Virtumonde and other trojans in the past, which to my knowledge have been removed. Here is my Hijackthis log:


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:12:12 PM, on 11/2/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16544)

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:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPConfig.exe
C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\HPWirelessMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SAVAdminService.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\carpserv.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\HPQ\One-Touch\OneTouch.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALMon.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SSU.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.latimes.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.hp.com/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CARPService] carpserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] "C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] "C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cpqset] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\Default Settings\cpqset.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Display Settings] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\hptasks.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QT4HPOT] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\One-Touch\OneTouch.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AutoUpdate Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALMon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Billminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\billmind.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Scheduled Updates.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\bagent.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\QWDLLS.EXE
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
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
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu…b?1187712793308
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu…b?1187712785286
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: Ad-Aware 2007 Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft AB - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: HP Configuration Interface Service (HPConfig) - Hewlett-Packard - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPConfig.exe
O23 - Service: HPWirelessMgr - Hewlett-Packard Co. - C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\HPWirelessMgr.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus status reporter (SAVAdminService) - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SAVAdminService.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus (SAVService) - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SavService.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos AutoUpdate Service - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (WebrootSpySweeperService) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe

Thank you
Post #2
Hello, and welcome to the forum.

My name is Simon V., and I'll be glad to help you with your computer problems.

Step 1

Please download Combofix:Double-click on combofix.exe and follow the prompts.
When finished, it will produce a log for you. Save it to a convenient location.

Note: Do not mouseclick Combofix's window whilst it's running. That may cause it to stall.

Step 2

Open HijackThis.
  • Click on the Config button.
  • Click on the Misc Tools button.
  • Click on the Open Uninstall Manager button.
  • Click on the Save list… button and save the file to a convenient location. When you press Save, Notepad will open with the contents of that file.
Step 3

In your next reply, please post:
  • the log from Combofix (C:\Combofix.txt)
  • the Uninstall List
  • a new HijackThis log
Post #3
Hello,
Thank you so much for your help.

Here is the Combofix log: (I would like to note, though, that for some reason my antivirus detected it as an unwanted program; hopefully this didn't interfere with the scan. Also, the Combofix window kept showing messages that said, "Access Denied" and I had to click through error messages in the beginning. I also had to restart the computer because the computer froze; when I signed on again, the scan resumed and produced this log)

C:\Temp\fCOe\tOasF.log
C:\temp\tn3
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\core.cache.dsk
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\core.sys
C:\WINDOWS\system32\oTt02e
C:\WINDOWS\system32\pac.txt

.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Drivers/Services )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

.
——-\LEGACY_CORE
——-\core


((((((((((((((((((((((((( Files Created from 2007-10-05 to 2007-11-05 )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.

2007-10-23 23:52 1,136 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\mozver.dat
2007-10-20 15:25 d——– C:\Program Files\iTunes
2007-10-20 15:25 d——– C:\Program Files\iPod
2007-10-20 15:22 d——– C:\Program Files\QuickTime
2007-10-20 15:20 d—-c— C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRVSTORE
2007-10-20 15:20 d——– C:\Program Files\Apple Software Update
2007-10-20 15:19 d——– C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple
2007-10-20 15:19 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Apple
2007-10-19 18:27 d——– C:\Program Files\InterActual
2007-10-18 21:47 d——– C:\Program Files\Lavasoft
2007-10-18 21:47 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Lavasoft
2007-10-18 21:43 d——– C:\Program Files\Common Files\Wise Installation Wizard
2007-10-18 20:45 d-a—— C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP
2007-10-18 20:43 626,688 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\system32\msvcr80.dll
2007-10-18 20:36 d——– C:\Program Files\Trend Micro
2007-10-18 17:11 d——– C:\VundoFix Backups
2007-10-18 10:47 0 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\nsreg.dat
2007-10-18 06:28 1,526,072 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\WRSetup.dll
2007-10-18 06:28 20,280 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\SSFS0BB9.sys
2007-10-18 06:28 164 –a—— C:\install.dat
2007-10-18 06:19 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Application Data\Webroot
2007-10-18 06:11 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Application Data\Webroot
2007-10-18 06:10 d——– C:\Program Files\Webroot
2007-10-18 06:10 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\Presario\Application Data\Webroot
2007-10-18 06:10 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Webroot
2007-10-18 06:10 163,640 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ssidrv.sys
2007-10-18 06:10 23,864 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\sskbfd.sys
2007-10-18 06:10 21,816 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\sshrmd.sys
2007-10-18 05:58 d——– C:\WINDOWS\system32\od2
2007-10-18 05:58 d——– C:\WINDOWS\system32\ib1
2007-10-18 05:58 d——– C:\WINDOWS\system32\cp1
2007-10-18 05:58 d——– C:\WINDOWS\system32\bo2
2007-10-18 05:58 d——– C:\WINDOWS\system32\ap1
2007-10-18 05:58 d——– C:\Temp
2007-10-09 10:42 584,192 —–c— C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\rpcrt4.dll

.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Find3M Report ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
2007-10-20 23:25 ——— d—–w C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Apple Computer
2007-10-18 14:10 ——— d–h–w C:\Program Files\InstallShield Installation Information
2007-10-03 18:55 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\HP
2007-10-03 18:54 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Common Files\Hewlett-Packard
2007-10-03 18:50 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Common Files\HP
2007-09-30 16:17 ——— d—–w C:\Documents and Settings\Presario\Application Data\Template
2007-09-30 16:15 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works
2007-09-25 03:59 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\AOD
2007-09-25 03:59 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\AIM
2007-09-06 06:48 ——— d—–w C:\Documents and Settings\Presario\Application Data\Viewpoint
.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Reg Loading Points ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
.
*Note* empty entries & legit default entries are not shown

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"CARPService"="carpserv.exe" [2003-05-21 14:35 C:\WINDOWS\system32\carpserv.exe]
"SynTPLpr"="C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe" [2003-05-22 13:10]
"SynTPEnh"="C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe" [2003-05-22 14:06]
"ATIModeChange"="Ati2mdxx.exe" [2001-09-04 08:24 C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2mdxx.exe]
"ATIPTA"="C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe" [2003-12-12 10:31]
"Cpqset"="C:\Program Files\HPQ\Default Settings\cpqset.exe" [2003-07-17 12:50]
"QuickTime Task"="C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" [2007-06-29 05:24]
"Display Settings"="C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\hptasks.exe" [2002-08-15 07:26]
"QT4HPOT"="C:\Program Files\HPQ\One-Touch\OneTouch.EXE" [2003-03-13 07:11]
"Adobe Reader Speed Launcher"="C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe" [2007-05-11 02:06]
"TkBellExe"="C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" [2007-08-29 23:33]
"HP Software Update"="C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe" [2003-08-04 16:28]
"HP Component Manager"="C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe" [2003-12-22 07:38]
"iTunesHelper"="C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe" [2007-09-26 13:42]
"combofix"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe" [2004-08-03 23:56]
"SpySweeper"="C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe" [2007-10-01 15:40]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"MSMSGS"="C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.exe" [2004-10-13 08:24]
"ctfmon.exe"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe" [2004-08-03 23:56]

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
AutoUpdate Monitor.lnk - C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALMon.exe [2007-08-21 13:20:36]
Billminder.lnk - C:\Program Files\Quicken\billmind.exe [2002-09-20 11:19:46]
HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe [2003-09-16 04:19:24]
Quicken Scheduled Updates.lnk - C:\Program Files\Quicken\bagent.exe [2002-09-20 11:20:02]
Quicken Startup.lnk - C:\Program Files\Quicken\QWDLLS.EXE [2002-09-20 11:20:06]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\SAVService]
@="service"

.
Contents of the 'Scheduled Tasks' folder
"2007-10-03 18:59:14 C:\WINDOWS\Tasks\WebReg 20071003115911.job"
- C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqwrg.exe
.
**************************************************************************
scanning hidden processes …

scanning hidden autostart entries …

scanning hidden files …

**************************************************************************
.
Completion time: 2007-11-04 21:10:03
.
— E O F —



___________________________________________________________________
Here is the list from Hijackthis Uninstall Manager:

Ad-Aware 2007
Adobe Flash Player ActiveX
Adobe Reader 8.1.0
AOL Instant Messenger
Apple Mobile Device Support
Apple Software Update
ATI - Software Uninstall Utility
ATI Control Panel
ATI Display Driver
Conexant 56K ACLink Modem
Conexant AC-Link Audio
Hijackthis 1.99.1
HijackThis 1.99.1
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB915865)
HP Image Zone 3.5
HP PSC & OfficeJet 3.5
HP Software Update
HP Wireless LAN Driver
HP WLAN 54g W450 Network Adapter
InterActual Player
InterVideo WinDVD
iTunes
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Hotfix (KB928366)
Microsoft Internationalized Domain Names Mitigation APIs
Microsoft National Language Support Downlevel APIs
Microsoft Works 7.0
Mozilla Firefox (2.0.0.9)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB936181)
Notebook Utilities
One-Touch Buttons
Quicken 2003 New User Edition
QuickTime
RealPlayer
Rhapsody Player Engine
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB938127)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB939653)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB911564)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 6.4 (KB925398)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 8 (KB917734)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 9 (KB911565)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 9 (KB936782)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB890046)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB893756)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896358)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896423)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896424)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896428)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB899587)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB899591)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB900725)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB901017)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB901190)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB901214)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB902400)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB904706)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB905414)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB905749)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB908519)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB911562)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB911927)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB912919)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB913580)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB914388)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB914389)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB917344)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB917422)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB917953)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB918118)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB919007)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920213)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920670)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920683)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920685)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB921398)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB921503)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB921883)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB922616)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB922819)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923191)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923414)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923689)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923789)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923980)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924191)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924270)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924496)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924667)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB925902)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB926255)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB926436)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB927779)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB927802)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB928255)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB928843)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB929123)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB930178)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB931261)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB931784)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB932168)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB933729)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB935839)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB935840)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB936021)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB937143)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB938127)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB938829)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB939653)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941202)
Sophos Anti-Virus
Sophos AutoUpdate
Spy Sweeper
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
Update for Windows XP (KB900485)
Update for Windows XP (KB908531)
Update for Windows XP (KB910437)
Update for Windows XP (KB911280)
Update for Windows XP (KB916595)
Update for Windows XP (KB920872)
Update for Windows XP (KB922582)
Update for Windows XP (KB927891)
Update for Windows XP (KB930916)
Update for Windows XP (KB931836)
Update for Windows XP (KB933360)
Update for Windows XP (KB938828)
Viewpoint Media Player
Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Windows XP Hotfix - KB873339
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885835
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885836
Windows XP Hotfix - KB886185
Windows XP Hotfix - KB887472
Windows XP Hotfix - KB888302
Windows XP Hotfix - KB890859
Windows XP Hotfix - KB891781
Windows XP Service Pack 2

_________________________________________________________
Here is the new Hijackthis log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:14:00 PM, on 11/4/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16544)

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:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPConfig.exe
C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\HPWirelessMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SAVAdminService.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\carpserv.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe
C:\Program Files\HPQ\One-Touch\OneTouch.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALMon.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SSU.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.latimes.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.hp.com/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CARPService] carpserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] "C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] "C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cpqset] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\Default Settings\cpqset.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Display Settings] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\hptasks.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QT4HPOT] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\One-Touch\OneTouch.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AutoUpdate Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALMon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Billminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\billmind.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Scheduled Updates.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\bagent.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\QWDLLS.EXE
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
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
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu…b?1187712793308
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu…b?1187712785286
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: Ad-Aware 2007 Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft AB - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: HP Configuration Interface Service (HPConfig) - Hewlett-Packard - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPConfig.exe
O23 - Service: HPWirelessMgr - Hewlett-Packard Co. - C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\HPWirelessMgr.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus status reporter (SAVAdminService) - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SAVAdminService.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus (SAVService) - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SavService.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos AutoUpdate Service - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (WebrootSpySweeperService) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe

___________________________________________
thank you so much for your help.
Post #5
Hello, Thank you for your reply. There are no files inside the said folder. I am not receiving pop-ups for now … however, I would like to note that the pop-ups have been appearing sporadically (sometimes I receive no pop-ups at all in a single session; at other times, they start bombarding my computer as soon as I sign on…). Are there any problems in my computer for now? thank you so much for your help.
Post #6 last edited

Are there any problems in my computer for now?


The logs from the tools we ran don't show an active infection. It is however possible an infection is hiding itself, so we'll run another scan :)

Step 1

You can delete these folders (navigate to them using Windows Explorer):

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ib1\
C:\WINDOWS\system32\od2\
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cp1\
C:\WINDOWS\system32\bo2\
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ap1\

Step 2

Download F-Secure Blacklight to your desktop.
  • Double-click on fsbl.exe to open the program, select I accept the agreement and click Next.
  • Click Scan.
  • After the scan is complete, click Next, then Exit.
  • It will create a log on the desktop named fsbl-xxxxxxx.log (the xxxxxxx will be the date and time of the scan). Please post the contents of the report in your next reply.
Post #7
Hello,
Thanks for your response.
I ran the F-Secure Blacklight program and I first got this log:

11/05/07 16:22:31 [Info]: BlackLight Engine 1.0.67 initialized
11/05/07 16:22:31 [Info]: OS: 5.1 build 2600 (Service Pack 2)
11/05/07 16:22:32 [Note]: 7019 4
11/05/07 16:22:32 [Note]: 7005 0
11/05/07 16:22:46 [Note]: 7006 0
11/05/07 16:22:46 [Note]: 7011 2180
11/05/07 16:22:47 [Note]: 7026 0
11/05/07 16:22:47 [Note]: 7026 0
11/05/07 16:22:50 [Note]: FSRAW library version 1.7.1024
11/05/07 16:52:03 [Note]: 7007 0

__________________________________________________
For kicks, I ran Webroot SpySweeper. It still detected CoreAdware, however. I quarantined it and deleted it, restarted my computer, and ran F-Secure Blacklight again and this is the second log:

11/05/07 20:04:43 [Info]: BlackLight Engine 1.0.67 initialized
11/05/07 20:04:43 [Info]: OS: 5.1 build 2600 (Service Pack 2)
11/05/07 20:04:43 [Note]: 7019 4
11/05/07 20:04:43 [Note]: 7005 0
11/05/07 20:04:58 [Note]: 7006 0
11/05/07 20:04:58 [Note]: 7011 1596
11/05/07 20:04:58 [Note]: 7026 0
11/05/07 20:04:58 [Note]: 7026 0
11/05/07 20:05:16 [Note]: FSRAW library version 1.7.1024
11/05/07 20:17:24 [Note]: 7007 0

_________________________________________________
Here is the new Hijackthis log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:18:37 PM, on 11/5/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16544)

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:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPConfig.exe
C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\HPWirelessMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SAVAdminService.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\carpserv.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\HPQ\One-Touch\OneTouch.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALMon.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SSU.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\MSWorks.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkgdcach.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.latimes.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.hp.com/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CARPService] carpserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] "C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] "C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cpqset] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\Default Settings\cpqset.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Display Settings] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\hptasks.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QT4HPOT] "C:\Program Files\HPQ\One-Touch\OneTouch.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AutoUpdate Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALMon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Billminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\billmind.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Scheduled Updates.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\bagent.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Quicken\QWDLLS.EXE
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
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
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu…b?1187712793308
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu…b?1187712785286
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: Ad-Aware 2007 Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft AB - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: HP Configuration Interface Service (HPConfig) - Hewlett-Packard - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPConfig.exe
O23 - Service: HPWirelessMgr - Hewlett-Packard Co. - C:\Program Files\HPQ\Notebook Utilities\HPWirelessMgr.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus status reporter (SAVAdminService) - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SAVAdminService.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus (SAVService) - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\Sophos Anti-Virus\SavService.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos AutoUpdate Service - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos\AutoUpdate\ALsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (WebrootSpySweeperService) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe

__________________________________________
Please let me know if there are any further problems … I am still confused why SpySweeper still detected CoreAdware.

Also, I was wondering what I should do to prevent future infections with CoreAdware and Virtumonde, etc.

Thank you so much! I appreciate all of your assistance; you have been super helpful.
Post #8 last edited
Hi :)

Also, I was wondering what I should do to prevent future infections with CoreAdware and Virtumonde, etc.


When you're clean I'll give you some prevention tips, but first I'd like to know if there's still something on your computer.

Step 1

Please delete your current copy of Combofix and download a new one:Step 2

Print these instructions or copy them to Notepad and save it to your desktop, as you won't be able to access internet in Safe Mode.

Please reboot into Safe Mode. To do this, go to Start > Turn off Computer, and select Restart. Rapidly tap F8 just before Windows starts to load. In the menu that appears, select Safe Mode (Without Networking)

Step 3

Double-click on combofix.exe and follow the prompts.
When finished, it will produce a log for you. Save it to a convenient location.

Note: Do not mouseclick Combofix's window whilst it's running. That may cause it to stall.

If Combofix hasn't restarted your computer, please restart in Normal Mode.

Step 4

Please do an online scan with Kaspersky WebScanner

Click on Kaspersky Online Scanner

You will be promted to install an ActiveX component from Kaspersky, click Yes.
  • The program will launch and then begin downloading the latest definition files:
  • Once the files have been downloaded click on NEXT
  • Now click on Scan Settings
  • In the scan settings make sure 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 program will start and scan your system.
  • 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.
Step 5

In your next reply, please post:
  • the Combofix log (C:\ComboFix.txt)
  • the Kaspersky Online Scan log
  • a new HijackThis log

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