Win32.TDSS.ntf Help Please

[NacsMXer]

Hi, this is my first post and I would like to say thank you for taking your time to help me.

I am running Windows XP Home Edition 2002, service pack 2. Recently I have discovered that both System Restore and Disk Defragmenter will no longer function. I have also all of a sudden been having trouble with my computer not showing a "removable disk" icon when I plug in my SD card to a reader.

A recent scan with Spybot revealed that I am infected with a Win32.TDSS.ntf trojan. I attempted to "fix selected problems" with Spybot, but the virus reappears on subsequent scans.

Here are my log files, I appreciate your time:

[shelf life]

hi NacsMXer,

Did you reboot after running Spybot? Your post is a few days old, if you still need help reply back.

[NacsMXer]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I did reboot after the first scan. I scanned again and Spybot came up with the same entries. I rebooted once more into safe mode, and ran Spybot in safe mode. I then rebooted once more (normally), ran the scan again, and the entries persist.

I definitely need an expert's help here. Would you like another DDS and Spybot log posted?

[NacsMXer]

I ran another Spybot scan, but this time it came up with 1 entry for Win32.TDSS.rtk.

I saved the log and "fixed selected problems". I rebooted the computer and did a fresh DDS scan.

[shelf life]

ok we will get two downloads for you to use. the first is Tdsskiller the next is Malwarebytes which you can keep and use.

Please download TDSS Killer.exe (http://support.kaspersky.com/downloads/utils/tdsskiller.exe) and save it to your desktop
Double click to launch the utility. After it initializes click the start scan button.
Once the scan completes you can click the continue button.
"The utility will automatically select an action (Cure or Delete) for known malcious objects. A suspicious object will be skipped by default."
"After clicking Next, the utility applies selected actions and outputs the result."
"A reboot might require after disinfection."
A report will be found in your Root drive Local Disk (C) as TDSSKiller.2.4.2.1_09.08.2010_17.32.21_log.txt (name, version, date, time)

Please post the log report

Next:
Please download the free version of Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php) to your desktop.

Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
Be sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.

If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
Once the program has loaded, select Perform FULL SCAN, then click Scan.
When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
Be sure that everything is checked, and click *Remove Selected.*

*A restart of your computer may be required to remove some items. If prompted please restart your computer to complete the fix.*

When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Please save it to a convenient location. The log can also be opened by going to Start > All Programs > Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware > Logs > log-date.txt
Post the log in your reply.

Please post the log report

[NacsMXer]

Looks like it worked! Disk defragmenter, system restore, and my SD card now magically work again! I've been pulling my hair out with this USB SD card issue for 2 weeks. After running TDSSkiller, I plug it in and the system detected it right away. Looks like the TDSS rootkit was really messing with my USB drivers.

Thank you so much shelf life, for volunteering your time to help a total stranger! Good karma for you good sir :beerbeerb:

Here are the logs you requested:

[shelf life]

hi NacsMXer,

Your welcome. You can delete the tdsskiller icon from your desktop. Keep malwarebytes and note that the free version must be updated manually and a scan started manually.

You can make a new restore point, the how and the why;
One of the features of Windows XP,Vista and Windows7 is the System Restore option, however if malware infects a computer it is possible that the malware could be backed up in the System Restore archive. Therefore, clearing the restore points is a good idea after malware is removed and your computer appears to be functioning ok.

To reset your restore points, please note that you will need to log into your computer with an account which has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.

(winXP)

1. Turn off System Restore. (deletes old possibly infected restore point)
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.

2. Reboot.

3. Turn ON System Restore.(creates a new restore points on a clean system)
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK, then reboot

You had a rootkit on your machine. Rootkits hide malicious files and components from traditional antivirus/antimalware software. They bury themselves deep in the operating system. Special software is needed to detect and remove them. Even if symptoms are gone and logs are clean its still not a 100% guarantee that your machine is clean once a rootkit has been detected and removed. You should consider a reformat/reinstall of Windows.
The best source for information on how to do this would be the computer manufacturers website.

Last, some tips for you;

10 Tips for Prevention and Avoidance of Malware:
There is no reason why your computer can not stay malware free.

No software can think for you. Help yourself. In no special order:

1) It is essential to keep your operating system (Windows) browser (IE, FireFox, Chrome, Opera) and other software up to date to "patch" vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Visit Windows Update (http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us) frequently or use the Windows auto-update feature. (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/windowsupdate/automaticupdate.mspx) Staying updated is also essential for other web based applications like Java, Adobe Flash/Reader, iTunes etc. More and more third party applications are being targeted. Use the auto-update features available in most software. Not sure if you are using the latest version of software? Check their version status and get the updates here. (http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/online/)

2) Know what you are installing to your computer. Alot of software can come bundled with unwanted add-ons, like adware, toolbars and malware. More and more legitimate software is installing useless toolbars if not unchecked first. Do not install any files from ads, popups or random links. Do not fall for fake warnings about virus and trojans being found on your computer and you are then prompted to install software to remedy this. See also the signs (http://www.malwarevault.com/signs.html)that you may have malware on your computer.

3) Install and keep updated: one antivirus and two or three anti-malware applications. If not updated they will soon be worthless. If either of these frequently find malware then its time to *review your computer habits*.

4) Refrain from clicking on links or attachments via E-Mail, IM, IRC, Chat Rooms, Blogs or Social Networking Sites, no matter how tempting or legitimate the message may seem. See also E-mail phishing Tricks (http://www.fraud.org/tips/internet/phishing.htm).

5) Do not click on ads/pop ups or offers from websites requesting that you need to install software to your computer--*for any reason*. Use the Alt+F4 keys to close the window.

6) Don't click on offers to "scan" your computer. Install ActiveX Objects with care. Do you trust the website to install components?

7) Consider the use of limited (non-privileged) accounts for everyday use, rather than administrator accounts. Limited accounts (http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/useraccount.mspx) can help prevent *malware from installing and lessen its potential impact.* This is exactly what user account control (UAC) in Windows Vista and Windows 7 attempts to address.

8) Install and understand the *limitations* of a software firewall.

9) A tool (http://nsslabs.com/general/ie8-hardening-tool.html)for automatically hardening and securing Internet Explorer 8.0. Requires site registration for downloading. Changes some of the default settings of IE 8.0, Read the FAQ's. Or see a slide show Here (http://threatpost.com/en_us/slideshow/How%20to%20configure%20Internet%20Explorer%20for%20secure%20surfing) and do it yourself. How to harden FireFox. (http://threatpost.com/en_us/slideshow/How-to-configure-Mozilla-Firefox-for-secure-surfing?utm_source=Second+Sidebar&utm_medium=Featured+Slideshows&utm_campaign=Configure+Mozilla+Firefox) for safer surfing.

10) Warez, cracks etc are very popular for carrying malware payloads. If you look for these you will encounter malware. If you download/install files via p2p networks you will encounter malware. Can you really trust the source of the file?


More info/tips with pictures, links below

Happy Safe Surfing.

[NacsMXer]

Thank you for following up shelf life. I will create a new restore point per your instructions. And I appreciate those tips on staying malware-free.

I cannot thank you enough for helping to eliminate this nasty bugger from my machine. Take care! :)