Mediashifting Browser Hijacker

[sruefer]

Additional info on the firewall problem: the registry entry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\BFE does not exist on this machine, while it does on my own computer. Not sure if that helps?

 

[jeffce]

Hi,

• Click Start > Run type Notepad click OK.
• This will open an empty Notepad file.
• Copy/Paste the contents of the box below into Notepad.
  

  @echo off
  regedit.exe /e "%userprofile%\Desktop\look.txt" "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\BFE"
  Notepad.exe %userprofile%\Desktop\look.txt
  Del look.txt
  Del %0

• Click Format and ensure Wordwrap is unchecked.
• Save as RegExp.bat
• Save as file type All Files or it won't work.
• Now double click on RegExp.bat to run it.
• A file look.txt will open on your Desktop, please post the contents in your next reply.

 

[sruefer]

Hi Jeff,

I run the file and the text file opened (it was created newly) but it was empty, no report or log of any kind showed up in it.

 

[jeffce]

Hi,

Thanks for running that earlier. You did just fine.
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Please download Farbar Service Scanner and run it on the computer with the issue.

• Make sure "Windows Firewall" option remains checked.
• Press "Scan".
• It will create a log (FSS.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
• Please copy and paste the log to your reply.

 

[sruefer]

FSS log below:

Farbar Service Scanner
Ran by marjan (administrator) on 03-01-2012 at 07:41:03
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (X64)
Boot Mode: Normal
****************************************************************

Internet Services:
============

Connection Status:
==============
Localhost is accessible.
LAN connected.
Google IP is accessible.
Yahoo IP is accessible.


Windows Firewall:
=============
MpsSvc Service is not running. Checking service configuration:
Checking Start type: Attention! Unable to open MpsSvc registry key. The service key does not exist.
Checking ImagePath: Attention! Unable to open MpsSvc registry key. The service key does not exist.
Checking ServiceDll: Attention! Unable to open MpsSvc registry key. The service key does not exist.

bfe Service is not running. Checking service configuration:
Checking Start type: Attention! Unable to open bfe registry key. The service key does not exist.
Checking ImagePath: Attention! Unable to open bfe registry key. The service key does not exist.
Checking ServiceDll: Attention! Unable to open bfe registry key. The service key does not exist.

mpsdrv Service is not running. Checking service configuration:
The start type of mpsdrv service is OK.
The ImagePath of mpsdrv service is OK.


Firewall Disabled Policy:
==================


File Check:
========
C:\Windows\System32\nsisvc.dll => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\nsiproxy.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\dhcpcore.dll => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\afd.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tdx.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\tcpip.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\dnsrslvr.dll => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\mpssvc.dll
[2009-07-14 03:39] - [2009-07-14 05:11] - 0824832 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) AECAB449567D1846DAD63ECE49E893E3

C:\Windows\System32\bfe.dll
[2009-07-14 03:39] - [2009-07-14 05:10] - 0703488 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 4992C609A6315671463E30F6512BC022

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mpsdrv.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\rpcss.dll => MD5 is legit


**** End of log ****

 

[sruefer]

I need to give back that laptop soon, could you tell me how to uninstall comboFix? Thanks

 

[jeffce]

Hi sruefer,

It seems that the infection that you had harmed some registry keys that will need to be fixed. If you are satisfied with how the system is running though I can help you clean up our tools though. Just let me know what you want to do. :bigthumb:

 

[sruefer]

If it's possible to fix the registry keys then let's do it; if it is a major headache then I can install a third party Firewall instead. In any case, the infection seems to be gone, great job!

 

[jeffce]

Hi sruefer,

Ok I was able to get copies of the registry keys that you are missing.
----------

Please download and run ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT). This program 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. **Remember if you are using Windows Vista as your operating system right-click the executable and Run as Administrator.
----------

I have attached two files that you will need to download and save to your Desktop. Once they are downloaded and AFTER you have ran ERUNT, right-click on each one, one at a time, and select Extract All. Once you have extracted the file, please right click on the .reg file and select Merge. Allow the merge to complete and then reboot. Perform the same steps for the other .reg file. If you have ANY questions please ask before taking any steps.
----------

Now run Farbar Service Scanner again and post the new log.

 

[sruefer]

Hi Jeff,

I run the merges and the FSS scan again; however, the Firewall is still not activating when trying to do so from the Control Panel

below the FSS log:

Farbar Service Scanner
Ran by marjan (administrator) on 04-01-2012 at 19:29:15
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (X64)
Boot Mode: Normal
****************************************************************

Internet Services:
============

Connection Status:
==============
Localhost is accessible.
LAN connected.
Google IP is accessible.
Yahoo IP is accessible.


Windows Firewall:
=============
MpsSvc Service is not running. Checking service configuration:
The start type of MpsSvc service is OK.
The ImagePath of MpsSvc service is OK.
The ServiceDll of MpsSvc service is OK.

bfe Service is not running. Checking service configuration:
The start type of bfe service is OK.
The ImagePath of bfe service is OK.
The ServiceDll of bfe service is OK.


Firewall Disabled Policy:
==================


Security Center:
============
wscsvc Service is not running. Checking service configuration:
The start type of wscsvc service is OK.
The ImagePath of wscsvc service is OK.
The ServiceDll of wscsvc service is OK.


File Check:
========
C:\Windows\System32\nsisvc.dll => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\nsiproxy.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\dhcpcore.dll => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\afd.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tdx.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\tcpip.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\dnsrslvr.dll => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\mpssvc.dll
[2009-07-14 03:39] - [2009-07-14 05:11] - 0824832 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) AECAB449567D1846DAD63ECE49E893E3

C:\Windows\System32\bfe.dll
[2009-07-14 03:39] - [2009-07-14 05:10] - 0703488 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 4992C609A6315671463E30F6512BC022

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mpsdrv.sys => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\wscsvc.dll
[2011-12-25 03:46] - [2010-12-21 09:46] - 0097280 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 8F9F3969933C02DA96EB0F84576DB43E

C:\Windows\System32\wbem\WMIsvc.dll => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe => MD5 is legit
C:\Windows\System32\rpcss.dll => MD5 is legit


**** End of log ****

 

[jeffce]

Hi sruefer,

Please run Farbar Service Scanner.
Type the following in the edit box after "Search:".

mpssvc.dll; bfe.dll; wscsvc.dll

Click Search Files button and post the log (FSS.txt) it makes to your reply.

 

[sruefer]

Hi Jeff,

sorry my internet connection broke down yesterday

I pasted the log below. I also had a look into services.msc and I noticed that the security center service does not seem to exist; the firewall services shows up but does not run and still cannot be activated.

Farbar Service Scanner
Ran by marjan (administrator) on 04-01-2012 at 20:30:16
Windows 7 Home Premium (X64)

************************************************
================== Search: "*mpssvc.dll; bfe.dll; wscsvc.dll*" ===================

C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_microsoft-windows-s..nter-core.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_en-us_784ac9e6c5118e67\wscsvc.dll.mui
[2009-07-14 09:05] - [2009-07-14 05:38] - 0008704 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) F0A1FE51E846E5E76F75D7F40298C96D

C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_networking-mpssvc-svc_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_f6092d1fe18dc440\MPSSVC.dll
[2009-07-14 03:39] - [2009-07-14 05:11] - 0824832 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) AECAB449567D1846DAD63ECE49E893E3

C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-securitycenter-core_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.20862_none_76d192b6e4d9ed67\wscsvc.dll
[2011-12-25 03:46] - [2010-12-21 09:39] - 0097280 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 34D280957E8681E4BD9492B3F1FC27B9

C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-securitycenter-core_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16723_none_767435e5cb9af730\wscsvc.dll
[2011-12-25 03:46] - [2010-12-21 09:46] - 0097280 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 8F9F3969933C02DA96EB0F84576DB43E

C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-securitycenter-core_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_76354f59cbc9dce8\wscsvc.dll
[2009-07-14 03:18] - [2009-07-14 05:11] - 0097280 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) E8B1FE6669397D1772D8196DF0E57A9E

C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-s..nter-core.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_en-us_d469656a7d6eff9d\wscsvc.dll.mui
[2009-07-14 09:05] - [2009-07-14 05:57] - 0008704 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) B8013EC8CBFC87BDF584265D98DC1001

C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-network-security_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_29196190443bdeb0\BFE.DLL
[2009-07-14 03:39] - [2009-07-14 05:10] - 0703488 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 4992C609A6315671463E30F6512BC022

C:\Windows\SysWOW64\en-US\wscsvc.dll.mui
[2009-07-14 09:05] - [2009-07-14 05:38] - 0008704 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) F0A1FE51E846E5E76F75D7F40298C96D

C:\Windows\System32\en-US\wscsvc.dll.mui
[2009-07-14 09:05] - [2009-07-14 05:38] - 0008704 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) F0A1FE51E846E5E76F75D7F40298C96D

====== End Of Search ======

 

[jeffce]

Hi,

Sorry to keep you waiting but I am confirming some information with my colleagues. I will return as quickly as I can.

 

[sruefer]

No problem... I had to give back the laptop already, so if anything new comes up I will try to get it back to get it done. Thanks a lot for your time and effort!

 

[jeffce]

Oh ok... Thanks for letting me know. Here is some good information on cleaning up our tools correctly and some good security information.
------

This infection appears to have been cleaned, but I can not give you any absolute guarantees. As a precaution, I would go ahead and change all of your passwords as this is especially important after an infection.
----------

The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Click Start > Run and copy/paste the following text into the Run box as shown and click OK.
Combofix /Uninstall
(Note: There is a space between the ..X and the /U that needs to be there.)

----------

Any of the logs that you created for use in the forums or remaining tools that have not yet been removed can be deleted so they aren't cluttering up your desktop.

Here are some tips to reduce the potential for spyware infection in the future:

1. Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:

• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
• Click once on the Security tab
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
• Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

Make your Mozilla Firefox more secure - This can be done by adding these add-ons:

• NoScript
• AdBlockPlus

2. Enable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer. This helps Windows Vista users stay more protected from attack by running Internet Explorer with restricted privileges as well as reducing the ability to write, alter or destroy data on your system or install malicious code. To make sure this is running follow these steps:

• Open Internet Explorer
• Click on Tools > Internet Options
• Press Security tab
• Select Internet zone then place check next to Enable Protected Mode if not already done
• Do the same for Local Intranet, Trusted Sites and Restricted Sites and then press Apply
• Restart Internet Explorer and in the bottom right corner of your screen you will see Protected Mode: On showing you it is enabled.

3. Use and update an anti-virus software - I can not overemphasize the need for you to use and update your anti-virus application on a regular basis. With the ever increasing number of new variants of malware arriving on the scene daily, you become very susceptible to an attack without updated protection.

4. Firewall
Using a third-party firewall will allow you to give/deny access for applications that want to go online. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. A tutorial on firewalls can be found here. **There are firewalls listed in this tutorial that could be downloaded and used but I would personally only recommend using one of the following two below:
Online Armor Free
Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free

5. Make sure you keep your Windows OS current. Windows XP users can visit Windows update regularly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. Windows Vista/7 users can open the Start menu > All Programs > Windows Update > Check for Updates (in left hand task pane) to update these systems. Without these you are leaving the back door open.

6. Consider a custom hosts file such as MVPS HOSTS. This custom hosts file effectively blocks a wide range of unwanted ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers. For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial by WinHelp2002
Note: Be sure to follow the instructions to disable the DNS Client service before installing a custom hosts file.

7. WOT (Web of Trust) As "Googling" is such an integral part of internet life, this free browser add on warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. It is especially helpful 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. WOT has an add-on available for Firefox, Internet Explorer as well as Google Chrome.

8.Finally, I strongly recommend that you read TonyKlein's good advice So how did I get infected in the first place?

Please reply to this thread once more if you are satisfied so that we can mark the problem as resolved.

 

[sruefer]

Hi Jeff,

I followed your instructions, and I think that laptop is save to use again thank you so much for your help! Great job!
Cheers,

 

[jeffce]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could be of assistance.

If you are the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.
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