Browser Hijack, again

[Captain Sensible]

Help! Spent 5 hours yesterday trying to remove a hijack from a friend's machine, home page was "search portal" something, and a host of really awful porn sites. Tried CWS Shredder, (removed "iedll" manually), SpyBot S & D, Adaware SE v 1.05, and Hijack This, over and over but it kept coming back. Other problems, maybe unrelated, Creative Audigy sound driver has disappeared, and he's running Macafee Viruscan v. 7.06, but updates ran out 3 months ago, and he hasn't renewed; the renew/purchase nag screen accompanied by the dial up box keeps popping up every other minute literally. Otherwise, computer is running OK, even accepting SP2 without a murmur. Need to sort it before the guy's kids appear for half-term next week, or its going to join the camels in the desert outside!!!

[E-Liam]

Hi Captain,

Could you post the HJT log here for me, and I'll have a look for you.

Cheers

Liam

[Captain Sensible]

Thanks, Liam I'll try and get it today.

[E-Liam]

Hi,

No problem, I'm just off out for the afternoon now anyway. A trip down to Eastbourne, no less.. :)

Catch you later,

Cheers

Liam

[Craggenmore]

Try "Stinger"

http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

download it, run it and see if it can eliminate any virus that you may have. Stinger can "see" stuff that Mcafee can not...

Craggs

[Captain Sensible]

Hi Liam, sorry couldn't reply earlier, got called out. tried "Stinger", nothing found. Herewith log, with many thanks,

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 08:58:18, on 19/10/2004
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee Internet Security\GUARDDOG.EXE
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee Internet Security\GUARDDOG.EXE
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Avsynmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\VsStat.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Vshwin32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\inetsrv\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\ASUS\Probe\AsusProb.exe
C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\type32.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Mouse\point32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\htpatch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
C:\WINDOWS\simple1.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\ASUS\SmartDoctor\SmartDoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee Shared Components\Instant Updater\RuLaunch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winproc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\McShield\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Avconsol.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchportal.info/10022/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,SearchURL = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,SearchURL = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr
F3 - REG:win.ini: run=C:\WINDOWS\inetsrv\services.exe
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: PopupFilter Class - {1F2E844B-8211-46ff-8262-772F03295CF4} - C:\Program Files\Aladdin Systems\Internet Cleanup\PopFiltr.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5321E378-FFAD-4999-8C62-03CA8155F0B3} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {ACB1E670-3217-45C4-A021-6B829A8A27CB} - C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\VSCShellExtension.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WINDVDPatch] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTStartup] C:\Program Files\Creative\Splash Screen\CTEaxSpl.EXE /run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LiveNote] livenote.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ASUS Probe] C:\Program Files\ASUS\Probe\AsusProb.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliType] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\type32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [POINTER] point32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HTpatch] C:\WINDOWS\htpatch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [xp_system] C:\WINDOWS\inetsrv\services.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ist service uninstall x] C:\WINDOWS\simple1.exe /u
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ASUS SmartDoctor] C:\Program Files\ASUS\SmartDoctor\\SmartDoctor.exe /start
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [McAfee.InstantUpdate.Monitor] "C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee Shared Components\Instant Updater\RuLaunch.exe" /STARTMONITOR
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpywareGuard] C:\WINDOWS\system32\winproc32.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [xp_system] C:\WINDOWS\inetsrv\services.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
O12 - Plugin for .mpeg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1097909253437

[E-Liam]

Hi Captain,

Please run a new HJT! Scan, and check to fix the following entries, being sure to double check that you haven't missed any. Next, close all browser windows and click the Fix checked button…

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchportal.info/10022/

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,SearchURL = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,SearchURL = http://4-counter.com/?a=2&b=cr

F3 - REG:win.ini: run=C:\WINDOWS\inetsrv\services.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5321E378-FFAD-4999-8C62-03CA8155F0B3} - (no file)

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [xp_system] C:\WINDOWS\inetsrv\services.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ist service uninstall x] C:\WINDOWS\simple1.exe /u

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [xp_system] C:\WINDOWS\inetsrv\services.exe

Next, please double click on the My Computer icon on the desktop. Go to Tools | Folder Options, click on the View tab and make sure that Show hidden files and folders is checked. Also uncheck Hide protected operating system files. Now click Apply to all folders, then click Apply then OK.

Then boot into safe mode, (see here (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406) for info if needed) and delete the entire contents of the C:\Windows\Temp (or C:\WINNT\Temp) folder, but not the folder itself. Next please find and delete the following bolded files...

C:\WINDOWS\inetsrv\services.exe

C:\WINDOWS\simple1.exe

..and empty the Recycle Bin.

Then please boot back into normal mode and download AdAware SE from here (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/).

First, in the main window, look in the bottom right corner and click on Check for updates now and download the latest reference files.

Next, we need to configure Ad-aware for a full scan.

Click on the Gear icon (second from the left) to access the preferences/settings window

1. In the General window make sure the following are selected:
· Automatically save log-file
· Automatically quarantine objects prior to removal
· Safe Mode (always request confirmation)

2. Click on the Scanning button on the left and select :
· Scan Within Archives
· Scan Active Processes
· Scan Registry
· Deep Scan Registry
· Scan my IE favorites for banned URL’s
· Scan my Hosts file

· Under Click here to select drives + folders, choose:
· All of your hard drives | Proceed

3. Click on the Advanced button on the left and select:
· Include additional process information
· Include additional file information
· Include environment information

4. Click the Tweak button and select:
· Under the Scanning Engine:
· Unload recognized processes & modules during scan
· Include additional Ad-aware settings in logfile
· Under the Cleaning Engine:
· Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot

5. Click on Proceed to save the settings.

6. Click Start and on the next screen choose:
· Use Custom Scanning Options

7. Click Next and Ad-aware will scan your hard drive(s) with the options you have selected.

When finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. (Right-click the window and choose Select All from the drop down menu and click Next).

Next, please reboot again and download Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3 from here (http://security.kolla.de): if you haven't already got the program.

Click on Updates | Download Updates, and follow the prompts.

Next, close all Internet Explorer windows, and click Check for Problems. Once the scan is complete, have SpyBot remove all it finds marked in RED.

Then run CWShredder again, first making sure that you have updated it.

Next reboot and go here (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp), and run the online virus scan; choosing the Autoclean option just before clicking the Scan button. Then please post a new log for a final once over.

Cheers

Liam

[Captain Sensible]

Thanks very much, Liam. My friend has actually unplugged it all and sent it round to the guy who built it for him to sort out, (other problems beside no sound: some USB ports not working, etc.), but I'll print this off and give it to him tomorrow when we go flying. Thanks very much again, its been a learning curve for me as well.