Task manager shows the typical results reported on many threads: multiple dllhost.exe host calls with owner com surrogate. Machine is unusable for the most part when logged into the infected account. Note: glad to donate to the cause when this is fixed (I have before-you guys rock!). However, can you answer a couple of questions up front? Why is this apparently limited to the single account (there are 5) on this machine? Does that have anything to do with the fact that I didn't give the infected account admin privileges when I set up the machine? Since then, as I work on the machine, I've given the account admin privileges. I hope that doesn't cause this to corrupt the other accounts, too. For the instructions you give me, should I just run this from the infected account? I presume so... Lastly, and more importantly: I want to prevent my father in law from having this happen. Just telling him not to click on "stuff" doesn't help much. Any idea what the prompt was like that caused him to do this? Some suggest on the net that this is a new trap from those that bundle this with upgrades Java, Silverlight and many other packages. I presume he MUST have clicked on some type of installer. do I tell tell him, moving forwards to watch for? What I have some choice words for these guys that write this crap-but forum rules say no swearing!
dllhost.exe and com surrogate on father-in-laws computer, but single account infected
- Thread starter sbgospe
- Start date
- Mar 8, 2013
- 22,627
Hello,
They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.
Before we start please read and note the following:
Scan with ComboFix
This is a very powerful tool that should be used only if advised by Malware Analyst.
Do not run ComboFix on your own!
Referring to this instruction, please download ComboFix by sUBs and save it to your desktop.
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.
Include that log in your next reply.
If you'll encounter any issues with internet connection after running ComboFix, please visit this link.
If an error about operation on the key marked for deletion will appear after running the tool, please reboot your machine.
They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.
Before we start please read and note the following:
- At the top of your post, please click on the "Watch thread" button and make sure to check Watch this thread...and receive email notifications. This will send an email to you as soon as I reply to your topic, allowing me to solve your problem faster.
- Please do not install any new software during the cleaning process other than the tools I provide for you. This can hinder the cleaning process. Please do not perform System Restore or any other restore.
- Instructions I give to you are very simple and made for complete beginner to follow. That's why you need to read through my instructions carefully and completely before executing them.
- Please do not run any tools other than the ones I ask you to, when I ask you to. Some of these tools can be very dangerous if used improperly. Also, if you use a tool that I have not requested you use, it can cause false positives, thereby delaying the complete cleaning of your machine.
- All tools we use here are completely clean and do not contain any malware. If your antivirus detects them as malicious, please disable your antivirus and then continue.
- If during the process you run across anything that is not in my instructions, please stop and ask. If any tool is running too much time (few hours), please stop and inform me.
- I visit forum several times at day, making sure to respond to everyone's topic as fast as possible. But bear in mind that I have private life like everyone and I cannot be here 24/7. So please be patient with me. Also, some infections require less, and some more time to be removed completely, so bear this in mind and be patient.
- Please stay with me until the end of all steps and procedures and I declare your system clean. Just because there is a lack of symptoms does not indicate a clean machine. If you solved your problem yourself, set aside two minutes to let me know.
- Please attach all report using
button below. Doing this, you make it easier for me to analyze and fix your problem.
- Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
- If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.
This is a very powerful tool that should be used only if advised by Malware Analyst.
Do not run ComboFix on your own!
Referring to this instruction, please download ComboFix by sUBs and save it to your desktop.
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.
- Right-click on
icon and select
Run as Administrator to start the tool.
- Accept the disclaimer and agree if prompted to install Recovery Console.
- Do not take any actions while ComboFix goes through your System - it may cause it to stall!
- This scan may take some time!
- When finished - it will display a logfile (located also on your main drive, usually C:\ComboFix.txt).
Include that log in your next reply.
Hi. So, initially I had some trouble disabling Norton....just fyi.....I did disable, but Combofix gave me a stern warning that I was still proceeding with it active. Here is the log file.
- Mar 8, 2013
- 22,627
It seems fine, but I'm a bit paranoid: I ran Malwarebytes on the other accounts-along with the originally infected account. Everything reports as clean. However, you mentioned not really doing much until you said everything looked okay. Truth be told, I've been tempted to run Internet Explorer on my father in laws account, but I am afraid I'll re-infect it. Is it okay to do so, now?
Also, assuming you say that I'm "fixed"-can you tell to me what likely did this, so I can warn my father in law? And, any recommendation for what to do to IE to make this less likely? There is a lot of info out there on setting security zones etc., but it's a lot of detail. Thanks so very much-I'll hit the Paypall area once we've closed on this and make a donation: well worth it, you guys are great. Thanks!! Steve
- Mar 8, 2013
- 22,627
You were infected with Poweliks malware. It is very common infection these days, I probably cleaned over 100 PCs 
. Read more about it here:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2461...poweliks-resides-only-in-system-registry.html
https://blog.gdatasoftware.com/blog/article/poweliks-the-persistent-malware-without-a-file.html
Yes, hit the Internet and tell me is everything all right now, so we can close this topic.
. Read more about it here:http://www.pcworld.com/article/2461...poweliks-resides-only-in-system-registry.html
https://blog.gdatasoftware.com/blog/article/poweliks-the-persistent-malware-without-a-file.html
Yes, hit the Internet and tell me is everything all right now, so we can close this topic.
Thank you very much for your help. It seems fine. Best to you on your noble quest! Thanks for the links as well.
Best,
Steve
Best,
Steve
- Mar 8, 2013
- 22,627
Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself
MUST READ - security tips:
MUST READ - general maintenance:
In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.
Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.
TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.
Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!
Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.
Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle
Recommended reading:
- Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.
- Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
The Importance of Software Updating:
In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.
Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.
Recommended additional software:
Post-cleanup procedures:
Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.
- Run the tool by right click on the
icon and Run as administrator option.
- Make sure that these ones are checked:
- Remove disinfection tools
- Purge system restore
- Reset system settings
- Push Run and wait until the tool completes his work.
- All tools we used should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt)
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.
My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:
Thank you!
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:
Thank you!
Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle
"your current security settings don't allow this type of file to be downloaded" I got that when I tried to finish up with delfix. What shall I do?
- Mar 8, 2013
- 22,627
I just downloaded it from another computer. I'm limiting my father in law to ONE browser....although one could argue the merits of that being IE. Anyway. This is done. Thanks again!
Steve
Steve
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