Solved DNS Resolver Cache Infected

[snow]

Hi,

I first noticed the issue a couple of weeks after installing two programs, Ace Stream Media and Trading Station Publisher. Most obvious was the russian ads being served to most websites I visited and more annoying was the very sluggish speed of Firefox and Chrome (don't use IE).

I have followed all steps in http://malwaretips.com/blogs/malware-removal-guide-for-windows/ but the problem persists. I also checked the system32\drivers\etc\hosts and then checked ipconfig /displaydns and piped it to a file. This shows a number of .ru domains including yandex.ru which each new webpage request is going to. Despite using flushdns, the problem returns on restarting computer so it seems like there is some malware which has not been removed.

Thanks in advance for helping out!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,


Before we start please note the following:

Analysis and research take some time, also sometimes real life gets in the way, please be patient.

Limit your internet access to posting here, some infections just wait to steal typed-in passwords.

Don't run any scripts or tools on your own, unsupervised usage may cause more harm than good.

Do not paste the logs in your posts, attachments make my work easier. There is a Upload a File button which you can use to attach your reports. Attach all reports.

Stay with me to the end, the absence of symptoms doesn't mean that your machine is fully operational.

Note that we may live in totally different time zones, what may cause some delays between answers.

I can't foresee everything, so if anything unexpected happens, please stop and inform me!

There are no silly questions. Never be afraid to ask if in doubt!




WARNING: I noticed you have more than one antivirus installed.

Never install more than one Antivirus! Rather than giving you extra protection, it will decrease the reliability of it seriously! The reason for this is that if both products have their automatic (Real-Time) protection switched on, your system may lock up due to both software products attempting to access the same file at the same time. Also because more than one Antivirus installed are not compatible with each other, it can cause system performance problems and a serious system slowdown.

Please uninstall either Norton Internet Security or AVG.

Scan with ZOEK

Please download ZOEK by Smeenk and save it to your desktop (preferred version is the *.exe one)
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Wait patiently until the main console will appear, it may take a minute or two.
• In the main box please paste in the following script:
  

  createsrpoint;
  autoclean;
  emptyalltemp;
  FFDefaults;
  Chrdefaults;

• Make sure that Scan All Users option is checked.
• Push Run Script and wait patiently. The scan may take a couple of minutes.
• When the scan completes, a zoek-results logfile should open in notepad.
• If a reboot is needed, it will be opened after it. You may also find it at your main drive (usually C:\ drive)

Attach report into your next reply.

 

[snow]

Hi, had a problem removing Norton so I removed AVG anti-virus instead. No more strange ads on Chrome, but still get them on Firefox. IE seems ok but I did not use the browser since having the issue. Zoek log uploaded. Thanks.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Run FRST one more time, press Scan and attach report.

 

[snow]

Here you go. FRST report attached.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.

Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

​

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.




Let me know how is computer after this?

 

[snow]

Seems to have sorted the problem out. No more annoying russian ads and clunky web page redirections.. Thanks for the help and simple directions!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

I would like to see Fixlog.txt?

 

[snow]

Oh yes I forgot to upload, here you go.

 

[snow]

If possible to determine the root cause or the likely culprit that would be appreciated.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

We flushed DNS resolver cache, renew your IP address and it seems this solved your problem.



Below you will find my thoughts about securing your machine. Go ahead through it, you will benefit from some useful advice about safe computing.

Recommended reading:
​

MUST READ - security tips: Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online. Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

MUST READ - general maintenance: What to do if your Computer is running slowly?

Recommended additional software:
​

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.

CryptoPrevent - to secure yourself from very severe CryptoLocker infection.

Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.


• The following will implement some post-cleanup procedures:

=> Please download DelFix by Xplode to your Desktop.

Run the tool and check the following boxes below;

Remove disinfection tools

Create registry backup

Purge System Restore
Click Run button and wait a few seconds for the programme completes his work.
At this point all the tools we used here should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt)

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.



Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle