Solved Malicious Website Blocked: C:/Windows/SysWOW64/dllhost.exe

indolentink

New Member
Thread author
Oct 20, 2014
9
Hey,

I ran a Malwarebytes scan yesterday and have been getting very frequent pop-ups about a malicious website being blocked. The process is always C:/Windows/SysWOW64/dllhost.exe

I'm no expert, but it seemed sneaky and bad, so I looked it up and found myself here - probably a good thing. If you can offer some baby-step advice for someone who is really not terribly skilled at these kinds of things, I would be endlessly appreciative if it means having a squeaky clean machine. :)

I ran Farbar and have attached the results of the scan.

Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • FRST.txt
    44.6 KB · Views: 238
  • Addition.txt
    41.1 KB · Views: 141

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
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:
  • 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
    fjqb1h.png
    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.



You're heavily infected, so we will have to run few tools to get your PC completely clean. First let's start with TDSS Killer


TDSSKiller_Kaspersky.png
Scan with TDSSKiller

Please download TDSSKiller by Kaspersky and save it to your desktop.

  • Right-click on
    TDSSKiller_Kaspersky.png
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  • Click on Change parameters and put a checkmark beside Loaded modules. A reboot will be needed to apply the changes, allow it to do so.
  • Your machine may appear very slow and unusable after that - it's normal.
  • TDSSKiller will run automaticaly. Click on Change parameters and click OK.
  • Click the Start Scan button and wait patiently.

If anything will be found follow this guidelines:
  • If a suspicious object is detected, the default action will be Skip, click on Continue.
  • If malicious objects are found, they will show in the Scan results - Select action for found objects and offer three options.
    Ensure Cure (default) is selected, then click Continue > Reboot now to finish the cleaning process.
    If Cure is not available, please choose Skip instead.
  • Do not choose Delete unless instructed!

A report will be created in your root directory, (usually C:\ drive) in the form of TDSSKiller.[Version]_[Date]_[Time]_log.txt. Please include the contents of that file in your next post.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hootie

indolentink

New Member
Thread author
Oct 20, 2014
9
Thank you for your prompt response, it is seriously appreciated. While I had been waiting, I told Malwarebytes to search for rootkits and found 3 entries, which I quarantined. Subsequent scans found nothing.

I downloaded and ran TDSSKiller according to your instructions, and nothing turned up. I am wondering if this is because Malwarebytes took care of them?

Attached are the two logs I found.
 

Attachments

  • TDSSKiller.3.0.0.40_21.10.2014_00.08.38_log.txt
    894.2 KB · Views: 163
  • TDSSKiller.3.0.0.40_21.10.2014_00.04.46_log.txt
    4 KB · Views: 75

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
I would like to see this report:

Please re-run
51a46ae42d560-malwarebytes_anti_malware.png
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
  • Click the History tab.
  • Click Application Logs and double-click the newest Scan Log.
  • At the bottom click Export and choose Text file.
Save the file to your desktop and include its content in your next reply.
 

indolentink

New Member
Thread author
Oct 20, 2014
9
Thank you again, ran the scan as soon as I got home. The log is attached.
 

Attachments

  • 10 21 scan log.txt
    1 KB · Views: 137

indolentink

New Member
Thread author
Oct 20, 2014
9
Oh, I didn't think you asked specifically for that one. I must have misread somehow.

Here you go (pretty sure this is the right one). I will be in class for the next few hours, but I'll check back when I get home. My computer ran amazingly well all yesterday - no pop ups or crashes. Nothing. FINGERS CROSSED.
 

Attachments

  • LOG.txt
    1.4 KB · Views: 190

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Very good. Now we will run another tool:



51a5bf3d99e8a-ComboFixlogo16.png
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.

  • Right-click on
    51a5bf3d99e8a-ComboFixlogo16.png
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    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.
icon_idea.gif
If you'll encounter any issues with internet connection after running ComboFix, please visit this link.
icon_idea.gif
If an error about operation on the key marked for deletion will appear after running the tool, please reboot your machine.
 

indolentink

New Member
Thread author
Oct 20, 2014
9
Hey!

I ran ComboFix, and it got stuck on the "preparing log" portion after the scan was finished. I waited and waited, but finally closed the window. I did get the errors about keys being marked for deletion, so I rebooted and performed a system restore (ComboFix created one for me just before I ran the scan.)

My machine is running really nicely right now, and unless I desperately need to run ComboFix again, I think it might be good to go.
 

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
FRST.gif
Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.
  • Right-click on
    FRST.gif
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
    (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
  • Make sure that Addition option is checked.
  • Press Scan button and wait.
  • The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.
Please include their content into your next reply.
 

indolentink

New Member
Thread author
Oct 20, 2014
9
Alright!
 

Attachments

  • Addition_22-10-2014_14-46-25.txt
    44.6 KB · Views: 170
  • FRST_22-10-2014_14-46-25.txt
    45.5 KB · Views: 106

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
remove%20outdated.jpg
Uninstall some programs

We need to uninstall some unwanted/unneeded programs.
  • Press the
    WindowsKey.png
    + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
  • Search there for each entry mentioned below, right-click the entry and click Uninstall one at a time
The list of programs to uninstall:
  • Conduit Engine
  • Download Updater
After completing uninstalls, please manually reboot your machine!

Note: If you get the message like: An error occurred while trying to uninstall, just press Yes.




FRST.gif
Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

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

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

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
    FRST.gif
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    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.




adwcleaner_new.png
Fix with AdwCleaner

Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode and save the file to your Desktop.
  • Right-click on
    adwcleaner_new.png
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  • Wait until the database is updated.
  • Accept the Terms of use and click Scan.
  • When finished, please click Clean.
  • Upon completion, click Report. A log (AdwCleaner[S*].txt) will open.

Please include the contents of that file in your reply.

Note: Reports will be saved in your system partition, usually at C:\Adwcleaner
 

Attachments

  • fixlist.txt
    2.5 KB · Views: 122

indolentink

New Member
Thread author
Oct 20, 2014
9
Download Updater has been removed, but I cannot uninstall Conduit Engine. When I click uninstall, nothing happens at all. I looked it up and someone said to delete the addon through Firefox (as that's what I use), but that didn't seem to work either. Should I skip this and proceed to the next steps?
 

indolentink

New Member
Thread author
Oct 20, 2014
9
It has been running wonderfully. It's been better ever since I cleaned out those rootkits, but I think that the culmination of everything has made it just happy as a clam. Thank you!
 

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
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 :)


Recommended reading:
icon_exclaim.gif
MUST READ - security tips:

icon_exclaim.gif
MUST READ - general maintenance:


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:
icon_arrow.gif
TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.
icon_arrow.gif
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.
icon_arrow.gif
Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
icon_arrow.gif
McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
icon_arrow.gif
Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
icon_arrow.gif
FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.
icon_arrow.gif
Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!



Post-cleanup procedures:


Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.
  • Run the tool by right click on the
    51a5ce45263de-delfix.png
    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)
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.



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!​




Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle :)
 

About us

  • MalwareTips is a community-driven platform providing the latest information and resources on malware and cyber threats. Our team of experienced professionals and passionate volunteers work to keep the internet safe and secure. We provide accurate, up-to-date information and strive to build a strong and supportive community dedicated to cybersecurity.

User Menu

Follow us

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to know first about the latest cybersecurity incidents and malware threats.

Top