Solved Malwarebytes Blocks - SysWOW64\Svchost.exe

[amtbr]

Hello, I was alerted to this issue today by Malware Bytes - I am getting a popup saying "Malicious Website Blocked." The IP that my computer is trying to reach is 88.214.193.54. C:\windows\sysWOW64\svchost.exe is the file that is trying to connect to the IP. This behavior is very sporadic and seems to come in bursts.

I've run Malware Bytes, COMODO, ESET NOD online, Hitman Pro, and Rouge Killer with RKill. The first time I ran Rouge Killer, it highlighted both c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe and c:\windows\sysWOW64\svchost.exe and flagged them as [Nokill]. The option to delete will not work, and because I know these files are important I haven't manually deleted them. Also, what is odd is the first time I ran Rouge Killer, it displayed a bunch of registry issues as well, but after running RK a few more times, the registry issues do not appear any more (I never told it to fix anything).

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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
  
  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.

Multiple Resident Protection warning!

Always have one (and no more than one!) AntiVirus program! In this case having more of them will not provide you with better protection - instead they may cause slowness, lock-ups and even mark another ones as harmful, leading to leave your system unstable and even damaged. Please choose only one from the listed below to stay with and uninstall the others:

• Microsoft Security Essentials
• COMODO Antivirus

Uninstallation procedure:

• Press the
  
  + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
• Search for each uninstalled entry, right-click it and select Uninstall.

This should be done until any other steps will be taken.

Scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Please re-run

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.

• First of all, select update.
• Once updated, click the Settings tab, in the left panel choose Detctions & protection and tick Scan for rootkits.
• Click the Scan tab, choose Threat Scan is checked and click Scan Now.
• If threats are detected, click the Apply Actions button. You will now be prompted to reboot. Click Yes.
• Upon completion of the scan (or after the reboot), 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.

 

[amtbr]

Attached is my MBAM scan log. I have also removed MSE. Thank you.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Looks clean. Let's perform some deeper scan:

Scan with TDSSKiller

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

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  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.

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
  
  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.

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.

 

[amtbr]

Thanks again. Here are both log files you requested. TDSKiller did not find anything. I'm not sure what ComoFix did. Knock on wood, the Malware Bytes pop-ups have stopped, but like I said before, the behavior seems sporadic and comes in bursts.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Okay, wait a bit and let me know if everything is ok.

 

[amtbr]

It looks to be OK. Can you take a look at my MBAM Application log and tell me towards the bottom where the malicious website protection starts and stops - is that normal?

Did any of the logs reveal what the malware was? This has been such a huge PIA, I never download shady stuff, I downloaded a bunch of Skyrim mods and undoubtedly some malware was in one of them. Odd that MBAM never picked up on it though...

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

How do you mean when malicious website protections starts and stops?

I don't know what malware this was, probably some temporary files or something, but ComboFix took care of it.

If you have anything to ask, do so. Or we can finish here?

 

[amtbr]

We're good, thank you for your help kind sir.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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:
​

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?

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.

• How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
• How to update Java
• How to update Adobe Reader

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.

FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.

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
  
  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

 

[amtbr]

OK - problem is still there. It stopped for a day, now over the weekend it has come back. Any other ideas? I did nothing new.

OK, heres a new twist - now MBAM is sporadically blocking me from connecting to traffic-analyze.com

Heres my MBAM protection log.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Please download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them.
Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.

• Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
• Press Scan button.
• It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach it to your reply.
• The first time the tool is run, it makes also another log (Addition.txt). Please attach it to your reply.

 

[amtbr]

Thanks again for your help Eagle. Files are attached.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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;
  ipconfig /flushdns;b

• 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)

Post its content into your next reply.

 

[amtbr]

Here are the results, the problem still persists.

Zoek.exe v5.0.0.0 Updated 20-September-2014
Tool run by John on Tue 09/23/2014 at 11:42:16.14.
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 x64
Running in: Normal Mode No Internet Access Detected
Launched: C:\Users\John\Desktop\zoek.exe [Scan all users] [Script inserted]

==== System Restore Info ======================

9/23/2014 11:43:34 AM Zoek.exe System Restore Point Created Succesfully.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

That is not good. Did you disable your antivirus before running Zoek?

 

[amtbr]

OK, I thought I had disabled COMODO, but even after I shut it down I saw quite a few processes still running in task manager. I uninstalled COMODO are re-ran Zoek. Here are the results. Also, problem still persists.


Zoek.exe v5.0.0.0 Updated 20-September-2014
Tool run by John on Tue 09/23/2014 at 13:52:14.08.
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 x64
Running in: Normal Mode No Internet Access Detected
Launched: C:\Users\John\Desktop\zoek.exe [Scan all users] [Script inserted]

==== Older Logs ======================

C:\zoek-results2014-09-23-184334.log 420 bytes

==== System Restore Info ======================

9/23/2014 1:53:07 PM Zoek.exe System Restore Point Created Succesfully.

==== Deleting CLSID Registry Keys ======================


==== Deleting CLSID Registry Values ======================


==== Deleting Services ======================


==== Batch Command(s) Run By Tool======================


==== Deleting Files \ Folders ======================

C:\PROGRA~3\Package Cache deleted
C:\Windows\SysNative\config\systemprofile\Searches deleted
"C:\PROGRA~3\boost_interprocess\20140923135039.125599\plex_frame_mutex" deleted
"C:\PROGRA~3\boost_interprocess" not deleted
"C:\PROGRA~3\boost_interprocess\20140923135039.125599" not deleted

==== Firefox Extensions ======================

==== Firefox Plugins ======================


==== Chromium Look ======================

Comodo Web Inspector - John\AppData\Local\Comodo\Dragon\User Data\Default\Extensions\bdngekjahnmlkinegnhdmmbcfnmbclnn
PrivDog - John\AppData\Local\Comodo\Dragon\User Data\Default\Extensions\cmaiofennmphjldldcpphcechfnnohja
Chrome In-App Payments service - John\AppData\Local\Comodo\Dragon\User Data\Default\Extensions\nmmhkkegccagdldgiimedpiccmgmieda
Google Voice Search Hotword (Beta) - John\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\bepbmhgboaologfdajaanbcjmnhjmhfn
AdBlock - John\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom
FlashBlock - John\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\gofhjkjmkpinhpoiabjplobcaignabnl
LastPass - John\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\hdokiejnpimakedhajhdlcegeplioahd
LawpticiteGS - John\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\hedkhpjeigbomkhdibeeeeeldcdmpjep
Disconnect - John\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\jeoacafpbcihiomhlakheieifhpjdfeo
FlashControl - John\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\mfidmkgnfgnkihnjeklbekckimkipmoe

==== Set IE to Default ======================

Old Values:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"Start Page"="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
No DefaultScope Set For HKCU

New Values:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"Start Page"="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
"DefaultScope"="{012E1000-F331-11DB-8314-0800200C9A66}"

==== All HKCU SearchScopes ======================

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes
{012E1000-F331-11DB-8314-0800200C9A66} Google Url="http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}"
{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} Bing Url="http://www.bing.com/search?q={searchTerms}&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IE8SRC"

==== Deleting Registry Keys ======================

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\ISUSPM Startup deleted successfully

==== Empty IE Cache ======================

C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Users\John\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Windows\SysNative\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Windows\sysWoW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Windows\serviceprofiles\networkservice\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Windows\serviceprofiles\Localservice\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Windows\sysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

==== Empty FireFox Cache ======================

No FireFox Profiles found

==== Empty Chrome Cache ======================

C:\Users\John\AppData\Local\Comodo\Dragon\User Data\Default\Cache emptied successfully
C:\Users\John\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache emptied successfully

==== Empty All Flash Cache ======================

Flash Cache Emptied Successfully

==== Empty All Java Cache ======================

Java Cache cleared successfully

==== C:\zoek_backup content ======================

C:\zoek_backup (files=24 folders=24 123041307 bytes)

==== Empty Temp Folders ======================

C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\temp emptied successfully
C:\Users\Default User\AppData\Local\temp emptied successfully
C:\Users\John\AppData\Local\Temp will be emptied at reboot
C:\Users\Public\AppData\Local\temp emptied successfully
C:\Windows\serviceprofiles\networkservice\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully
C:\Windows\serviceprofiles\Localservice\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully
C:\Windows\Temp will be emptied at reboot

==== After Reboot ======================

==== Empty Temp Folders ======================

C:\Windows\Temp successfully emptied
C:\Users\John\AppData\Local\Temp successfully emptied

==== Empty Recycle Bin ======================

C:\$RECYCLE.BIN successfully emptied

==== Deleting Files / Folders ======================

"C:\PROGRA~3\boost_interprocess" not found

==== EOF on Tue 09/23/2014 at 14:04:34.80 ======================

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Do you still have MalwareBytes warnings?

 

[amtbr]

Yes. Constantly.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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
  
  icon and select
  
  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.