Solved MalwareBytes Constant Blocking C:/Windows/SysWOW64

[TC61]

Initially (2 weeks ago) had a sluggish computer. Noticed multiple (20+) instances of dllhost.exe *32 running in Windows Task Manager. Searched the internet, found a thread here that sounded similar. Scanned with MalwareBytes and Avira AntiVirus in Safe Mode, then downloaded and ran ComboFix. After that everything seemed fine.

This morning, however, MalwareBytes is constantly popping up the Malicious Website Blocked warning, all the notifications are for a process that begins with C:/Windows/SysWOW64\ majority of which are dllhost.exe. Although I have seem some for some other exes.

Ran Farbar Recover Scan Tool, and the FRST.txt scan log is attached below.

Appreciate any assistance you can provide.

 

[TC61]

Now Avira just popped up with a real time warning for:

Virus or Unwanted Program Found: HTML/Rce.Gen3

Last File Scanned C:\Users\xxxxxxx\AppData\Local\Temp\1bec\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\EFDQ36OH\1[1].htm

 

[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.
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• 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
  
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• 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.

Download

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to your desktop.

• Double-click the icon to start the tool.
• It will ask you where to extract it, then it will start.
• Warning! Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit needs to be run from an account with administrator rights.
• Click in the introduction screen "next" to continue.
• Click in the following screen "Update" to obtain the latest malware definitions.
• Once the update is complete select "Next" and click "Scan".
• When the scan is finished and no malware has been found select "Exit".
• If malware was detected, make sure to check all the items and click "Cleanup". Reboot your computer.
• Open the MBAR folder and paste the content of the following files in your next reply:
  • "mbar-log-{date} (xx-xx-xx).txt"
  • "system-log.txt"

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.

 

[TC61]

Attached are the logs that you requested.

As of right now, I'm still getting the MalwareBytes notification "Malicious Website Blocked" revolving around sysWOW64

And now looks like I'm up a creek without a paddle. CryptoWall malware....seeing the following 3 files everywhere on my system, and the work server.

DECRYPT_INSTRUCTION.HTML
DECRYPT_INSTRUCTION.TXT
DECRYPT_INSTRUCTION (internet shortcut)

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yes, you're infected with Cryptowall virus that encrypts your files and ask for ransom.

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.

 

[TC61]

After restart, I haven't seen any MalwareByte alerts, so that is promising. Attached is the log file you requested.

And regarding the CryptoWall Virus, are my 2 options:
1) Pay the ransom (looks to be $500)
2) Wipe my system and start from scratch since every file (including those in my DropBox and Google Drive) are all encrypted, thus useless

Thanks for all the help.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Are you sure your files in Dropbox and Google Drive are encrypted?

 

[TC61]

Are you sure your files in Dropbox and Google Drive are encrypted?

Yep. I was able to restore previous versions of the DropBox files, and was able to pull the Google Drive folder from a Restore Point from yesterday before they were encrypted. So looks like I'm OK with them. Just lost everything from my PC because there was no restore point prior to the infection (looks like the desktop/pc files were encrypted first).

So should I be all set now? Anyway to tell whether it was my PC that was infected with the CryptoWall malware or whether it was another PC on the network? Looks like our company server has the DECRYPT files on it as well. Restoring a server backup as I type.

Thanks again.

 

[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.

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