Solved Yet another dllhost.exe COM Surrogate infection

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mleega

New Member
Thread author
Sep 4, 2014
4
Yet another dllhost.exe infection.... Trying to fix a friends computer, usually I never have to resort to posting, but this one is driving me crazy. I have read many threads on this, and I thougt I had things fixed - but the issue keeps coming back.

I have ran >> Eset, MalwareBytes, Spybot, TDSKiller, Avast
There were many files infected and cleaned so far, but the issue keeps coming back after a time

Symptoms
Sometimes up to an hour after rebooting computer - - multiple instances of dllhost.exe start showing up in task manager (I just open task manager and watch it while I am doing other things) - Once these COM surrogates start appearing, I can look at my router and see non stop data transfer from the port it is connected to, and I notice a slowdown on my other computer internet connection as well.

If I kill the FIRST instance of this process - then it kills ALL of them (up to 12-15) and things go back to normal for a while.

Yesterday I really thought I had this fixed after running multiple tools, but after an hour of being normal - the processes started back up again and I am throwing in the towel

Attached are logs from FarBar Recovery - thanks in advance for any help

-Lee
 

Attachments

  • FRST.txt
    47.9 KB · Views: 123
  • Addition.txt
    35.3 KB · Views: 70

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.




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

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

Attachments

  • fixlist.txt
    1.4 KB · Views: 183

mleega

New Member
Thread author
Sep 4, 2014
4
Thank you so much for the quick response.... Here is the attached fixlog you requested
 

Attachments

  • Fixlog.txt
    3.2 KB · Views: 106

mleega

New Member
Thread author
Sep 4, 2014
4
I appears good, I am letting it sit right now idle. Before I posted it would sometimes take an hour or so after reboot for these processes to start. I will monitor it for a couple of hours and post back results.

I am really surprised by the number of similar posts here that none of the mainstream AV products will clean this up. Seems to be a pretty prevalent issue

Your knowledge and time are greatly appreciated. I will post back later today after I confirm that all is well.

-Lee
 

mleega

New Member
Thread author
Sep 4, 2014
4
After several hours - all appears normal. I think I am fixed up

Thanks again for your help

-Lee
 

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
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:
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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
CryptoPrevent - to secure yourself from very severe CryptoLocker infection.
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.
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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 :)
 

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Since this issue appears to be resolved, I am closing the topic. If that is not the case and you need or wish to continue with this topic, please contact me or any staff member with the address of the thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!
 
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