Malware.Trace Keeps Reappearing

[ssrock64]

Hello, everyone. I bought a new Lenovo laptop about a month ago, and the first thing I did was to purchase and install Malwarebytes Pro. It was clean at first (of course), but I've encountered a recurring issue since then.

 

I had a couple of PUP.Optional threats which were blocked by either my browser (Comodo IceDragon running through Comodo's DNS), Malwarebytes, or Windows Defender. I really am not entirely sure which program did the blocking, but I received a popup notification two or three times notifying me upon a legitimate download that PUP.Optional had attempted to download as well.  I don't know if PUP.Optional and Malware.Trace are related at all, so I've mentioned it just in case.

 

The main issue I'm having, though, is with a Malware.Trace infection that's resistant to removal, and reinstalls itself within a day or two after MalwareBytes quarantines or removes it. My most recent scan was this morning and removed the infection again, which had places itself repeatedly at C:\Users\Public\ASR.dat, meaning that the file is currently deleted. Because of that, I don't know how useful my FRST logs are, and since I'm very inexperienced with malware removal (coming from Linux systems the past few years which didn't require as much vigilance) I really don't know what I'm doing. I've attached FRST.txt and Addition.txt, and I can add some logs from MalwareBytes scans as well if requested.

 

Thank you! If you need anything from me I'll try my best to provide it, but keep in mind that I'm not accustomed to dealing with malware threats and I may need some things explained to me.

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello and

Please read the following and post back the logs when ready.

General P2P/Piracy Warning:
 

 

If you're using

Peer 2 Peer

software such as

uTorrent, BitTorrent

or similar you must either fully uninstall them or completely disable them from running while being assisted here.

Failure to remove or disable such software will result in your topic being closed and no further assistance being provided.

If you have

illegal/cracked software, cracks, keygens etc

. on the system, please remove or uninstall them now and read the policy on

Piracy

.

Before we proceed further, please read all of the following instructions carefully.
If there is anything that you do not understand kindly ask before proceeding.
If needed please print out these instructions.

• Please do not post logs using CODE, QUOTE, or FONT tags. Just paste them as direct text.
• If the log is too large then you can use attachments by clicking on the More Reply Options button.
• Please enable your system to show hidden files: How to see hidden files in Windows
• Make sure you're subscribed to this topic:
  
  • Click on the Follow This Topic Button (at the top right of this page), make sure that the Receive notification box is checked and that it is set to Instantly
    

  [*]Removing malware can be unpredictable...It is unlikely but things can go very wrong! Please make sure you Backup all files that cannot be replaced if something were to happen. You can copy them to a CD/DVD, external drive or a pen drive [*]Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs unless requested by me while I'm working with you. [*]The removal of malware is not instantaneous, please be patient. Often we are also on a different Time Zone. [*]Perform everything in the correct order. Sometimes one step requires the previous one. [*]If you have any problems while following my instructions, Stop there and tell me the exact nature of the issue. [*]You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit [*]Please disable your antivirus while running any requested scanners so that they do not interfere with the scanners. [*]When we are done, I'll give you instructions on how to cleanup all the tools and logs [*]Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear" and Please don't waste my time by leaving before that. [*]Your topic will be closed if you haven't replied within 3 days [*](If I have not responded within 24 hours, please send me a Private Message as a reminder)
  

STEP 0
RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes
so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.
When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies
that stop us from using certain tools. When finished it will display a log file that shows the processes that were
terminated while the program was running.

As RKill only terminates a program's running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot
your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.
Instead, after running RKill you should immediately scan your computer using the requested scans I've included.

Please download Rkill by Grinler from one of the links below and save it to your desktop.
 

Link 1

Link 2

• On Windows XP double-click on the Rkill desktop icon to run the tool.
• On Windows Vista/Windows 7 or 8, right-click on the Rkill desktop icon and select Run As Administrator
• A black DOS box will briefly flash and then disappear. This is normal and indicates the tool ran successfully.
• If not, delete the file, then download and use the one provided in Link 2.
• If it does not work, repeat the process and attempt to use one of the remaining links until the tool runs.
• If the tool does not run from any of the links provided, please let me know.
• Do not reboot the computer, you will need to run the application again.
  

STEP 01
Backup the Registry:
Modifying the Registry can create unforeseen problems, so it always wise to create a backup before doing so.

• Please download ERUNT from one of the following links: Link1 | Link2 | Link3
• ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) is a free program that allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.
• Double click on erunt-setup.exe to Install ERUNT by following the prompts.
• NOTE: Do not choose to allow ERUNT to add an Entry to the Startup folder. Click NO.
• Start ERUNT either by double clicking on the desktop icon or choosing to start the program at the end of the setup process.
• Choose a location for the backup.
  
  • Note: the default location is C:\Windows\ERDNT which is acceptable.
    

  [*]Make sure that at least the first two check boxes are selected. [*]Click on OK [*]Then click on YES to create the folder. [*]Note: if it is necessary to restore the registry, open the backup folder and start ERDNT.exe
  

STEP 02
Please run a Threat Scan with MBAM.  If you're unable to run or complete the scan as shown below please see the following:  MBAM Clean Removal Process 2x
When reinstalling the program please try the latest beta version.

Right click and choose "Run as administrator" to open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and from the Dashboard please Check for Updates by clicking the Update Now... link
Open up Malwarebytes > Settings > Detection and Protection > Enable Scan for rootkit and Under Non Malware Protection set both PUP and PUM to Treat detections as malware.
Click on the SCAN button and run a Threat Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking the Scan Now>> button.
Once completed please click on the History > Application Logs and find your scan log and open it and then click on the "copy to clipboard" button and post back the results on your next reply.
 
 
STEP 03
Please download RogueKiller and save it to your desktop.

You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

• RogueKiller 32-bit | RogueKiller 64-bit
• Quit all running programs.
• For Windows XP, double-click to start.
• For Vista,Windows 7/8, Right-click on the program and select Run as Administrator to start and when prompted allow it to run.
• Read and accept the EULA (End User Licene Agreement)
• Click Scan to scan the system.
• When the scan completes Close the program > Don't Fix anything!
• Don't run any other options, they're not all bad!!
• Post back the report which should be located on your desktop.
  

 
Thank you
 

[ssrock64]

Please accept my apologies for the lateness of my reply. I was at a music festival all weekend, and wasn't abel to access a computer until tonight. I will run through all your recommended steps tomorrow; I just wished to post something now so the thread wouldn't be deleted overnight.

 

Thank you for your patience.

[AdvancedSetup]

Please post the logs when ready.

[ssrock64]

Here are my Malwarebytes Malwarebytes Scan Log.txt and RogueKiller RKreport0_S_05192014_123905.txt logs. ASR.dat hasn't shown up again in the folder it usually ends up in yet, so I don't know how much use they are right now. If you want me to run the tools again once the infection is back in place at its usual location, just let me know.

 

Thank you.

[AdvancedSetup]

Please go ahead and run through the following steps and post back the logs when ready.
 
STEP 04
Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

• Shutdown your antivirus to avoid any conflicts.
• Right click over JRT.exe and select Run as administrator on Windows Vista or Windows 7, double-click on XP.
• The tool will open and start scanning your system.
• Please be patient as this can take a while to complete.
• On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
• Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next reply message
• When completed make sure to re-enable your antivirus
  

STEP 05
Lets clean out any adware now: (this will require a reboot so save all your work)

Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode and save to your Desktop.

• Double click on AdwCleaner.exe to run the tool.
  Vista/Windows 7/8 users right-click and select Run As Administrator
• Click on the Scan button.
• AdwCleaner will begin...be patient as the scan may take some time to complete.
• When it's done you'll see: Pending: Please uncheck elements you don't want removed.
• Now click on the Report button...a logfile (AdwCleaner[R0].txt) will open in Notepad for review.
• Look over the log especially under Files/Folders for any program you want to save.
• If there's a program you may want to save, just uncheck it from AdwCleaner.
• If you're not sure, post the log for review. (all items found are adware/spyware/foistware)
• If you're ready to clean it all up.....click the Clean button.
• After rebooting, a logfile report (AdwCleaner[s0].txt) will open automatically.
• Copy and paste the contents of that logfile in your next reply.
• A copy of that logfile will also be saved in the C:\AdwCleaner folder.
• Items that are deleted are moved to the Quarantine Folder: C:\AdwCleaner\Quarantine
• To restore an item that has been deleted:
• Go to Tools > Quarantine Manager > check what you want restored > now click on Restore.
  

STEP 06
Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and from the Dashboard please Check for Updates by clicking the Update Now... link
Open up Malwarebytes > Settings > Detection and Protection > Enable Scan for rootkits, Under Non Malware Protection set both PUP and PUM to Treat detections as malware.
Click on the SCAN button and run a Threat Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking the Scan Now>> button.
Once completed please click on the History > Application Logs and find your scan log and open it and then click on the "copy to clipboard" button and post back the results on your next reply.


STEP 07


Please go here to run the online antivirus scannner from ESET.

• Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan
• Tick the box next to YES, I accept the Terms of Use.
• Click Start
• When asked, allow the activex control to install
• Click Start
• Make sure that the option Remove found threats is unticked
• Click on Advanced Settings and ensure these options are ticked:
  
  • Scan for potentially unwanted applications
  • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
  • Enable Anti-Stealth Technology
    

  
  [*]Click Scan [*]Wait for the scan to finish [*]If any threats were found, click the 'List of found threats' , then click Export to text file.... [*]Save it to your desktop, then please copy and paste that log as a reply to this topic.
  

STEP 08
Please download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

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

[ssrock64]

ESET found no threats, so here are all the other applicable logs:

 

JRT.txt

AdwCleanerR0.txt

Malwarebytes Scan Log.txt

FRST.txt

 

I used AdwCleaner to get rid of Pokki, a piece of bloatware/adware that I didn't use and which came pre-installed on my laptop, but it didn't find anything beyond that. The ASR.dat file associated with the Malware.Trace infection still hasn't reappeared, either.

[AdvancedSetup]

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop.

NOTE. It's important that both files, FRST or FRST64 and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system.

Run FRST or FRST64 and press the Fix button just once and wait.

If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.

The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt). Please attach or post it to your next reply.

Note: If the tool warned you about an outdated version please download and run the updated version.

fixlist.txt

[ssrock64]

I saved the txt file in my Downloads folder since that's where FRST was saved; I hope that doesn't cause any problems.

 

Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

No that looks good.

Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and from the Dashboard please Check for Updates by clicking the Update Now... link

Open up Malwarebytes > Settings > Detection and Protection > Enable Scan for rootkits, Under Non Malware Protection set both PUP and PUM to Treat detections as malware.

Click on the SCAN button and run a Threat Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking the Scan Now>> button.

Once completed please click on the History > Application Logs and find your scan log and open it and then click on the "copy to clipboard" button and post back the results on your next reply.

[ssrock64]

The file came back today and showed up in the new scan.

 

Malwarebytes Scan Log.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello and

• Please uninstall your current version of MBAM and reinstall the latest version. MBAM Clean Removal Process 2x
• NOTE: There is an FAQ section with valuable information located here: - Common Questions, Issues, and their Solutions

 

After you reinstall MBAM please restart the computer again and do the following.

 

 

Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and from the Dashboard please Check for Updates by clicking the Update Now... link
Open up Malwarebytes > Settings > Detection and Protection > Enable Scan for rootkits, Under Non Malware Protection set both PUP and PUM to Treat detections as malware.
Click on the SCAN button and run a Threat Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking the Scan Now>> button.
Once completed please click on the History > Application Logs and find your scan log and open it and then click on the "copy to clipboard" button and post back the results on your next reply.
 

 

[ssrock64]

I'm running a scan with MBAM right now after reinstalling and reactivating the software, and I'll post the scan log when it's finished, but I have a question about the actions I've been taking after each scan. Should I be quarantining the ASR.dat file each time it's detected by MBAM, or leave it untreated for the purpose of being found by the other scanners you've had me use? Each time the infection has shown up in an MBAM scan in the past, I've quarantined and deleted it, meaning that other scanners wouldn't find it (though they might find whatever keeps replicating that file every couple days).

[ssrock64]

Here's the log from this morning's scan, which came up clean. Still, I know that the Malware.Trace infection will reappear within the next couple days, like it has repeatedly before.

 

Malwarebytes Scan Log.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

How is the computer running now?

 

I'm going on vacation soon, so if you do end up needing immediate further assistance then you may need to start a new topic.

 

As of now at this time there are no more signs of an infection on your system.
However if you are still seeing any signs of an infection please let me know.

Let's go ahead and remove the tools and logs we've used during this process.

Most of the tools used are potentially dangerous to use unsupervised or if ran at the wrong time.
They are often updated daily so if you went to use them again in the future they would be outdated anyways.

The following procedures will implement some cleanup procedures to remove these tools.
 
Download Delfix from here and save it to your desktop. (you may already have this)

• Ensure Remove disinfection tools is checked.
• Click the Run button.
• Reboot
  

Any other programs or logs that are still remaining, you can manually delete. (right click.....Delete)
IE: RogueKiller.exe, RKreport.txt, RK_Quarantine folder, C:\FRST folder, FRST-OlderVersion folder, MBAR folder, etc....AdwCleaner > just run the program and click uninstall.

Note:
If you used FRST and can't delete the quarantine folder:
Download the fixlist.txt to the same folder as FRST.exe.
Run FRST.exe and click Fix only once and wait
That will delete the quarantine folder created by FRST.
The rest you can manually delete.
 
 
If there are any other left over Folders, Files, Logs then you can delete them on your own.
 
Please visit the following link to see how to delete old System Restore Points. Please delete all of them and create a new one at this time.
How to Delete System Protection Restore Points in Windows 7 and Windows 8

Remove all but the most recent Restore Point on Windows XP


As Java seems to get exploited on a regular basis I advise not using Java if possible but to at least disable java in your web browsers
How do I disable Java in my web browser? - Disable Java

A lot of reading here but if you take the time to read a bit of it you'll see why/how infections and general damage are so easily inflicted on the computer. There is also advice on how to prevent it and keep the system working well. Don't forget about good, solid backups of your data to an external drive that is not connected except when backing up your data. If you leave a backup drive connected and you do get infected it can easily damage, encrypt, delete, or corrupt your backups as well and then you'd lose all data.
Nothing is 100% bulletproof but with a little bit of education you can certainly swing things in your favor.

• How Malware Spreads - How did I get infected
• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection
• Avoiding those unwanted free applications
• A close look at how Oracle installs deceptive software with Java updates
• IAC / Ask.com toolbars
• Malwarebytes Unpacked Blog
  

If you're not currently using Malwarebytes Premium then you may want to consider purchasing the product which can also help greatly reduce the risk of a future infection.
 

[ssrock64]

The latest MBAM scan came back clean this time because I had quarantined and deleted the found Malware.Trace item the day before, like I usually do. My problem isn't that the infection is affecting my computer use (I haven't noticed any sign of an infection beyond it simply being found by MBAM); my problem is that MBAM cannot successfully get rid of it. MBAM deletes the ASR.dat file which is associated with the Malware.Trace infection it finds, but something else keeps re-planting the infection whenever it's quarantined or deleted. It takes a few days each time, but the file associated with the infection always reappears at C:\Users\Public. For example, it reappeared sometime between the time of post #7 and post #11 in this thread. In fact, it's there right now, and will likely be found during my automatic scan this afternoon.

 

My concern is that the steps we've taken may have been fairly useless, since each time MBAM has found that infection I've had it quarantined and deleted. I asked a few times in the thread whether I should just leave the infection alone to be found an treated by the others scanners and tools we've been using, but I never got a definite answer. The only possible time that the infection was present during one of the scans or actions we ran was when we used FRST and the fixlist.txt file. I hoped that my concerns wouldn't be applicable, since another scanner might find the process that kept replanting the ASR.dat file every few days, but it seems that hasn't happened.

 

It's true that MBAM didn't show an infection during the last scan, but my computer is not free of the infection. If I leave it running alone for a few days, even if it's disconnected from the internet, the infection will reappear in a subsequent scan. Since I found that the ASR.dat file has reappeared today, I know it will come up in the scan this afternoon. I don't really understand where to go from here.

 

I appreciate your help, but I feel like I haven't really gotten anywhere yet.

[AdvancedSetup]

I'm sorry but unfortunately I'm not going to be able to assist you further with this issue at this time as I'm going on vacation for a week. If you want to wait until I get back I can help you then, or you can open a new topic and have someone else assist you. If you do want to wait then around June 3 send me a PM reminder and I'll help you further at that time.

 

Sorry and thank you again

 

Ron

[AdvancedSetup]

Closing topic as user created a new one. Will reply over there.

 

https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=149282