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Fake security alert for win32/caphaw - not found by any scanner


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I have a pop up box that says Security Alert and below it says that Malware:win32/caphaw has been found.  I know that there is no caphaw infection and the popup itself is the malware trying to get me to call the 800 number and give my credit card.  When the popup occurs, there is a process in task manager called alert.exe.  I can end the process and the popup goes away only to come back minutes later.  I have tied scanning with Malwarebytes, TrendMicro Internet Security, Viper, Microsoft Malicious Software remover, rkill and TDSSKiller from Kaspersky. I have done each one in safe mode as well as regular mode.  There is no infection of any kind found by any scanner.  Is there something I am missing or is this malware so new it is not on anyone's definition table yet?  Please Help!

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Hello,
    
 
They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.
 
    
 
    
Before we start please read and note the following:

  • Limit your internet access to posting here, some infections just wait to steal typed-in passwords.
  • Please be patient. I know it is frustrating when your PC isn't working properly, but malware removal takes time.
  • Don't run any scripts or tools on your own, unsupervised usage may cause more harm than good.
  • Do not paste the logs in your posts, attachments make my work easier. There is a Upload Files option below which you can use to attach your reports. Always attach reports from all tools.
  • Stay with me to the end, the absence of symptoms doesn't mean that your machine is fully operational.
  • Note that we may live in totally different time zones, what may cause some delays between answers.
  • 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.

:excl: I can't foresee everything, so if anything unexpected happens, please stop and inform me!
:excl: There are no silly questions. Never be afraid to ask if in doubt!
 
 
 
  warning.gif Rules and policies
 
We won't support any piracy.
That being told, if any evidence of illegal OS, software, cracks/keygens or any other will be revealed, any further assistance will be suspended. If you are aware that there is this kind of stuff on your machine, remove it before proceeding!
The same applies to any use of P2P software: uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Kazaa, Ares... We don't provide any help for P2P, except for their removal. All P2P software has to be uninstalled or at least fully disabled before proceeding!
 
Failure to follow these guidelines will result with closing your topic and withdrawning any assistance.
 
 
 
 

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.
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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 post 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.
  • Follow the prompts 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.

fixlist.txt

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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.

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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.

fixlist.txt

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Very good :)

 
 
Let's perform our final scan:
 
 
 
 
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.

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I believe this situation has finally been resolved. Thank you for all your help. One question though, why would no scanner find and kill this thing automatically? This is the first time this has ever happened where I had to go through so many steps to kill something off.

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I believe this situation has finally been resolved. Thank you for all your help. One question though, why would no scanner find and kill this thing automatically? This is the first time this has ever happened where I had to go through so many steps to kill something off.

 

It is not that simple. There are sometimes multiple layers of protection malware uses to hide and defend its presence. Sometimes ordinary programs aren't enough :)

 

 

 

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:

 

 

icon_exclaim.gifMUST READ - security tips:

icon_exclaim.gifMUST 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.gifTFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.

icon_arrow.gifMalwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.

icon_arrow.gifMalwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.

icon_arrow.gifMcShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.

icon_arrow.gifCryptoPrevent - to secure yourself from very severe CryptoLocker infection.

icon_arrow.gifUnchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.

icon_arrow.gifFiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.

icon_arrow.gifAdblock - 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.
  • The program will run for a few seconds and display a notepad report. You do not need to attach it.

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: xbtn_donate_SM.gif.pagespeed.ic.MMi5tqVp

Thank you!

 

 

Stay safe,

TwinHeadedEagle   :)

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