Searchmeup.com Browser HiJack Problem

Discussion in 'adware, spyware & hijack cleaning' started by bjnumb9, May 1, 2004.

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  1. bjnumb9

    bjnumb9 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2004
    Posts:
    5
    Alright guys, I am about ready to end it all... not my life, but the computer's. Anyway, this thing hijacked my homepage and has completely and utterly screwed up IE's browsing. I can't go to my email website (webmail.utk.edu) to check email, my bank's website to check my balance, etc. etc. For some reason google.com seems to be tied in with it somehow. It is the searchmeup.com webpage. I've run AdAware, SpyBot, Avast, I've reinstalled IE twice, reset web settings, downloaded CWShredder... anything and everything you can think of. All that did is take the homepage to blank, and I still can't get to the sites that I mentioned above.
    I hope the creators of this burn in eternal flames, but aside from my worst wishes about their place in the afterlife, I am completely helpless at this point. Any and all suggestions would be much appreciated.
    Thanks!
     
    bjnumb9, May 1, 2004
    #1
  2. dvk01

    dvk01 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2003
    Posts:
    3,131
    Location:
    Loughton, Essex. UK
    go to https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=12516 and download 'Hijack This!'.
    make sure it is placed into it's own folder, not a temporary folder. Then doubleclick the Hijackthis.exe.
    Click the "Scan" button, when the scan is finished the scan button will become "Save Log" click that and save the log.
    Go to where you saved the log and click on "Edit > Select All" then click on "Edit > Copy" then Paste the log back here in a reply.
    It will possibly show issues deserving our attention, but most of what it lists will be harmless or even required,
    so do NOT fix anything yet.
    Someone here will be happy to help you analyze the results.
     
    dvk01, May 1, 2004
    #2
  3. bjnumb9

    bjnumb9 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2004
    Posts:
    5
    Ok, here's my HijackThis log. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
    Scan saved at 4:22:29 AM, on 5/1/04
    Platform: Windows 98 Gold (Win9x 4.10.199:cool:
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

    Running processes:
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\ALWIL SOFTWARE\AVAST4\ASHSERV.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RPCSS.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\ALWIL SOFTWARE\AVAST4\ASHMAISV.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\AIM95\AIM.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\RUNWIN32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WININET32.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\SIEMENS\SPEEDSTREAM WIRELESS PCI\SSPCICFG.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\WINDIAL32.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WINZIP32.EXE
    C:\UNZIPPED\SPYHIJACK\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchasst.htm
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchcust.htm
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&pver=6&ar=msnhome
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&ar=iesearch
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = 127.0.0.1:8080
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = local
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchAssistant = ,
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,CustomizeSearch = ,
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,(Default) = about:blank
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ashMaiSv] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\AVAST4\ashmaisv.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [avast!] C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\PROGRAM FILES\AIM95\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [runwin32] C:\WINDOWS\runwin32.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [wininet32] C:\WINDOWS\wininet32.exe
    O4 - Startup: SpeedStream Wireless LAN Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\Siemens\SpeedStream Wireless PCI\SSPCICfg.exe
    O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Office10\OSA.EXE
    O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
    O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
    O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
    O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

    Thanks again! I have reached the end of my rope, thanks for trying to save me!

    BJ
     
    bjnumb9, May 1, 2004
    #3
  4. bjnumb9

    bjnumb9 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2004
    Posts:
    5
    Oh, I almost forgot... the main issue that I have with the searchmeup.com hijack is that my browser, IE, won't even open half the pages that I need to access, such as my email (webmail.utk.edu) or my bank (bankofamerica.com). Overall, the browser acts nutty, not allowing me to go to sites and pages that I know are perfectly fine. It also seems to have some sort of tie to google.com, or maybe that's just the way they try to make it seem legitimate.
    Anyway, thanks a ton!

    BJ
     
    bjnumb9, May 1, 2004
    #4
  5. dvk01

    dvk01 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2003
    Posts:
    3,131
    Location:
    Loughton, Essex. UK
    First download CWshredder from https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=14086

    boot into safe mode by following instructions here: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406
    then as some of the files or folders you need to delete may be hidden do this:
    Open Windows Explorer & Go to Tools > Folder Options. Click on the View tab and make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is checked. Also uncheck "Hide protected operating system files" and untick "hide extensions for known file types" . Now click "Apply to all folders"
    Click "Apply" then "OK"

    Run hijackthis, tick these entries listed below and ONLY these entries, double check to make sure, then make sure all browser & email windows are closed and press fix checked

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchasst.htm
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchcust.htm
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redi...er=6&ar=msnhome
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redi...=ie&ar=iesearch
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = 127.0.0.1:8080
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = local
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchAssistant = ,
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,CustomizeSearch = ,
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,(Default) = about:blank
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [runwin32] C:\WINDOWS\runwin32.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [wininet32] C:\WINDOWS\wininet32.exe
    O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
    O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present

    Delete these files
    C:\WINDOWS\wininet32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\runwin32.exe

    then click on your connection, properties and untick use a proxy server

    Now Run Cwshreddder
    Close all browser windows, click on the cwshredder.exe then click "FIX" (Not "Scan only") and let it do it's thing.

    Reboot After running cwshredder and as soon as possible follow this advice:
    Now as CWS Hijacks are normally installed via the byte verifier exploit in M$ JavaVM, just surfing a page with an infected applet can install it with no user participation. So once you’ve run the above, it is vital that you go here, click Scan for updates in the main frame, and download and install all CRITICAL updates recommended.

    then
    Reboot normally &

    Download and unzip or install these programs/applications if you haven't already got them. If you have them, then make sure they are updated and configured as described

    Spybot - Search & Destroy from http://security.kolla.de
    AdAware 6 from http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download

    Run Sybot S&D

    After installing, first press Online, press search for updates, then tick the updates it finds, then press download updates. Beside the download button is a little down pointed arrow, select one of the servers listed. If it doesn't work or you get an error message then try a different server

    Next, close all Internet Explorer and OE windows, press 'Check for Problems', and have SpyBot remove all it finds that is marked in RED.

    then reboot &

    Run ADAWARE

    Before you scan with AdAware, check for updates of the reference file by using the "webupdate".
    the current ref file should read at least 01R300 28.04.2004 or a higher number/later date

    Then ........

    Make sure the following settings are made and on -------"ON=GREEN"
    From main window :Click "Start" then " Activate in-depth scan"

    then......

    click "Use custom scanning options>Customize" and have these options on: "Scan within archives" ,"Scan active processes","Scan registry", "Deep scan registry" ,"Scan my IE Favorites for banned URL" and "Scan my host-files"

    then.........

    go to settings(the gear on top of AdAware)>Tweak>Scanning engine and tick "Unload recognized processes during scanning" ...........then........"Cleaning engine" and "Let windows remove files in use at next reboot"

    then...... click "proceed" to save your settings.

    Now to scan it´s just to click the "Scan" button.

    When scan is finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. (Right-click the window and choose"select all" from the drop down menu) then press next and then say yes to the prompt, do you want to remove all these entries.

    reboot again

    then post a new hijackthis log to check what is left

    NOTE: if you can't download cwshredder first then untick the proxy server entry first in settings and that will allow you to get to the site easily
     
    dvk01, May 1, 2004
    #5
  6. bjnumb9

    bjnumb9 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2004
    Posts:
    5
    First of all, WOW! Thanks a ton for your awesome help. Here's the hijackthis file:

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
    Scan saved at 12:19:54 PM, on 5/1/04
    Platform: Windows 98 Gold (Win9x 4.10.199:cool:
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

    Running processes:
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\ALWIL SOFTWARE\AVAST4\ASHSERV.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RPCSS.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\ALWIL SOFTWARE\AVAST4\ASHMAISV.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\SIEMENS\SPEEDSTREAM WIRELESS PCI\SSPCICFG.EXE
    C:\UNZIPPED\SPYHIJACK\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ashMaiSv] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\AVAST4\ashmaisv.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [avast!] C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
    O4 - Startup: SpeedStream Wireless LAN Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\Siemens\SpeedStream Wireless PCI\SSPCICfg.exe
    O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Office10\OSA.EXE
    O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
    O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

    Also, I couldn't figure out how to mess with my proxy settings like you told me to. I'm running Win 98 if that helps...
    Thanks!

    BJ
     
    bjnumb9, May 1, 2004
    #6
  7. dvk01

    dvk01 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2003
    Posts:
    3,131
    Location:
    Loughton, Essex. UK
    open IE/tools/options/connections

    click on your connection, properties/ untick use a proxy server

    if you use a cable or dsl modem then click on lan settings and do the same
     
    dvk01, May 1, 2004
    #7
  8. bjnumb9

    bjnumb9 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2004
    Posts:
    5
    Problems 100% better. Thanks so much, it's very appreciated.

    BJ
     
    bjnumb9, May 1, 2004
    #8
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