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Removal instructions for Linkey

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Started by Metallica , Nov 27 2014 06:47 AM

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#1
Metallica
Posted 27 November 2014 - 06:47 AM

Metallica

    Spyware Veteran

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  • 33,101 posts
Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is Linkey?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that Linkey is a browser hijacker. These so-called "hijackers" manipulate your browser(s), for example to change your startpage or searchscopes, so that the affected browser visits their site or one of their choice. This one also displays advertisements.

How do I know if my computer is affected by Linkey?

This is how the start- and search-page looks:

main.png

And you may see these browser extensions:

warning2.png

warning3.png

warning4.png

or this warning:

warning1.png

and this entry in your list of installed programs:
 
warning5.png

How did Linkey get on my computer?

Browser hijackers use different methods for distributing themselves. This particular one was downloaded from their site.

How do I remove Linkey?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this potentially unwanted program.
  • Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.
  • Double-click mbam-setup-version.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:
    • Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium
    • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • Then click Finish.
  • If an update is found, you will be prompted to download and install the latest version.
  • Once the program has loaded, select Scan now. Or select the Threat Scan from the Scan menu.
  • When the scan is complete , make sure that everything is set to "Quarantine", and click Apply Actions.
  • Reboot your computer if prompted.
Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of Linkey?
  • No, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware removes Linkey completely.
Look at the replies to this topic for the additional guides.

How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?
 
We hope our application and this guide have helped you eradicate this hijacker.  
 
As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware would have protected you against the Linkey hijacker.  It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.
 

protection1.png


Technical details for experts
 
Signs in a HijackThis log:

O9 - Extra button: Linkey - {DDF035BF-F2BE-497E-B8DD-3C6575A65BAB} - C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension\comext.dll
 
Alterations made by the installer:
 

File system details  
---------------------------------------------
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\Linkey
       Adds the file Helper.dll"="5/28/2013 8:22 PM, 1700352 bytes, A
       Adds the file log.log"="11/27/2014 11:55 AM, 4437 bytes, RHS
       Adds the file Uninstall.exe"="5/28/2013 8:22 PM, 290566 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\Linkey\ChromeExtension
       Adds the file ChromeExtension.crx"="5/28/2013 8:22 PM, 47580 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension
       Adds the file comext.dll"="5/28/2013 8:22 PM, 95232 bytes, A
       Adds the file hoticon.ico"="5/21/2013 1:53 PM, 1150 bytes, A
       Adds the file icon.ico"="5/21/2013 1:53 PM, 1150 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
       Adds the file Linkey.lnk"="11/27/2014 11:55 AM, 810 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]
       Adds the file chrome.manifest"="5/13/2013 12:15 PM, 193 bytes, A
       Adds the file install.rdf"="5/13/2013 12:15 PM, 771 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\content
       Adds the file action.js"="5/28/2013 5:49 PM, 1578 bytes, A
       Adds the file button.css"="5/13/2013 12:15 PM, 77 bytes, A
       Adds the file overlay.xul"="5/26/2013 11:01 AM, 658 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\skin
       Adds the file logo.png"="5/13/2013 12:15 PM, 2292 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Users\{username}\Downloads
       Adds the file LinkeySetup-r0-n-bi.exe"="11/27/2014 11:54 AM, 1460592 bytes, A

Registry details  
------------------------------------------
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\LinkeySetup-r0-n-bi.exe]
       "IsHostApp"="REG_SZ", ""
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{C9776592-77D0-4C68-8F83-BC65F674B92A}]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "Linkey ButtonExt Class"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{C9776592-77D0-4C68-8F83-BC65F674B92A}\InprocServer32]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension\comext.dll"
       "ThreadingModel"="REG_SZ", "Apartment"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{C9776592-77D0-4C68-8F83-BC65F674B92A}\Programmable]
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{C9776592-77D0-4C68-8F83-BC65F674B92A}\TypeLib]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "{726E90BE-DC22-4965-B215-E0784DC26F47}"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{C9776592-77D0-4C68-8F83-BC65F674B92A}\Version]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "1.0"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{33B0A3CE-0830-4EB8-9769-03470E57D571}]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "IButtonExt"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{33B0A3CE-0830-4EB8-9769-03470E57D571}\ProxyStubClsid]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "{00020424-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{33B0A3CE-0830-4EB8-9769-03470E57D571}\ProxyStubClsid32]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "{00020424-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{33B0A3CE-0830-4EB8-9769-03470E57D571}\TypeLib]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "{726E90BE-DC22-4965-B215-E0784DC26F47}"
       "Version"="REG_SZ", "1.0"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{726E90BE-DC22-4965-B215-E0784DC26F47}\1.0]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "comextLib"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{726E90BE-DC22-4965-B215-E0784DC26F47}\1.0\0\win32]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension\comext.dll"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{726E90BE-DC22-4965-B215-E0784DC26F47}\1.0\FLAGS]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "0"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{726E90BE-DC22-4965-B215-E0784DC26F47}\1.0\HELPDIR]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah]
       "path"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey\ChromeExtension\ChromeExtension.crx"
       "version"="REG_SZ", "1.0"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions\{DDF035BF-F2BE-497E-B8DD-3C6575A65BAB}]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ButtonText"="REG_SZ", "Linkey"
       "CLSID"="REG_SZ", "{1FBA04EE-3024-11d2-8F1F-0000F87ABD16}"
       "ClsidExtension"="REG_SZ", "{C9776592-77D0-4C68-8F83-BC65F674B92A}"
       "Default Visible"="REG_SZ", "Yes"
       "HotIcon"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension\hoticon.ico"
       "Icon"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension\icon.ico"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Linkey]
       "appid"="REG_SZ", "0"
       "clid"="REG_SZ", "{09185207-B37F-4775-B9BC-28C907DC4116}"
       "home"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey"
       "itime"="REG_SZ", "2014-11-27"
       "iver"="REG_SZ", "0.0.0.90"
       "ln"="REG_SZ", "en"
       "pver"="REG_SZ", "0.0.0.90"
       "sysid"="REG_SZ", "300"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{8856F961-340A-11D0-A96B-00C04FD705A2}\iexplore]
       "Count"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Flags"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "Time"="REG_BINARY, .....55.
       "Type"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Linkey]
       "DisplayIcon"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey\uninstall.exe"
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "Linkey"
       "DisplayVersion"="REG_SZ", "0.0.0.90"
       "InstallLocation"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\Linkey"
       "NoModify"="REG_SZ", "1"
       "NoRepair"="REG_SZ", "1"
       "Publisher"="REG_SZ", "Aztec Media Inc"
       "Traffic_type"="REG_SZ", "n"
       "UninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files\Linkey\uninstall.exe""
 
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:
 
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 11/27/2014
Scan Time: 12:02:45 PM
Logfile: mbamLinkey.txt
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.00.3.1025
Malware Database: v2014.11.27.04
Rootkit Database: v2014.11.22.01
License: Free
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Disabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x86
File System: NTFS
User: Malwarebytes

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 277666
Time Elapsed: 3 min, 26 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Disabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

Processes: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 5
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, HKCU\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\Linkey, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID\{C9776592-77D0-4C68-8F83-BC65F674B92A}, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\TYPELIB\{726E90BE-DC22-4965-B215-E0784DC26F47}, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\INTERFACE\{33B0A3CE-0830-4EB8-9769-03470E57D571}, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\GOOGLE\CHROME\EXTENSIONS\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah, Quarantined, [a020cc74a8d47abcad2b85eb689b758b], 

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 8
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\ChromeExtension, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected], Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\content, Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\skin, Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah\1.0_0, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 

Files: 22
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\Downloads\LinkeySetup-r0-n-bi.exe, Quarantined, [853b07396a120630c8ce33538d7440c0], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Linkey.lnk, Quarantined, [f4ccf14f176573c342eb6e016e9526da], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\log.log, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\Helper.dll, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\Uninstall.exe, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\ChromeExtension\ChromeExtension.crx, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension\comext.dll, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension\hoticon.ico, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Program Files\Linkey\IEExtension\icon.ico, Quarantined, [a21e00407dffde58e1f571ffd92a53ad], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\chrome.manifest, Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\install.rdf, Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\content\action.js, Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\content\button.css, Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\content\overlay.xul, Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6qeoodjs.default-1401006518835\extensions\[email protected]\skin\logo.png, Quarantined, [328ec0809fddfb3b6dc0a96cda29ef11], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah\1.0_0\action-icon.png, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah\1.0_0\background.js, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah\1.0_0\icon128.png, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah\1.0_0\icon16.png, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah\1.0_0\icon48.png, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah\1.0_0\manifest.json, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 
PUP.Optional.Linkey.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpmeembnagmagppkgghhfjfdfajdfcah\1.0_0\newtab.html, Quarantined, [249c67d9a5d75ed887a7080ded16659b], 

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)
 
As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware could have protected your computer against this threat.
We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):
  • Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
  • Malware Execution Prevention
Save yourself the hassle and get protected.
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