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[Metallica]

Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is Malware Protection Center?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that Malware Protection Center is a fake anti-malware application. These so-called "rogues" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have been compromised. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.

How do I know if I am infected with Malware Protection Center?

This is how the main screen of the rogue application looks:



You will find these icons on your desktop and in your taskbar:



And see these warnings:









How did Malware Protection Center get on my computer?

Rogue programs use different methods for spreading themselves. This particular one was installed by a trojan.

How do I remove Malware Protection Center?

Our program Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can detect and remove this rogue application.

• Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop.
• Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
• At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:
  
  
  • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
• Then click Finish.
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
• Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
• Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. Reboot your computer if prompted.
• When completed, a log will open in Notepad. The rogue application should now be gone.

Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of Malware Protection Center?

• The shortcut called Malware Protection Center on the desktop can be deleted if it belonged to the rogue. If you are unsure, compare the icon to the one posted above.

How would the full version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application has helped you eradicate this malicious software. If your current security solution let this infection through, you might please consider purchasing the FULL version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware for additional protection.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware would have protected you against the Malware Protection Center rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\1237f\MPeb2.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Malware Protection Center\ScanDisk_.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Malware Protection Center] "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\1237f\MPeb2.exe" /s /d

Note: the folder- and some filenames are random

Alterations made by the installer:

  File System
  ===============
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\1237f
      Adds the file MPeb2.exe"="20:22 24/01/12 6590464 bytes
      Adds the file MPC.ico"="10:18 25/01/12 4286 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MPRNFIWCC
      Adds the file MPLARNQORPC.cfg"="10:19 25/01/12 17173 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Malware Protection Center
      Adds the file ScanDisk_.exe"="10:19 25/01/12 509440 bytes
      Adds the file Instructions.ini"="10:19 25/01/12 51 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
      Adds the file Malware Protection Center.lnk"="10:18 25/01/12 1784 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop
      Adds the file Malware Protection Center.lnk"="10:18 25/01/12 1764 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu
      Adds the file Malware Protection Center.lnk"="10:18 25/01/12 1766 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs
      Adds the file Malware Protection Center.lnk"="10:18 25/01/12 1772 bytes

  Registry
  ===============
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MPeb2.DocHostUIHandler]
      "(Default)"="'Implements DocHostUIHandler'"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MPeb2.DocHostUIHandler\Clsid]
      "(Default)"="'{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}'"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}]
      "(Default)"="'Implements DocHostUIHandler'"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}\ProgID]
      "(Default)"="'MPeb2.DocHostUIHandler'"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}\LocalServer32]
      "(Default)"="'C:\DOCUME~1\{username}1\Desktop\MPeb2.EXE'"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
      "URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=8040&q={searchTerms}'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\_avp32.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
<hundreds of these>
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\install.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List]
      "C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\MPeb2.exe"= "'C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\MPeb2.exe:*:Enabled:Malware Protection Center'
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
      "URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=8040&q={searchTerms}'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer]
      "IIL"="0"
      "ltHI"="0"
      "ltTST"="33531"
      "PRS"="'http://127.0.0.1:27777/?inj=%ORIGINAL%'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download]
      "RunInvalidSignatures"="1"
      "CheckExeSignatures"="'no'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}]
      "URL"="'http://findgala.com/?&uid=8040&q={searchTerms}'"
    [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce]
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\5.0\User Agent\Post Platform]
      "88980801903"=""
      "Library1.08040"=""
]    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun]
      "15"="'avgwdsvc.exe'"
      "14"="'avgcmgr.exe'"
      "13"="'avgchsvx.exe'"
      "12"="'avgemc.exe'"
      "11"="'avgcfgex.exe'"
      "10"="'avgscanx.exe'"
      "9"="'avgtray.exe'"
      "8"="'avgui.exe'"
      "7"="'avgfrw.exe'"
      "6"="'avscan.exe'"
      "5"="'avcenter.exe'"
      "4"="'avgnt.exe'"
      "3"="'egui.exe'"
      "2"="'ekrn.exe'"
      "1"="'MSASCui.exe'"
      "0"="'msseces.exe'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
      "Malware Protection Center"="'"C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\1237f\MPeb2.exe" /s /d'"

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.0.1800
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.01.25.02

Windows XP Service Pack 3 x86 NTFS
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702
{username} :: MBAM-D3E8C91ACC [limited]

1/25/2012 10:26:10 AM
mbam-log-2012-01-25 (10-26-10).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 150971
Time elapsed: 2 minute(s), 42 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 2
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\dumped_PATCHED.exe (Rogue.PersonalSecuritySentinel) -> 208 -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Malware Protection Center\ScanDisk_.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> 1976 -> Delete on reboot.

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 760
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\a.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\aAvgApi.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AAWTray.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\About.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\ackwin32.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
<hundreds of these>
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\zonalm2601.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\zonealarm.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\_avp32.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\_avpcc.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\_avpm.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\~1.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\~2.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Detected: 32
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run|Malware Protection Center (Rogue.PersonalSecuritySentinel) -> Data: "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\1237f\MPeb2.exe" /s /d -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|0 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: msseces.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|1 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: MSASCui.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|2 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: ekrn.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|3 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: egui.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|4 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgnt.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|5 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avcenter.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|6 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avscan.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|7 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgfrw.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|8 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgui.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|9 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgtray.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|10 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgscanx.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|11 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgcfgex.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|12 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgemc.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|13 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgchsvx.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|14 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgcmgr.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun|15 (Security.Hijack) -> Data: avgwdsvc.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\Arrakis3.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdAgent.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdreinit.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdsubwiz.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdtkexec.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\bdwizreg.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\egui.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\ekrn.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\install.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\livesrv.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\seccenter.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\uiscan.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\upgrepl.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\vsserv.exe|Debugger (Security.Hijack) -> Data: svchost.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Detected: 1
HKCR\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes|URL (Hijack.SearchPage) -> Bad: (http://findgala.com/?&uid=8040&q={searchTerms}) Good: (http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}&rls=com.microsoft:{language}&ie={inputEncoding}&oe={outputEncoding}&startIndex={startIndex?}&startPage={startPage}) -> Quarantined and repaired successfully.

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 3
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\dumped_PATCHED.exe (Rogue.PersonalSecuritySentinel) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Malware Protection Center\ScanDisk_.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\1237f\MPeb2.exe (Rogue.PersonalSecuritySentinel) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

(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.