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Removal instructions for WordShark

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Started by Metallica , Jun 16 2015 01:37 AM

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#1
Metallica
Posted 16 June 2015 - 01:37 AM

Metallica

    Spyware Veteran

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Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is WordShark?
 
The Malwarebytes research team has determined that WordShark is adware. These adware applications display advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing.
 
How do I know if my computer is affected by WordShark?

You may see this entry in your list of installed programs:
 
warning4.png

and these warnings during install:

main.png

warning1.png

warning2.png

and this type of advertiements :

warning3.png

and these Scheduled Tasks:

warning5.png
 
How did WordShark get on my computer?
 
Adware applications use different methods for distributing themselves. This particular one was bundled with other software.
 
How do I remove WordShark?
 
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 WordShark?
  • No, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware removes WordShark completely.
  • This PUP creates some scheduled tasks. You can read here how to check for and, if necessary, remove Scheduled Tasks.
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 WordShark adware. 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
 
You will see these signs in a HijackThis log:
O23 - Service: WS 1.10.0.17 Client Service (wssvc_1.10.0.17) - WS - C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service\wssvc.exe
 

You may see these signs in FRST logs:
 (WS) C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service\wssvc.exe
 R2 wssvc_1.10.0.17; C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service\wssvc.exe [278616 2015-06-02] (WS)
 R1 wsfd_1_10_0_17; C:\Windows\System32\drivers\wsfd_1_10_0_17.sys [52736 2015-06-02] (WS)
 C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17
 (WS) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\wsfd_1_10_0_17.sys

WordShark 1.10.0.17 (HKLM\...\WordShark_1.10.0.17) (Version: 1.10.0.17 - WordShark)
Task: {97B8D3EF-A725-47F3-9E22-558B84B5A972} - System32\Tasks\WordShark Auto Updater 1.10.0.17 Pending Update => C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Update\WordSharkAutoUpdateClient.exe [2015-06-02] (WS)
Task: {FBD43B38-4E49-4A48-AB6A-D0E3CACAAEBB} - System32\Tasks\WordShark Auto Updater 1.10.0.17 Core => C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Update\WordSharkAutoUpdateClient.exe [2015-06-02] (WS)
 
 
Alterations made by the installer:
File system details [View: All details] (Selection)
---------------------------------------------------
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17
       Adds the file terms-of-service.rtf"="5/30/2015 1:20 AM, 24140 bytes, A
       Adds the file Uninstall.exe"="6/2/2015 12:45 AM, 317464 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses
       Adds the file buildcrx-license.txt"="5/19/2014 9:10 PM, 7074 bytes, A
       Adds the file Info-ZIP-license.txt"="5/19/2014 9:10 PM, 2944 bytes, A
       Adds the file JSON-simple-license.txt"="10/30/2014 2:55 AM, 11558 bytes, A
       Adds the file nsJSON-license.txt"="5/19/2014 9:10 PM, 809 bytes, A
       Adds the file Nustache-license.txt"="10/30/2014 2:55 AM, 1079 bytes, A
       Adds the file TaskScheduler-license.txt"="10/30/2014 2:55 AM, 0 bytes, A
       Adds the file UAC-license.txt"="5/19/2014 9:10 PM, 956 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service
       Adds the file wssvc.exe"="6/2/2015 12:45 AM, 278616 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Update
       Adds the file Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.dll"="10/30/2014 2:55 AM, 185856 bytes, A
       Adds the file Nustache.Core.dll"="10/30/2014 2:55 AM, 28672 bytes, A
       Adds the file WordSharkAutoUpdateClient.exe"="6/2/2015 12:44 AM, 61016 bytes, A
       Adds the file WordSharkAutoUpdateClient.exe.config"="10/30/2014 2:55 AM, 256 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Windows\System32\drivers
       Adds the file wsfd_1_10_0_17.sys"="6/2/2015 12:44 AM, 52736 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Windows\System32\Tasks
       Adds the file WordShark Auto Updater 1.10.0.17 Core"="6/16/2015 8:49 AM, 4152 bytes, A
       Adds the file WordShark Auto Updater 1.10.0.17 Pending Update"="6/16/2015 8:49 AM, 4162 bytes, A

Registry details [View: All details] (Selection)
------------------------------------------------
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\WordSharkAutoUpdateClient_RASAPI32]
       "ConsoleTracingMask"="REG_DWORD", -65536
       "EnableConsoleTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "EnableFileTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "FileDirectory"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, "%windir%\tracing"
       "FileTracingMask"="REG_DWORD", -65536
       "MaxFileSize"="REG_DWORD", 1048576
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\WordSharkAutoUpdateClient_RASMANCS]
       "ConsoleTracingMask"="REG_DWORD", -65536
       "EnableConsoleTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "EnableFileTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "FileDirectory"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, "%windir%\tracing"
       "FileTracingMask"="REG_DWORD", -65536
       "MaxFileSize"="REG_DWORD", 1048576
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WordShark_1.10.0.17]
       "DisplayIcon"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Uninstall.exe"
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "WordShark 1.10.0.17"
       "DisplayVersion"="REG_SZ", "1.10.0.17"
       "NoModify"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NoRepair"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Publisher"="REG_SZ", "WordShark"
       "UninstallString"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Uninstall.exe"
       "URLInfoAbout"="REG_SZ", "http://www.wordsharkapp.com"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WordShark_1.10.0.17]
       "cr-at"="REG_SZ", ""
       "cr-pid"="REG_SZ", ""
       "cr-ver"="REG_SZ", "43.0.2357.124"
       "dbsr"="REG_SZ", "iexplore"
       "features"="REG_SZ", "0x01000000"
       "ff-at"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ff-pid"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ff-ver"="REG_SZ", "25.0 (en-US)"
       "hid"="REG_SZ", "99B84D34-775B-F8F2-2E33-C48517F1E2F6"
       "ie-at"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ie-pid"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ie-ver"="REG_SZ", "11.0.9600.17843"
       "iid"="REG_SZ", "00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000"
       "itm"="REG_SZ", "2015-06-16T06:49:08Z"
       "nf-at"="REG_SZ", "2DE8091B-2F23-F3A6-EA02-88D4BAB71B23"
       "nf-pid"="REG_SZ", "E53E91F1-3BA5-4E41-B2D8-3C6D2C64943B"
       "nid"="REG_SZ", "8D41449E-BF91-4FFA-A606-498E2B5BF005"
       "osn"="REG_SZ", "Windows 7 Ultimate N"
       "ost"="REG_SZ", "x32"
       "osv"="REG_SZ", "6.1.7601"
       "user_sid"="REG_SZ", "S-1-5-21-4016700205-1717049133-1125222536-1001"
       "ver"="REG_SZ", "1.10.0.17"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\wsfd_1_10_0_17]
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "wsfd_1_10_0_17"
       "ErrorControl"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Group"="REG_SZ", "PNP_TDI"
       "ImagePath"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, "system32\drivers\wsfd_1_10_0_17.sys"
       "Start"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Tag"="REG_DWORD", 10
       "Type"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\wsfd_1_10_0_17\Enum]
       "0"="REG_SZ", "Root\LEGACY_WSFD_1_10_0_17\0000"
       "Count"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NextInstance"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\wssvc_1.10.0.17]
       "Description"="REG_SZ", "This service enables WS 1.10.0.17 on HTTP websites"
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "WS 1.10.0.17 Client Service"
       "ErrorControl"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "ImagePath"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, ""C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service\wssvc.exe""
       "ObjectName"="REG_SZ", "LocalSystem"
       "Start"="REG_DWORD", 2
       "Type"="REG_DWORD", 16
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 6/16/2015
Scan Time: 9:03:24 AM
Logfile: mbamWordshark.txt
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.01.6.1022
Malware Database: v2015.06.16.02
Rootkit Database: v2015.06.15.01
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: 294376
Time Elapsed: 3 min, 42 sec

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

Processes: 1
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service\wssvc.exe, 3364, Delete-on-Reboot, [ff631ba092f840f6c389462952b0946c]

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 4
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\wssvc_1.10.0.17, Quarantined, [ff631ba092f840f6c389462952b0946c], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\wsfd_1_10_0_17, Quarantined, [d88ad6e5a8e2a0964a020f60a9598d73], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\WordShark_1.10.0.17, Quarantined, [431f516a0981aa8ce3697af5a75b3ac6], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WordShark_1.10.0.17, Quarantined, [580a2b90830778be69239ff02bdad828], 

Registry Values: 1
PUP.Optional.Vitruvian.A, HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\wssvc_1.10.0.17|ImagePath, "C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service\wssvc.exe", Quarantined, [bea43e7da9e1bd79325144453ec732ce]

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 4
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17, Delete-on-Reboot, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service, Delete-on-Reboot, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Update, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 

Files: 23
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Service\wssvc.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [ff631ba092f840f6c389462952b0946c], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Windows\System32\drivers\wsfd_1_10_0_17.sys, Quarantined, [d88ad6e5a8e2a0964a020f60a9598d73], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\(Vitruvian) WordShark.exe, Quarantined, [332f506bf49621156fdd8fe08f73b947], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Uninstall.exe, Quarantined, [431f516a0981aa8ce3697af5a75b3ac6], 
PUP.Optional.Vitruvian.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\vitruvian-installer-hardwareprofile-v0001, Quarantined, [fa6883383b4f63d33857b0cdf70ed030], 
PUP.Optional.Vitruvian.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\vitruvian-installer-install-v0003, Quarantined, [91d11d9e78120036335c5b22e2231be5], 
PUP.Optional.Vitruvian.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\vitruvian-installer-processes-v0002, Quarantined, [e181ac0fb9d12c0a98f7a5d8c44115eb], 
PUP.Optional.Vitruvian.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\vitruvian-installer-scheduledtasks-v0001, Quarantined, [8ed4dae1f694ee483a556d104bba7a86], 
PUP.Optional.Vitruvian.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\vitruvian-installer-softwareregkeys-v0002, Quarantined, [154da615513972c456390b7234d1de22], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\WordShark Auto Updater 1.10.0.17 Core, Quarantined, [afb37a41583202340f7a39563acb6c94], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\WordShark Auto Updater 1.10.0.17 Pending Update, Quarantined, [125019a28505cc6adeab7e11d3327d83], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\terms-of-service.rtf, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses\buildcrx-license.txt, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses\Info-ZIP-license.txt, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses\JSON-simple-license.txt, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses\nsJSON-license.txt, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses\Nustache-license.txt, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses\TaskScheduler-license.txt, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\3rd Party Licenses\UAC-license.txt, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Update\Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.dll, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Update\Nustache.Core.dll, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Update\WordSharkAutoUpdateClient.exe, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 
PUP.Optional.WordShark.A, C:\Program Files\WordShark_1.10.0.17\Update\WordSharkAutoUpdateClient.exe.config, Quarantined, [87db0fac1872a88ea2654aa62dd6bf41], 

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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