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Removal instructions for SearchMoreKnow

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Started by Metallica , Nov 09 2015 03:00 AM

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#1
Metallica
Posted 09 November 2015 - 03:00 AM

Metallica

    Spyware Veteran

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Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is SearchMoreKnow?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that SearchMoreKnow 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 effected by SearchMoreKnow?

This is how the first screen of the installer looks:

main.png

And you may see this browser extension/add-on:

warning1.png

and this entry in your list of installed programs:

warning4.png

this icon on your desktop:

icons.png

and possibly this search provider hijack:

warning2.png

if you agreed to it here:

warning5.png

How did SearchMoreKnow get on my computer?

Browser hijackers use different methods for distributing themselves. This particular one was bundled with other software.

How do I remove SearchMoreKnow?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this potentially unwanted application.
  • 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 all Threats are selected, and click Remove Selected.
  • Restart your computer when prompted to do so.
Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of SearchMoreKnow?
  • You should be redirected to our Restore Browser page. You can read there how to fix additional browser redirect methods.
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 SearchMoreKnow hijacker. It would have warned you before the application 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:
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dsssyc_bd_com
O4 - Global Startup: SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.lnk = C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe
Possible signs in FRST logs:
 () C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe
 Startup: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.lnk [2015-11-09]
 ShortcutTarget: SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.lnk -> C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe ()
 HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = hxxp://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dsssyc_bd_com
 SearchScopes: HKCU -> DefaultScope {ADB31864-B99A-4578-B3B5-026B235A6607} URL = hxxp://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=ddc&hsimp=yhs-ddc_bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dss_bd_com&p={searchTerms}
 SearchScopes: HKCU -> {ADB31864-B99A-4578-B3B5-026B235A6607} URL = hxxp://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=ddc&hsimp=yhs-ddc_bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dss_bd_com&p={searchTerms}
 FF NewTab: hxxp://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd-tab&type=bl-bfr-dd__alt__ddc_dsssyctab_bd_com
 FF DefaultSearchEngine: Yahoo Search!
 FF SelectedSearchEngine: Yahoo Search!
 FF Homepage: hxxp://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd&type=bl-bfr-dd__alt__ddc_dsssyc_bd_com
 FF Keyword.URL: hxxp://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=ddc&hsimp=yhs-ddc_bd&type=bl-bfr-dd__alt__ddc_dss_bd_com&p=
 FF SearchPlugin: C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\searchplugins\search-simple.xml [2015-11-09]
 FF Extension: SearchMoreKnow - C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\Extensions\[email protected] [2015-11-08] [not signed]
 C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow
 C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SearchMoreKnow
 C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow
 C:\ods.exe

SearchMoreKnow (HKLM-x32\...\SearchMoreKnow) (Version: 2.0.5790.34863 - SearchMoreKnow) <==== ATTENTION
Alterations made by the installer:
File system details [View: All details] (Selection)
---------------------------------------------------
    In the existing folder C:
       Adds the file ods.exe"="30/10/2015 01:19, 188096 bytes, A
       Adds the file ods.exe.config"="27/10/2015 21:48, 151 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow
       Adds the file 7za.exe"="03/11/2015 23:27, 536064 bytes, A
       Adds the file SearchMoreKnow.exe"="09/11/2015 08:48, 78336 bytes, A
       Adds the file Uninstaller.exe"="09/11/2015 04:22, 330816 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\Extensions
       Adds the file [email protected]"="08/11/2015 13:05, 9136 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\Products
       Adds the file UnSearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe"="09/11/2015 08:48, 35631 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SearchMoreKnow
       Adds the file SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.lnk"="09/11/2015 08:48, 883 bytes, A
       Adds the file Uninstall.lnk"="09/11/2015 08:48, 1269 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
       Adds the file SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.lnk"="09/11/2015 08:48, 883 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow
       Adds the file SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe"="30/10/2015 01:19, 42688 bytes, A
       Adds the file SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe.config"="27/10/2015 21:48, 151 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\extensions
       Adds the file [email protected]"="08/11/2015 13:05, 9136 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\searchplugins
       Adds the file search-simple.xml"="09/11/2015 08:48, 1222 bytes, A

Registry details [View: All details] (Selection)
------------------------------------------------
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{99415057-7C50-439D-AA20-02D83C071B61}]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "1"
       "{99415057-7C50-439D-AA20-02D83C071B61}"="REG_SZ", "{99415057-7C50-439D-AA20-02D83C071B61}"
       "1"="REG_SZ", ""
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{F83D1872-D9FF-47F8-B5A0-49CC51E24EE8}]
       "(Default)"="REG_SZ", "a7107127-54ea-4e02-833a-05e0dec201a1"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SearchMoreKnow]
       "DisplayIcon"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\uninstaller.exe""
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "SearchMoreKnow"
       "DisplayVersion"="REG_SZ", "2.0.5790.34863"
       "EstimatedSize"="REG_DWORD", 966
       "HelpLink"="REG_SZ", "mailto:[email protected]"
       "InstallDate"="REG_SZ", "20151109"
       "InstallLocation"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow"
       "NoModify"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NoRepair"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Publisher"="REG_SZ", "SearchMoreKnow"
       "QuietUninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\uninstaller.exe""
       "UninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\uninstaller.exe""
       "URLInfoAbout"="REG_SZ", "http://www.searchmorenow.com/support"
       "URLUpdateInfo"="REG_SZ", "http://www.searchmorenow.com"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\SearchMoreKnow]
       "cg"="REG_SZ", "a7107127-54ea-4e02-833a-05e0dec201a1"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
       "Start Page"=REG_SZ, "http://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dsssyc_bd_com"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
       "DefaultScope"=REG_SZ, "{ADB31864-B99A-4578-B3B5-026B235A6607}"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{ADB31864-B99A-4578-B3B5-026B235A6607}]
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "Yahoo Search!"
       "FaviconURL"="REG_SZ", "http://search.yahoo.com/favicon.ico"
       "ShowSearchSuggestions"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "URL"="REG_SZ", "http://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=ddc&hsimp=yhs-ddc_bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dss_bd_com&p={searchTerms}"
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 09/11/2015
Scan Time: 09:00
Logfile: mbamSearchMoreKnow.txt
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.0.1020
Malware Database: v2015.11.09.01
Rootkit Database: v2015.11.04.02
License: Premium
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Enabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: {username}

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 307136
Time Elapsed: 4 min, 40 sec

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

Processes: 1
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe, 3544, Delete-on-Reboot, [f7fe29526625191debbb2f6b46bb659b]

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 7
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\CLASSES\CLSID\{99415057-7C50-439D-AA20-02D83C071B61}, Quarantined, [dc192e4d08838aac51a809ff1ee4d729], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\WOW6432NODE\CLSID\{99415057-7C50-439D-AA20-02D83C071B61}, Quarantined, [dc192e4d08838aac51a809ff1ee4d729], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\CLASSES\CLSID\{F83D1872-D9FF-47F8-B5A0-49CC51E24EE8}, Quarantined, [e015304b8605e155ab4f03055ca6748c], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\WOW6432NODE\CLSID\{F83D1872-D9FF-47F8-B5A0-49CC51E24EE8}, Quarantined, [e015304b8605e155ab4f03055ca6748c], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\SearchMoreKnow, Quarantined, [1bdabcbfa8e38caafda9f4a6cf325ba5], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\SearchMoreKnow, Quarantined, [7d78a9d26d1e91a51406438f59aac53b], 
PUP.Optional.BDYahoo, HKCU\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\INTERNET EXPLORER\SEARCHSCOPES\{ADB31864-B99A-4578-B3B5-026B235A6607}, Quarantined, [668f37447e0dbf777a53bc9d5ca7857b], 

Registry Values: 1
PUP.Optional.BDYahoo, HKCU\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\INTERNET EXPLORER\SEARCHSCOPES\{ADB31864-B99A-4578-B3B5-026B235A6607}|URL, http://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=ddc&hsimp=yhs-ddc_bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dss_bd_com&p={searchTerms}, Quarantined, [668f37447e0dbf777a53bc9d5ca7857b]

Registry Data: 1
PUP.Optional.BDYahoo, HKCU\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\INTERNET EXPLORER\MAIN|Start Page, http://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dsssyc_bd_com, Good: (www.google.com), Bad: (http://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd&type=bl-bir-dd__alt__ddc_dsssyc_bd_com),Replaced,[1cd9126991fabf77950354f5db2927d9]

Folders: 6
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow, Delete-on-Reboot, [0fe6bfbc2a6172c480fdb1cdb34fbd43], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow, Quarantined, [af463d3ea3e83ef8215efe80867c1de3], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\Extensions, Quarantined, [af463d3ea3e83ef8215efe80867c1de3], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\Products, Quarantined, [af463d3ea3e83ef8215efe80867c1de3], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\SearchMoreKnow, Quarantined, [7d78e8933655ad89a6da92ec927043bd], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SearchMoreKnow, Quarantined, [95600b70474479bd6320c3bbeb17d12f], 

Files: 17
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [f7fe29526625191debbb2f6b46bb659b], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\SearchMoreKnow.exe, Quarantined, [9164cbb0aeddac8a6e383c5e40c1a060], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\Uninstaller.exe, Quarantined, [1bdabcbfa8e38caafda9f4a6cf325ba5], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ods.exe, Quarantined, [14e17a01eaa1d5614d595c3e827fe41c], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\extensions\[email protected], Quarantined, [6d881d5ecdbe1e1896b95c76b152857b], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\searchplugins\search-simple.xml, Quarantined, [d71e7ffc2269fa3cce9627abcf34cd33], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.lnk, Quarantined, [f40172098308bc7aa5c1d4fe6b98e21e], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ProgramData\SearchMoreKnow\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe.config, Quarantined, [0fe6bfbc2a6172c480fdb1cdb34fbd43], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\7za.exe, Quarantined, [af463d3ea3e83ef8215efe80867c1de3], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\SearchMoreKnow.exe, Quarantined, [af463d3ea3e83ef8215efe80867c1de3], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\Extensions\[email protected], Quarantined, [af463d3ea3e83ef8215efe80867c1de3], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchMoreKnow\Products\UnSearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.exe, Quarantined, [af463d3ea3e83ef8215efe80867c1de3], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SearchMoreKnow\SearchMoreKnowDesktopSearch.lnk, Quarantined, [95600b70474479bd6320c3bbeb17d12f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SearchMoreKnow\Uninstall.lnk, Quarantined, [95600b70474479bd6320c3bbeb17d12f], 
PUP.Optional.BDYahoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\prefs.js, Good: (), Bad: (user_pref("browser.newtab.url", "http://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd-tab&type=bl-bfr-dd__alt__ddc_dsssyctab_bd_com");), Replaced,[06ef2259e8a3cb6b6b541955996bec14]
PUP.Optional.BDYahoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\prefs.js, Good: (), Bad: (user_pref("keyword.URL", "http://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=ddc&hsimp=yhs-ddc_bd&type=bl-bfr-dd__alt__ddc_dss_bd_com&p=");), Replaced,[47aecab1f2992214a9176fff4fb506fa]
PUP.Optional.BDYahoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\prefs.js, Good: (browser.startup.homepage", "https://www.malwarebytes.org/restorebrowser/), Bad: (browser.startup.homepage", "http://search.yahoo.com/?fr=hp-ddc-bd&type=bl), Replaced,[639262195e2d73c38b11caab996bde22]

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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