Removal instructions for Search Adventure

Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is Search Adventure?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that Search Adventure 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 Search Adventure?

This is how the first screen of the installer looks:

And you may see these browser extensions:

Firefox disables the unsigned Extension

this warning:

and this entry in your list of installed programs:

How did Search Adventure get on my computer?

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

How do I remove Search Adventure?

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 Search Adventure?

No, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes Search Adventure completely.
If you are using Firefox, you may have to remove the Extension manually under Add-ons > Extensions. Click on the Remove button behind the Search Adventure entry.

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 Search Adventure hijacker. It would have warned you before the application could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

Technical details for experts

Possible signs in FRST logs:

 FF Extension: Search Adventure - C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\Extensions\[email protected] [2016-05-17] [not signed]
 CHR DefaultSearchURL: Default -> hxxp://search.searchadventure.net/search?q={searchTerms}
 CHR DefaultSearchKeyword: Default -> SearchAdventure
 CHR Extension: (SearchAdventure) - C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi [2016-05-18]
 CHR HKLM-x32\...\Chrome\Extension: [oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi] - hxxps://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx
 C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure

Search Adventure (HKLM-x32\...\Search Adventure) (Version: 2.0.5981.36287 - Search Adventure) <==== ATTENTION

Alterations made by the installer:

File system details [View: All details] (Selection)
---------------------------------------------------
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure
       Adds the file 7za.exe"="5/13/2016 12:43 AM, 536064 bytes, A
       Adds the file Uninstaller.exe"="5/18/2016 5:09 AM, 372952 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure\Extensions
       Adds the file [email protected]"="5/17/2016 11:08 PM, 8486 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Users\MBAM\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage
       Adds the file chrome-extension_oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi_0.localstorage"="5/18/2016 8:40 AM, 12288 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage
       Adds the file chrome-extension_oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi_0.localstorage"="5/18/2016 8:40 AM, 12288 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{profile}.default\extensions
       Adds the file [email protected]"="5/17/2016 11:08 PM, 8486 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", "08003acd-6141-417a-a5aa-d492b4205967"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Google\Chrome\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi]
       "update_url"="REG_SZ", "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Search Adventure]
       "DisplayIcon"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure\uninstaller.exe""
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "Search Adventure"
       "DisplayVersion"="REG_SZ", "2.0.5981.36287"
       "EstimatedSize"="REG_DWORD", 895
       "HelpLink"="REG_SZ", "mailto:"
       "InstallDate"="REG_SZ", "20160518"
       "InstallLocation"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure"
       "NoModify"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NoRepair"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Publisher"="REG_SZ", "Search Adventure"
       "QuietUninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure\uninstaller.exe""
       "UninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure\uninstaller.exe""
       "URLInfoAbout"="REG_SZ", "http://www.searchadventure.net/support"
       "URLUpdateInfo"="REG_SZ", "http://www.searchadventure.net"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\SearchAdventure]
       "cg"="REG_SZ", "08003acd-6141-417a-a5aa-d492b4205967"

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 5/18/2016
Scan Time: 8:52 AM
Logfile: mbamSearchAdventure.txt
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.1.1043
Malware Database: v2016.05.18.02
Rootkit Database: v2016.05.06.01
License: Premium
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Enabled
Self-protection: Enabled

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

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 311354
Time Elapsed: 7 min, 57 sec

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

Processes: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 7
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\CLASSES\CLSID\{99415057-7C50-439D-AA20-02D83C071B61}, Quarantined, [4a10d9fe5b3eb383cb11282638caeb15], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\WOW6432NODE\CLSID\{99415057-7C50-439D-AA20-02D83C071B61}, Quarantined, [4a10d9fe5b3eb383cb11282638caeb15], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\CLASSES\CLSID\{F83D1872-D9FF-47F8-B5A0-49CC51E24EE8}, Quarantined, [68f26f68dfba290d2cb172dc0ef47888], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\WOW6432NODE\CLSID\{F83D1872-D9FF-47F8-B5A0-49CC51E24EE8}, Quarantined, [68f26f68dfba290d2cb172dc0ef47888], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\Search Adventure, Quarantined, [0654d8ff4158e452cb6d656cd42d39c7], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\SearchAdventure, Quarantined, [ef6bbc1b287196a062fe8d194eb4ca36], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\GOOGLE\CHROME\EXTENSIONS\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi, Quarantined, [02585483574273c34d11149250b2c937], 

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 11
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi, Quarantined, [302ac61123761d199d8af4b2020052ae], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure, Quarantined, [0c4e4b8c0f8a2c0a0b1de7bf32d0dc24], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure\Extensions, Quarantined, [0c4e4b8c0f8a2c0a0b1de7bf32d0dc24], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\Search Adventure, Quarantined, [1c3ea5320c8d9b9b9e8bd9cd5ba729d7], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\html, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\images, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\newtab, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\scripts, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\_metadata, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 

Files: 20
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\SearchAdventure.exe, Quarantined, [dd7d9443c3d6e2544a2dcdcea45dbd43], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure\Uninstaller.exe, Quarantined, [0654d8ff4158e452cb6d656cd42d39c7], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\MBAM\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage\chrome-extension_oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi_0.localstorage, Quarantined, [33277661881192a42535b4f2ed158878], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage\chrome-extension_oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi_0.localstorage, Quarantined, [baa09b3cbcdd2511203a22846999af51], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\000003.log, Quarantined, [302ac61123761d199d8af4b2020052ae], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\CURRENT, Quarantined, [302ac61123761d199d8af4b2020052ae], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\LOCK, Quarantined, [302ac61123761d199d8af4b2020052ae], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\LOG, Quarantined, [302ac61123761d199d8af4b2020052ae], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\MANIFEST-000001, Quarantined, [302ac61123761d199d8af4b2020052ae], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure\7za.exe, Quarantined, [0c4e4b8c0f8a2c0a0b1de7bf32d0dc24], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Program Files (x86)\Search Adventure\Extensions\[email protected], Quarantined, [0c4e4b8c0f8a2c0a0b1de7bf32d0dc24], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\manifest.json, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\html\modal.css, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\html\modal.html, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\images\icon48.png, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\newtab\newtab.html, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\scripts\background.js, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\scripts\foreground.js, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\_metadata\computed_hashes.json, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 
PUP.Optional.Yontoo, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\oloaolgmbpcpgcihhklhodkdlopifppi\2.1_0\_metadata\verified_contents.json, Quarantined, [e6747760a0f948ee2167600c778d619f], 

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.

#1
Metallica

Posted 18 May 2016 - 01:19 AM

Advertisements

0 user(s) are reading this topic

As Featured On:

Forums

Downloads

Members

Connect With Us