Rootkit attempts though java update. Requesting patching help.

vpwin7 · 13 Apr 2012

Excuse typo in title.

On occasion I receive a java update notification. The updater is completely legitimate from what I can tell, however I do not have an update available. I have downloaded the latest version of Java manually, and when granting this other Java update permission Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE) states that there is a rootkit/trojan in a java install file, in my temp folders.

This Java update appears at the most random times, yesterday I was watching Hulu and it popped up. Just before this post I had uninstalled Java 6 Update 22 as I already have manually installed Java 7 installed. I'm wondering if this was likely a fake Java installation or a problem installation and if there is a good chance I got the bug, or is there something more specific I should look for besides typical virus sweeps?

Golden · 13 Apr 2012

Hi vpwin,

Does MSE specify which rootkit?

Lets take a deeper look at this. Please download and run this tool, and then post back the results:

How to remove malware belonging to the family Rootkit.Win32.TDSS (aka Tidserv, TDSServ, Alureon)?

Regards,
Golden

Roderunner · 13 Apr 2012

I use this instead of the normal Java. Never had any trouble. Java.pdf

Golden · 13 Apr 2012

Roderunner said:

I use this instead of the normal Java. Never had any trouble. Java.pdf

Do you mean instead of AdobePDF? OP is having an issue with Java.

Regards,
Golden

Roderunner · 13 Apr 2012

Golden said:

Roderunner said:

I use this instead of the normal Java. Never had any trouble. Java.pdf

Do you mean instead of AdobePDF? OP is having an issue with Java.

Regards,
Golden

No, its about Java.

Golden · 13 Apr 2012

Ahh. My mistake, the link opened up in my NitroPDF and for some reason I though your attachement was the link to Nitro

Roderunner · 13 Apr 2012

Golden said:

Ahh. My mistake, the link opened up in my NitroPDF and for some reason I though your attachement was the link to Nitro

A good lesson has just been learned to being more careful in the future.
Happy Safe surfing.

vpwin7 · 13 Apr 2012

Roderunner said:

I use this instead of the normal Java. Never had any trouble. Java.pdf

That is actually what I did awhile ago and I continued to get false update notices. I didn't uninstall other Java entries though since I figured it would overwrite them. After finding an older version of Java today in my control panel I uninstalled it; the fact that it was there seemed a little odd to me.

I haven't had any update pops lately but it only occurs every once in awhile and they're never legitimate.

Additionally, all scanners come clean. I only get alerts if I were to accept the Java update. I'm looking mostly for preventative measures. But since you suggest manually updating Java, I probably already chose the right path.

Golden · 13 Apr 2012

Hi,

Depending on the rootkit, you might have to do a little more work to ensure your system isn't compromised. Did MSE name the rootkit in question?

Some background reading:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootkit

Regards,
Golden

Borg 386 · 14 Apr 2012

Although the updater may LOOK legitimate, you still have to be careful. Virus writers take great care to craft things to look almost exactly like the real thing. If you know your system is up to date, it would be best to ignore these updaters. Any time you see an updater pop up, it's a good idea to go to the companys website & confirm they have indeed updated their software.

It might be a good idea for you to uninstall Java & then re-install it. Make sure you get it from the Java site and not another website offering it as a d/l.

There are several rootkit scanners available:

GMER - Rootkit Detector and Remover

Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller

Be sure to research the items the software finds as mistakes do happen & you can end up crippling your PC. The best thing would be to make a system image before you run these and delete any files.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup