RE: system32 "invisible" system.drv deleted



It turns out, this was Malware utilizing a rootkit. According to
http://www.kpmginsiders.com/display_analysis.asp?action=vote&cs_id=135509
"The term "rootkit" stems from the Unix operating system, in which the
highest level of administrative permissions is called "root access." A
rootkit is software that grants a user advanced privileges, such as the
ability to hide files or applications from the rest of the operating system.
In the Windows operating environment, rootkits can conceal spyware,
viruses, keystroke loggers, and other malicious software. In the worst
instances, the malware can promote identity theft by capturing user
identities and passwords."
This particular instance was hiding my system32 folder and system.drv
(along with other 'system' files. I discovered this while trying to rename a
file with DOS to system.drv and it stated that the file already existed. I
could not (as administrator) even grant myself permissions or ownership of
certain areas of my drive.
THE FIX! I had new virus signatures, but an older engine. I had to
remove my drive and put it in to another computer as a secondary drive. The
other computer had a new virus scan engine and new signatures. It was able
to remove the rootkit and once installed back into its original box, the
anti-spyware programs were able to clean the malware. I hope this post helps
someone.


"PATOPP" wrote:

> 2000 Pro. When starting an old 'voice-mail' program, I get a system.drv file
> is missing or corrupt, please reinstall. In my search for the system.drv
> file, I discovered that my system32 folder is hidden and unsearchable from
> explorer. Even at a command prompt, the dir command won't reveal the
> directory. I can, however, 'cd' to the directory and 'dir' its contents.
> Sure enough, no system.drv file exists. When I try to copy or expand
> system.drv from a cab file, it is immediately deleted from my system. I
> suspect a virus, but with the latest signatures, nothing shows. I've ran the
> new versions of spybot and adaware with their respective, new signatures and
> cleaned off all items that show. Throughout this, I am unable to make my
> system32 folder visable and searchable again. I have tried the attrib -h on
> the folder at the commanc prompt. I have ran sfc /scan now, but nothing was
> fixed. Where else should I be looking and what else could I do? (I would
> like to upgrade to XP Pro- but I want to do that with a functioning version
> of 2K, so I don't drag problems into XP) Thank you for any help, I know
> you've helped me before, in this group.
> PATOPP
.



Relevant Pages

  • RE: system.drv gets deleted & system32 is invisible
    ... this was Malware utilizing a rootkit. ... ability to hide files or applications from the rest of the operating system. ... I had new virus signatures, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • RE: Microsoft Phishing Filter Add-in for MSN Search Toolbar
    ... Well,you need to remove it,to remove the rootkit. ... And I told you to zip the folder and send it for analyze to VirusTotal. ... They will scan it for malware with almost ALL antivirus softwares with the ... Panda TruPrevent - the most intelligent technology to combat unknown malware ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: hacktool.rootkit HELP
    ... also real time scanning. ... Once malware is active it has the potential to smack ... but may not if there's a rootkit altering the behavior ...
    (microsoft.public.security.virus)
  • Re: A Hijacking Problem
    ... There is NO RootKit in this. ... | indentified malware has already downloaded and installed a lot of other ... installation of WinAntivirus Pro, ... "There is a security vulnerability from the Blackworm virus. ...
    (alt.computer.security)
  • Re: How good is Comodo Internet Security?
    ... It's true under the condition that malware is run under an admin account ... the rootkit functionality may be used by malware to disguise itself. ...
    (comp.security.firewalls)