• Software
  • CCleaner stuffed with malware (p.2)
2017/09/20 14:04:00
2:43AM
Just download and use an older version.  I've successfully used Crap Cleaner v5.22 (Oct 2016) up to this point with no issues and full compatibility with Win10.  Before that, I used v4.18 (Oct 2014) with no issues as well, but I think it did run a bit slower on Win10, hence why I chose to update.
 
It should be a given that any FREE software that is continuously updated, like CCleaner, even Malwarebytes, etc. will be contain more and more bloat, and possibly malware and/or extras you don't want because you forgot to uncheck a hidden button.
2017/09/20 14:16:19
abacab
I think the biggest issue here is that the hackers got access into the development servers of a trusted company, and planted a trojan inside software that was officially signed, therefore trusted by Windows and your AV.
 
This method could be used against ANY mainstream software vendor, even Microsoft or Cakewalk.
 
Not much you can do about this type of attack, except maybe not update as frequently, LOL!  The burden is on the developers to keep things under better lockdown until release.
 
It is reassuring to see that Malwarebytes identified this particular trojan, as I run the free, on demand scanner at least once a week!
2017/09/20 14:16:28
GjB
abacab
 
Very interesting!  I see that you are running a 64-bit version of Windows.  The trojan was only planted in the 32-bit installer of CCleaner.  So just curious, did you only have the 32-bit CCleaner installed?


 
I'm not too sure now that it's updated. It certainly automatically updated to the 64bit version. And I'd usually choose a 64 bit version of any software if there's a choice. Nowadays these things are automatic and default to the OS, but I'm not so sure about CCleaner on that point. There are no CCleaner folders or files in the Program Files (x86) folder.
The only thing I did notice at the time of updating CCleaner was that the update went via Download.com which is not so unusual, but having it coming from Piriform is more reassuring.
Maybe I'm weird, but I get just as much fun fixing things as I do breaking them. For me it's all just a reformat away.
I couldn't say that if my PC was my bread and butter though. 
2017/09/20 14:19:49
AndyB01
Although both CCleaner and MBAM offer paid for pro versions which should be better controlled but are probably not. There are other registry cleaners but CCleaner is less aggressive than some and you're generally less likely to inflict damage or break your system when using it. That said you should always back up registry changes anyway in case you need to regress.
2017/09/20 14:36:28
abacab
AndyB01
Although both CCleaner and MBAM offer paid for pro versions which should be better controlled but are probably not. There are other registry cleaners but CCleaner is less aggressive than some and you're generally less likely to inflict damage or break your system when using it. That said you should always back up registry changes anyway in case you need to regress.



I don't use the registry cleaner in CCleaner.  Modern Windows don't really need that, as obsolete registry entries are not likely to affect performance.
 
But I like to use it to clean up cookies, internet cache, old logs, miscellaneous files, and leftover installer tidbits on a daily basis.  Saves on the manual labor of searching all that out and manually deleting it.
2017/09/26 17:06:46
JohanSebatianGremlin
RSMCGUITAR
Luckily I hadn't updated in awhile. I do like the program though. How do you guys feel about using it going forward?

CCleaner has a very loyal following so I'm sure my opinion will be disregarded by most. But when I was doing computer repair for a living, I couldn't count how many times I made easy money wiping and reinstalling hard drives after someone tried to use CCleaner to 'fix' the machine and ended up making it 10X worse.
 
Because of this, I've never really felt the need to use it myself. But then I've never been much of a fan of any registry utilities.
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