Fix Counter-Strike “fuck_mpgh.exe” MBR Malware Spreading on Cheaters’ Forums

by Ventsislav Krastev | December 28, 2016 | 0 Comments how-to, malware, Protection, trojan, Windows

Threat Summary CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe CS:GO MBR Malware – One Possible Solution CSGO Malware – Conclusion and Protection

A very specific CounterStrike-related malware has been detected in one of the cheats downloaded from the hacking forum “MPGH” (MultiPlayer Game Hacking & Cheats). The malicious main of the main executable of the malware is named “fuck_mpgh.exe” and when activated it performs several malicious activities which lead to the overwriting of the MBR (Master Boot Record) of the infected computer hence rendering the boot of Windows on the logical system drive. If you have been infected by this particular malware infection by trying to download cheats on CS:GO first person shooter, keep reading to learn how to try and fix your computer.

Threat Summary

Name	CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe
Type	MBR Malware
Short Description	The CS:GO malware overwrites the Master Boot Record to deny access to the hard drive and halt the system on boot.
Symptoms	The user may witness a ransom note(see image in the article below) on system boot./td>
Distribution Method	Via a malicious executable obfuscated in a .rar archive, uploaded on forums as a CS:GO cheat.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe.
Data Recovery Tool	Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features) Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

How Does fuck_mpgh.exe Infect

The archive’s original name is “External Counterstrike”. It is most likely uploaded in one of the most famous forums for game cheats, known as “MultiPlayer Game Hacking & Cheats”. Once the user activates the malicious executable, believing it is a CS:GO cheat, the malware creates a malicious .csproj file which can execute in a privileged mode the following command In Windows PowerShell:

-ExecutionPolicy Bypass –noporfile –windowsstype hidden –enc {custom cipher here}
This command allows for the virus to replace the MBR of the hard drive. When the computer of the user is restarted, he or she may see the following message on the boot screen:

Judging by the ransom note, this is most likely a tool that aims to divert the customers for cheats to another place, referred by the hacker as the ULLR.

Malware Familiar to One from Fosshub

In a previous security breach, most likely the same MBR encryption malware has been used to cause a breach on Fosshub where the boot sectors were overwritten with the almost same message:

AS YOU REBOOT, YOU FIND THAT SOMETHING HAS OVERWRITTEN YOUR MBR!
IT IS A SAD THING YOUR ADVENTURES HAVE ENDED HERE!

CS:GO MBR Malware – One Possible Solution

In case you have become an unfortunate victim of this MBR virus, you may want to try accessing your hard drive from another computer and attempting to fix it. Here are the instructions on how to switch the drive to another PC.

Preparation Phase

For this phase you will need to gather the following tools:

A screwdriver, corresponding to your desktop/laptop.
A secure computer that is scanned for malware and cleaned and has a proper ransomware protection.
Patience.

First of all, you should choose the safe computer from which to scan your files to be a powerful Windows machine which is also secured. This is why we recommend following these steps to secure it:

1. Download an advanced malware protection program.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
2. Download a relevant ransomware protection program.
3. Download a relevant cloud backup program that backups copies of your files on a secure server and even if your computer is affected you will stay protected. For more information you can also check another methods to safely store your data here.

Drive Removal Phase

Step 1: Remove battery and power from your laptop. For desktop computers, please remove eliminate the power from the contact.

Step 2: Using the screwdriver, unscrew the case which carries the hard drive. For laptops, you should follow these steps:

Step 3: Remove the hard drive again with the screwdriver. It will look similar to the one on the picture below:

Step 4: Plug-in the hard drive on a secure computer which has an internet connection and Windows installed and screw it in firmly. If connected directly via a separate SATA Cable or SATA to USB conversion cable in addition to the main drive, the hard drive should be detected by the OS as a separate partition or a flash drive, similar to the picture below:

After you have done this, there are several actions which you can undertake for the decryption of your files. One of those actions is to try using data recovery software which supports the recovery and fixing of hard drives. This procedure may not guarantee the recovery of all of your files, but if it bypasses the changed MBR, it may restore most of them back. It really depends on the situation. Here are several programs that you may want to try out:

Your other option, in case the files stored on your hard drive are not important, is to either try a free data recovery tool with limited features which may not get all the files back or to nuke your hard drive and reinstall windows freshly with free software, like Darik’s Boot and Nuke.

CSGO Malware – Conclusion and Protection

Even though you were infected by downloading cheats for the most played online shooter ever, CS:GO and this is completely unfair and wrong on many levels, we have decided to help you and provide several protection tips on how to secure your data and prevent such accidents from ruining your day:

Sensorstechforum’s Ransomware Protection Tips
Safely Securing Your Data in The Future

Help yourself and be careful. And furthermore, in the future, try not to cheat, it is wrong and weak.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

How to Remove CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe and related software from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Step 2: Scan for and remove CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate CS:GO fuck_mpgh.exe from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.