Remove Yessearches.com Virus from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

by Ventsislav Krastev | June 8, 2016 | 0 Comments browser hijacker, cookies, online advertisement, PUP

Threat Summary Yessearches.com – Means Of Distribution Yessearches.com – Technical Analysis Remove Yessearches.com Browser Hijacker Permanently

A notorious Browser Hijacking application has been reported to become even more popular, making it to be one the of top 4000 websites regarding traffic at this moment. The application aims to heavily modify the computer it`s installed on, changing various settings and obtaining different user information. It not only tampers with the registry editor of Windows but it also creates multiple files that may result in system crashes, changes of the web browsers’ pages, suspicious browser ads, redirects and even system crashes and freezes. All users who have become affected by the Yessearches menace should immediately focus on removing it from their computer, instructions for which can be located in this article.

Threat Summary

Name	Yessearches
Type	Browser Hijacker, PUP
Short Description	Your browsers will have their homepage, search engine and new tab settings set to Yessearches.com.
Symptoms	The homepage, new tab, and search engine of Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox browsers are changed. An extension of the hijacker can be installed in them. Possible pop-up ads and browser redirects.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Yessearches.

Yessearches.com – Means Of Distribution

To be successfully installed on the affected users’ computers, Yessearches uses a very widespread marketing technique – bundling. This involves the including of Yessearches in the installer of another program downloaded by the user. Usually, such “bundled” programs are provided in third-party websites that provide free downloads of different software. Once the user downloads the software, they tend to miss a step, prompting them to add the application as a free extra, for example:

Such steps are usually featured in the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options and sometimes they are not even featured. Instead, the existence of such applications may be simply mentioned in the EULA agreement for the freeware. Users are advised to take extreme caution in the future and always check thoroughly every installation.

Yessearches.com – Technical Analysis

Upon installation, Yessearches Hijacker creates these files in the following Windows directories:

→ In %ProgramFiles%\Claqogeheqther\:
Clqvrfsrv.exe
Clqvrftsk.exe
In %Windir%\Tasks\:
Claqogeheqther Verfier.job
In %ProgramFiles%\yesbnd\
Uninst.exe
\dmp\Clqvrfsrv.exe
\dmp\Clqvrftsk.exe Source: Symantec

The Yessearches.com software may also modify various settings of the affected computer, by creating values with custom data and new keys in the Windows Registry Editor:

→ In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
Uninstall – cos\”UninstallString” = “”%ProgramFiles%\yesbnd\Uninst.exe” /cf={A16B1AF7-982D-40C3-B5C1-633E1A6A6678}”
Uninstall – cos\”DisplayIcon” = “%ProgramFiles%\yesbnd\Uninst.exe”
Uninstall – cos\”DisplayName” = “yessearches – Uninstall”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Firefox\
{EB52F1AB-3C2B-424F-9794-833C687025CF}\”hp” = “https://www.yessearches.com/?ts=AHEqAXApBH0oBk..&v=20160504&uid=2BFD730887F2E94280C04291F45773E1&ptid=cos&mode=ffsengext”
EB52F1AB-3C2B-424F-9794-833C687025CF}\”tab” = “https://www.yessearches.com/?ts=AHEqAXApBH0oBk..&v=20160504&uid=2BFD730887F2E94280C04291F45773E1&ptid=cos&mode=ffsengext”
{EB52F1AB-3C2B-424F-9794-833C687025CF}\”sp” = “https://www.yessearches.com/chrome.php?uid=2BFD730887F2E94280C04291F45773E1&ptid=cos&q={searchTerms}&ts=AHEqAXApBH0oBk..&v=20160504&mode=ffsengext”
{EB52F1AB-3C2B-424F-9794-833C687025CF}\”surl” = “https://www.yessearches.com/chrome.php?uid=2BFD730887F2E94280C04291F45773E1&ptid=cos&ts=AHEqAXApBH0oBk..&v=20160504&mode=ffexttoolbar&q=”
{EB52F1AB-3C2B-424F-9794-833C687025CF}\”uid” = “2BFD730887F2E94280C04291F45773E1″
{EB52F1AB-3C2B-424F-9794-833C687025CF}\”s” = “HtTp://dxe9i1qsfz3r2.cloudfront.net/v4/ggggggsite/%s?update0=version,%s&update1=sys,%s&update4=ref,%s&update5=mode,%s&update6=sys0,%s&update7=sys1,%s&update8=sys2,%s&update9=sys3,%s&update10=sys4,%s”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\yessearchesSoftware\yessearcheshp\”oem” = “cos”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\
Clqvrfsrv\”Type” = “110”
Clqvrfsrv\”Start” = “2”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\
Clqvrfsrv\”ErrorControl” = “1”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Clqvrfsrv\
“ImagePath” = “”%ProgramFiles%\Claqogeheqther\Clqvrfsrv.exe” {79740E79-A383-47A7-B513-3DF6563D007F} {A16B1AF7-982D-40C3-B5C1-633E1A6A6678}” “DisplayName” = “Claqogeheqther Verfier”
“ObjectName” = “LocalSystem”
“Description” = “Keep Claqogeheqther in profect condition.”
Security\”Security” = “[HEXADECIMAL VALUE]”
Enum\”0″ = “Root\LEGACY_CLQVRFSRV\0000″
Enum\”Count” = “1”
Enum\”NextInstance” = “1”

From what it seems these registry entries may allow for Yessearches browser hijacker to have the closest thing to escalated privileges on your computer, changing web browser settings and making other modifications in addition to that as well.

Furthermore, when the website of Yessearches was checked, it was immediately noticed that it aims to resemble a legitimate search engine, but uses other search providers to display its results. However, it is important to know that the search engine uses a high amount of different cookies as well, which is rather unorthodox for search engines, especially when the connection to them is not HTTPS.

Not only this, but the hoax search engine also displays advertisements to various third-party software providers. This is the primary menace associated with Yessearches.com browser hijacker since third-party websites may conceal different dangers to users:

URLs containing malicious JavaScripts.
URLs containing Exploit Kits.
URLs containing Ransomware, Trojans and other malware inserted via drive-by downloads.
URLs, which may redirect the user to scamming websites which aim to collect financial information, for example, Phishing web pages or tech support scams.

This is the main reason why experts advise removing unwanted ad-supported applications, like Yessearches Browser Hijacker. They may not be malware that directly affects the information, however this hijacker may have the capability to indirectly infect your device. The company even admits the lack of control in their privacy policy:

Remove Yessearches.com Browser Hijacker Permanently

In case you have seen symptoms of this software being active on your computer, you should act swiftly towards removing it. First, you should check for malicious processes, running by Yessearches(.)com. For names and locations you should look at the technical analysis for the executables’ names and try to stop them if they are actively running as processes in your Windows Task Manager. You can open the Task Manager by pressing Windows Button+R and then typing “taskmgr” after which clicking on OK.

Since manual removal involves risky tampering with the registry editor, we advise either backing up your data or using an advanced anti-malware software to delete every file and other object associated with Yessearches.com. Having such program also makes sure you detect other malware that may be installed on your computer.

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 Yessearches from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Yessearches

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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Yessearches 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 Yessearches:

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 Yessearches. 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 Yessearches. 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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches. 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 Yessearches files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Yessearches, 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 Yessearches:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove Yessearches 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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches 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 Yessearches 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.