WARNING - CCleaner Infected by Malware

Image by Pixabay.com
By Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
Switzerland
September 19, 2017 6:56am CST
CCleaner is an application distributed by Avast to optimize the performance of the computer. The Security researchers from Cisco Talos have discovered the application has been hacked. A backdoor has been installed by hackers, to connect your computer to dubious site in order to download harmful applications. If you downloaded CCleaner from the 15th of August up to the 11th of September, stop immediately using it and download the most updated version. Also the Cloud version is affected. Do you installed or used CCleaner? For your security, be sure to check the site for the updated version.
90 people like this
96 responses
Kandase
@Kandae11 (55035)
•
19 Sep 17
This is the first time I am hearing of CCleaner - so I am safe.
14 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
Yes, you are safe, a lot of people use CCleaner, I used it in the past, but did not update from many months. I am glad I did not.
10 people like this
Erly Maglangit
@cacay1 (83495)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
20 Sep 17
@Kandae11, me, too. I am so thankful to @LadyDuck.
4 people like this
Erly Maglangit
@cacay1 (83495)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
20 Sep 17
@LadyDuck Me, too not using it.
4 people like this
topffer
@topffer (42156)
• France
19 Sep 17
Nothing better than an anti/virus/malware or a firewall to install discretly some malware. The person who installed this backdoor could not do it without an access to the source code, and it seems incredible that nobody noticed 1/the intrusion 2/the changes in the source code. If I was Avast I would be worried. My Linux box uses quite only open source software.
11 people like this
Koalemos
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
19 Sep 17
@topffer This is the main reason that many malicious programs are successful, too many users have no actual concept of how a computer works.
3 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
I fully agree, I cannot believe that since the 15th of August nobody noticed that their software was accessing dubious sites. Avast was good until a few months ago, now I have doubts using it when I switch to my Windows partition. I also use open source software with Linux.
6 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
@topffer I use a firewall and I am very careful even allowing the printer over the home network. I am sure that someone inside Avast surely knew.
6 people like this
Just an Ordinary Owl?
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
19 Sep 17
Thank you for the warning. I immediately checked the statement from Piriform and have downloaded and installed the latest version (5.4) which has been certified free of malware. As far as I recall, I hadn't updated it since the middle of August so, hopefully, I shall not have allowed it to send any data. The domain it purported to have been sending the data to has now been closed down, in any case, so hopefully, little damage has been done. CCleaner has been my cleanup tool of choice for years and I have always thought Piriform a very trustworthy company. They say that they do not yet know how the malware was introduced into their software.
8 people like this
Just an Ordinary Owl?
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
19 Sep 17
@LadyDuck I think that it has to be someone with access to the source code and, most likely, someone they employed.
4 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
I have also used CCleaner from many years and I am glad that I downloaded nothing during the month of August and September. I am surprised that this happened, because they are a serious company, but in our days people do everything for money, surely someone working in the company.
6 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
@owlwings It had to be someone inside their company, I also have read it was something changed in the source code.
2 people like this
vanny
@vandana7 (100288)
• India
19 Sep 17
No. But I am deeply concerned about Kaspersky. We have always used Kaspersky. Wonder if it is as safe as it was said to be.
8 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
I also used Kaspersky when I wanted to check my computer for viruses. I have read yesterday that the U.S. Senate has banned Kaspersky from government networks, they fear that they are a pawn of Kremlin and a possible security risk. I am seriously concerned.
6 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (218881)
• Walnut Creek, California
20 Sep 17
@LadyDuck A pawn of the Kremlin. Yikes.
3 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
@TheHorse This is exactly what the newspaper said. A bit scary!
2 people like this
hereandthere
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
19 Sep 17
i'm familiar with it since i see it mentioned online a lot.
8 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
It's a very popular application, this is why I thought it was better to warn the users.
3 people like this
Ann LeFlore
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
19 Sep 17
Years ago Avast was so popular here in Tahiti because they offered a free antivirus. I had nothing but problems with this program and many viruses on client's computers. The antivirus also slowed down the operating speed of the computer and was just down right horrible. I have always removed this program off my client's computers. I always knew a long time ago this antivirus or one of the other programs created by this company would be hacked. Well, it has finally happened and I am glad I talked so many people out of using these programs and deleting them off of thier computers.
9 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
I still use Avast, but I also use a firewall, from another company. There are rumors also about Kaspersky.
2 people like this
Ann LeFlore
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
22 Sep 17
@LadyDuck I use to use KAV a long time ago. I even stopped using this one. I am on Windows 10 now and they have an excellent firewall and protection built in. I haven't had a single issue with any of my stuff ever.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
22 Sep 17
@poehere I am using Linux and an old Windows 7, because I can have them both installed and boot from the one I want to use. My husband has a laptop with Windows 10 (that he hates), but he also uses Linux professionally.
1 person likes this
Toni
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
20 Sep 17
I don't have that application at all. I don't have an antivirus application on my computer.
4 people like this
Toni
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
21 Sep 17
@LadyDuck Nope don't have a firewall at all. In the 5 years that I've used my old MacBook pro I've never had a firewall or any sort of anti-virus. The same thing with my new MacBook Pro now. My son is still using my old MacBook Pro without any issue.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 17
@toniganzon It's a matter of luck, you can go on for years without problem, until you open the wrong page.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
Do you have at least a firewall? Nothing at all can be pretty dangerous.
1 person likes this
changjiangzhibin89
@changjiangzhibin89 (16764)
• China
19 Sep 17
I haven't used CCleaner.I used to use Avast,now I use domestic antivirus software.
4 people like this
changjiangzhibin89
@changjiangzhibin89 (16764)
• China
20 Sep 17
@LadyDuck I have used Avast,Kaspersky and Avira before,but now I just use a domestic antivirus,which works well so far.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
@changjiangzhibin89 For the moment I still use Avast, I have read a warning about Kaspersky, so I will stop using it.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
I have used Avast from many years and until now it was a good antivirus, but I have a separate Firewall, two is better than one.
2 people like this
Catherine
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
19 Sep 17
No, I haven't, Anna and thank goodness I didn't. Nothing can be trusted these days.
5 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
We can trust no one in our days. It's scary to know that a software that should clean your computer bring inside a virus.
3 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
@bluesa It's very smart to use a well known software to install a malware, how people could imagine it was unsafe!
2 people like this
Catherine
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
19 Sep 17
@LadyDuck , yes, something that should protect instead destroying, very scary!
3 people like this
Erly Maglangit
@cacay1 (83495)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
20 Sep 17
Thank you so much for sharing what you have learned.It is so important to avoid future problem. I am not a user of that drive.
5 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
I had it, but never used it, I do not trust programs that mess up with the registry.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 17
@cacay1 I have Kaspersky installed on a CD, so that I can scan my computer before launching Windows.
2 people like this
Erly Maglangit
@cacay1 (83495)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
21 Sep 17
@LadyDuck That is nice, you are wise my friend.I had once my Facebook hacked and FB management helped me through sending the app of Kaspersky to restore my FB account and clean my laptop.
2 people like this
DianneN
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
20 Sep 17
I don't use that. My Apple products are so secure, they won't let me open most things. I do have an hp computer which is very safe and updates frequently. I hope you weren't affected!
4 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
CCleaner also exists for Apple and it is widely used by the Apple users.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 17
@DianneN As my husband loved to program (as a hobby) for many years he has been a certified Apple developer. Many times we test programs, just to check if they do not modify the system or cause damages.
1 person likes this
DianneN
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
21 Sep 17
@LadyDuck It definitely isn't used by me and after what you told me, never will.
1 person likes this
ingrid
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
20 Sep 17
i think this computer has the CCleaner, but i have not yet 'cleaned the computer. i will ask my son if the app is safe to run.
5 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
If you did not updated between the 15th of August through the 11th of September is safe to run.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
22 Sep 17
@ridingbet IF he updated a few weeks ago this is the INFECTED version, only the update released a couple of days ago is safe. Tell him to update the new immediately.
2 people like this
ingrid
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
22 Sep 17
@LadyDuck thank you. i think it was uploaded by my son a few weeks ago.
1 person likes this
fishtiger58
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
19 Sep 17
I do have it on my computer but put it there much earlier than that. Does that mean I'm ok Anna? and it constantly asks me to update which I haven't done.
4 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
@fishtiger58 I was very happy not to have downloaded that version.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
Yes, this means you are okay, because it's only the version released the past month of August that contains the malware.
1 person likes this
fishtiger58
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
19 Sep 17
@LadyDuck Oh cool that is a relief.,
1 person likes this
Thelma
@thelme55 (77082)
• Germany
19 Sep 17
We are using CCleaner but didn´t update. Thanks for the heads up.
6 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
Same here Thelma, I have CCleaner installed, but I did not update the program. We were both lucky.
2 people like this
Thelma
@thelme55 (77082)
• Germany
20 Sep 17
@LadyDuck yes, we are indeed.
2 people like this
youless
@youless (112497)
• Guangzhou, China
21 Sep 17
You may find it unusual, actually I haven't installed any anti-virus software for my computer for quite a long time and it is no problem yet. In fact some anti-virus companies create the computer virus and then offer a solution to it.
4 people like this
youless
@youless (112497)
• Guangzhou, China
21 Sep 17
@LadyDuck As to me, most of these software are similar.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 17
@youless Well they are not, believe me.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 17
CCleaner was NOT an antivirus it was an application to speed up your computer tweaking some functions. I use a firewall and my antivirus has saved me many times from trojans. I use a free antivirus, the only ones you can trust.
2 people like this
Jandie
@tech40 (23121)
• Philippines
19 Sep 17
@LadyDuck I have CCleaner, but the CCleaner I have is an old version.. I guess it doesnt have malware.. I have this since year back ago, and never been updated
4 people like this
Jandie
@tech40 (23121)
• Philippines
19 Sep 17
@LadyDuck Haha thanks for this information I'm not aware on it.. Yeah! Old version are still better than updated one what will make your computer miserable haha!
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
@tech40 Look at Windows, the old versions were all a lot better than the actual one.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
If it's old do not worry, it is safe. Sometimes it's better not to update.
2 people like this
Valerie J. Routhieaux
@just4him (317089)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
19 Sep 17
I've never used it. Thanks for the warning as I do have Avast.
4 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
I also have Avast and for the moment there are no problems announced for that program.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 17
@just4him I trust Avast, has always been a serious program.
2 people like this
Valerie J. Routhieaux
@just4him (317089)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
20 Sep 17
@LadyDuck I haven't seen any either, so they're keeping on top of things.
2 people like this
Ruby Hawk
@RubyHawk (99405)
• Atlanta, Georgia
19 Sep 17
Thank you for the warning.my better half takes care of those things but I'll let him know so he can check out those dates.
4 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
Let him know, even if he possibly already knows.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 17
@RubyHawk I am glad you told him, at least he can check for the most recent version, with the malware removed.
2 people like this
Ruby Hawk
@RubyHawk (99405)
• Atlanta, Georgia
21 Sep 17
@LadyDuck I did and it was a good thing I did. He downloaded the new one. thanks For letting us know.
2 people like this
Hanni Harel
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
19 Sep 17
Thank you for telling me. I have it and want to send it to my technician to see what he thinks.
4 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 17
If you have it, go to their site and download the MOST recent version, they have fixed the problem and now it's clean.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
@Hannihar If you did not download any updated after the 15th of August you do not have the problem, this is sure.
Hanni Harel
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
20 Sep 17
@LadyDuck Anna, I do not have to worry. My technician wrote me back and told me I do not have that version and do not have to worry. He is great and I believe and trust in him. He is a fantastic person. He has helped me with so many things.
1 person likes this
Bush Stan
@Kosgey (1706)
•
20 Sep 17
Thanks for your concern.
4 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
I thought better to share what I knew, at least people can uninstall this program.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
@Kosgey I am glad if I did.
2 people like this
Bush Stan
@Kosgey (1706)
•
20 Sep 17
@LadyDuck sure. You have saved many.
2 people like this