Threat Database Adware Adware.BHO.SB

Adware.BHO.SB

By CagedTech in Adware
Published:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
First Seen: February 17, 2023
Last Seen: October 25, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

Adware.BHO.SB is an adware program that targets Windows computers by installing itself as a browser helper object (BHO) and injecting unwanted advertising content into the user's web browsing experience. While it is not considered highly destructive, its presence can significantly disrupt normal computer use and compromise user privacy.

What Adware.BHO.SB Does

Once active on a system, Adware.BHO.SB is designed to automatically display or download advertisements to the infected computer. These ads can show up in several forms, including pop-up windows, banners within web browsers, unwanted toolbars, or advertisements embedded within other ad-supported programs. The adware operates as a browser helper object, meaning it attaches itself to the browser to monitor and manipulate the browsing experience.

Beyond simply displaying ads, Adware.BHO.SB may also track a user's web browsing habits. This can include recording which websites are visited, how ads are interacted with, and other usage information. This collected data is typically transmitted to third parties, who use it to build profiles for delivering targeted advertising or for other marketing-related purposes.

How It Usually Gets Onto Computers

Like most adware of this type, Adware.BHO.SB typically spreads by being bundled with free software downloads. Users often encounter it hidden within installers for freeware programs such as games, emoticon packs, file-sharing tools, or screensavers. During installation, the adware component may be included as an optional add-on, and if a user does not carefully review the installation steps or opts for a "quick" or "default" install instead of a "custom" one, the adware can be installed alongside the desired program without clear consent.

Risks for the User

While classified with a relatively low danger level, Adware.BHO.SB still poses real risks to users. The constant stream of unwanted advertisements can be intrusive and degrade the overall browsing experience, slowing down the browser and making it harder to navigate the web normally. More concerning is the privacy risk: the adware's ability to monitor browsing activity and transmit this data to third parties means that personal browsing habits are no longer private. This information could potentially be used for purposes beyond simple advertising, raising broader privacy and data-handling concerns. Additionally, the presence of adware like this can sometimes be an indicator of other unwanted software bundled during the same installation process.

Signs of Infection

Users dealing with Adware.BHO.SB infections may notice a number of telltale signs, including an increase in pop-up ads appearing during web browsing, unfamiliar toolbars or browser extensions that were not intentionally installed, changes to browser settings such as the default search engine or homepage, and general sluggishness in browser or system performance. Ads may also appear on websites that normally do not display them, or seem oddly out of place compared to the site's usual content.

How to Stay Protected

To avoid adware like Adware.BHO.SB, users should always download software from official or trusted sources and avoid third-party download sites that bundle extra programs with installers. During any software installation, it is important to choose the "custom" or "advanced" installation option rather than the default, as this typically reveals any additional bundled programs and allows users to deselect them. Keeping the operating system and browser updated, regularly reviewing installed browser extensions and toolbars, and using reputable security software to scan for unwanted programs are all effective habits for staying protected from adware threats.

Analysis Report

General information

Family Name: Adware.BHO.SB
Signature status: No Signature

Known Samples

MD5: 565152db8584164b5649716a02e68432
SHA1: f3cef13e0a047816cbc3571828388da4a4e2709b
SHA256: 15F292A69C407F3A0E5EC0925C1C6F28E1C721E143FF92EB7F7D338944E0A01D
File Size: 699.83 KB, 699831 bytes

Windows Portable Executable Attributes

  • File doesn't have "Rich" header
  • File doesn't have debug information
  • File doesn't have exports table
  • File doesn't have relocations information
  • File doesn't have security information
  • File has TLS information
  • File is 32-bit executable
  • File is either console or GUI application
  • File is GUI application (IMAGE_SUBSYSTEM_WINDOWS_GUI)
  • File is Native application (NOT .NET application)
Show 3 more
  • File is not packed
  • IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
  • IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)

File Icons

File Traits

  • dll
  • x86

Files Modified

File Attributes
\device\namedpipe\gmdasllogger Generic Write,Read Attributes

Windows API Usage

Category API
Anti Debug
  • IsDebuggerPresent
User Data Access
  • GetUserObjectInformation