Adware.Linkular
Adware.Linkular is classified as an adware application, a type of unwanted software that is designed primarily to generate revenue for its creators by exposing users to advertising. Programs in this category are typically bundled with other downloads and often operate without giving the user clear, informed control over their installation and behavior. While the specific technical details of Adware.Linkular have not been independently confirmed, its behavior is consistent with the broader adware family, meaning it should be treated as unwanted software that can negatively affect the browsing experience and overall system performance.
Table of Contents
What Adware.Linkular Does
Like most adware, Adware.Linkular is designed to inject or display advertising content on an infected computer. This can include pop-up ads, banner ads, in-text links, interstitial ads, or redirects to sponsored websites. Adware of this type often modifies browser settings, injects scripts into web pages, or runs background processes that continuously serve ads, regardless of what website the user is actually trying to visit. In many cases, this is done to generate pay-per-click or pay-per-impression revenue for the people distributing the adware, often at the expense of the user's browsing experience and system resources.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
Adware programs like Adware.Linkular typically spread through software bundling, where they are packaged alongside free programs, browser extensions, or downloads from third-party websites. Users often install this type of adware unintentionally by rushing through installation wizards and accepting default settings without reviewing optional add-ons. It can also arrive through deceptive advertisements, fake software update prompts, or misleading download buttons found on unreliable websites.
Risks for the User
Although adware is generally considered less severe than more destructive forms of malware, it still poses genuine risks. Common consequences associated with adware infections include:
- Intrusive and excessive advertising that disrupts normal browsing
- Slower system and browser performance due to background processes
- Potential exposure to malicious or scam websites through ad redirects
- Unwanted changes to browser settings, such as the homepage or default search engine
- Collection of browsing data or habits, which may be shared with third parties for targeted advertising
Signs of Infection
Users dealing with adware like Adware.Linkular may notice several warning signs, including:
- A sudden increase in pop-up ads or banner advertisements
- Ads appearing on websites that normally do not display them
- Unexpected browser redirects to unfamiliar or suspicious pages
- New toolbars, extensions, or search engines that were not intentionally installed
- Noticeably slower browser or system performance
How to Stay Protected
To reduce the risk of adware infections, users should download software only from official or trusted sources and avoid third-party download sites that bundle extra programs. During installation, it is important to choose custom or advanced setup options so that any additional offered software, toolbars, or extensions can be reviewed and declined. Keeping web browsers and operating systems updated, regularly reviewing installed programs and browser extensions, and remaining cautious of unexpected pop-ups or update prompts can also help prevent adware like Adware.Linkular from being installed in the first place.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | Adware.Linkular |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
4025b6c9e6d156a0658440799f523e50
SHA1:
b09762cee50feb6827f9f4ac118d00c4b75b5905
SHA256:
AEE1EBD250C97ED895F1D2BA158911018E870EE86A066CD763E853EA2F0F6B90
File Size:
467.69 KB, 467695 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 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)
- File is not packed
Show More
- IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
- IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)
File Icons
File Icons
This section displays icon resources found within family samples. Malware often replicates icons commonly associated with legitimate software to mislead users into believing the malware is safe.
Windows PE Version Information
Windows PE Version Information
This section displays values and attributes that have been set in the Windows file version information data structure for samples within this family. To mislead users, malware actors often add fake version information mimicking legitimate software.| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Company |
| File Version | 2.2.2.1634.1634 |
| Legal Copyright | Linkular LLC, 2012 |
| Product Name | App Name |
| Product Version | 2.2.2.1634.1634 |
File Traits
- Installer Manifest
- Installer Version
- nosig nsis
- Nullsoft Installer
- x86
Files Modified
Files Modified
This section lists files that were created, modified, moved and/or deleted by samples in this family. File system activity can provide valuable insight into how malware functions on the operating system.| File | Attributes |
|---|---|
| \device\namedpipe | Generic Read,Write Attributes |
| \device\namedpipe | Generic Write,Read Attributes |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsf2ac1.tmp\inetc.dll.out0 | Generic Write,Read Attributes |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsf2ac1.tmp\inetc.dll.out1 | Generic Write,Read Attributes |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsf2ac1.tmp\mf.exe | Generic Write,Read Attributes |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsf2ac1.tmp\nsexec.dll | Generic Write,Read Attributes |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsf2ac1.tmp\system.dll | Generic Write,Read Attributes |
Registry Modifications
Registry Modifications
This section lists registry keys and values that were created, modified and/or deleted by samples in this family. Windows Registry activity can provide valuable insight into malware functionality. Additionally, malware often creates registry values to allow itself to automatically start and indefinitely persist after an initial infection has compromised the system.| Key::Value | Data | API Name |
|---|---|---|
| HKLM\system\controlset001\services\bam\state\usersettings\s-1-5-21-3119368278-1123331430-659265220-1001::\device\harddiskvolume2\windows\system32\conhost.exe | 骹儯ǝ | RegNtPreCreateKey |
Windows API Usage
Windows API Usage
This section lists Windows API calls that are used by the samples in this family. Windows API usage analysis is a valuable tool that can help identify malicious activity, such as keylogging, security privilege escalation, data encryption, data exfiltration, interference with antivirus software, and network request manipulation.| Category | API |
|---|---|
| Process Manipulation Evasion |
|
| Process Shell Execute |
|
| Syscall Use |
Show More
|
| Anti Debug |
|
| User Data Access |
|
Shell Command Execution
Shell Command Execution
This section lists Windows shell commands that are run by the samples in this family. Windows Shell commands are often leveraged by malware for nefarious purposes and can be used to elevate security privileges, download and launch other malware, exploit vulnerabilities, collect and exfiltrate data, and hide malicious activity.
C:\Users\Dlscroad\AppData\Local\Temp\nsf2AC1.tmp\mf.exe "C:\Users\Dlscroad\AppData\Local\Temp\nsf2AC1.tmp\inetc.dll"
|
