Threat Database Adware Adware.PassShow

Adware.PassShow

By CagedTech in Adware
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 20,887
Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 20,546
First Seen: December 31, 2013
Last Seen: August 7, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Adware.PassShow on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program that could be compromising your online security and privacy. This type of malware is designed to display unwanted advertisements, collect user data, and potentially lead to more severe security issues if not addressed promptly.

What Is Adware.PassShow?

Adware.PassShow is a type of adware program that infects computers and mobile devices, aiming to generate revenue for its creators by displaying advertisements, often in intrusive and unwanted ways. Unlike viruses or Trojans that cause direct harm by deleting or corrupting files, adware focuses on disrupting the user experience with pop-ups, banners, and redirects to suspicious websites. The primary goal of adware like Adware.PassShow is to expose users to as many advertisements as possible, increasing the likelihood of clicks that generate income.

How Adware.PassShow Operates

Adware.PassShow, like other adware programs, operates by infiltrating a system through various means, such as bundled software installations, deceptive downloads, or exploiting vulnerabilities in web browsers or operating systems. Once installed, it can modify browser settings, create shortcuts to suspicious websites, or even install additional software without the user's knowledge or consent. The program collects data on the user's browsing habits, search queries, and other online activities to tailor the advertisements it displays, making them more appealing and increasing the chances of user interaction.

Symptoms of Infection

Symptoms of an Adware.PassShow infection can vary but commonly include an increase in unwanted advertisements appearing on the computer or mobile device, unexpected changes in browser settings, such as a new homepage or default search engine, and the presence of unfamiliar programs or toolbars. Users may also experience slower system performance, frequent redirects to unwanted websites, and an overall degradation in their online browsing experience. In some cases, adware can lead to more severe issues, such as the installation of additional malware or the exposure of personal data to third parties.

How to Remove Adware.PassShow

  1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the adware from interfering with the removal process. This mode allows you to use the internet to download removal tools while limiting the functionality of malicious programs.
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, which is designed to detect and remove adware and other types of malware. Ensure the tool is updated with the latest definitions to enhance its detection capabilities.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs that were installed around the time the adware symptoms appeared. Be cautious and only remove programs you are sure are not needed or are known to be malicious.
  4. Reset your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings. This step can help remove any changes made by the adware, such as altered homepages or search engines, and eliminate unwanted extensions or add-ons.
  5. Reboot your system and perform another full scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all components of the adware have been removed. This step is crucial in verifying the effectiveness of the removal process and identifying any potential remnants that might have been missed.

Conclusion

Removing Adware.PassShow from your system is crucial to restoring your online security and privacy. By following the steps outlined above and maintaining vigilance through regular system scans and safe browsing practices, you can protect your device from similar threats in the future. Remember, prevention is key, so always be cautious when downloading software, avoid suspicious links, and keep your operating system and security software up to date.

Aliases

15 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.

Antivirus Vendor Detection
AVG Generic5.BAHT
Panda Trj/Genetic.gen
Sophos Generic PUA OH
AntiVir TR/Graftor.146558.4
Avast Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]
McAfee Artemis!592207E401AF
AVG Generic5.AZBQ
Fortinet Riskware/AddLyrics
Antiy-AVL Trojan/Win32.SGeneric
AntiVir Adware/Graftor.147412.23
Comodo Application.Win32.Adware.WDUnlocker.A
Avast Win32:Malware-gen
McAfee Artemis!29352A8A7495
AVG Generic_r.QA
Ikarus AdWare.Generic

SpyHunter Detects & Remove Adware.PassShow

File System Details

Adware.PassShow may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. PsUP.exe dd14538f712237c828a31a759de223ea 3,268
2. 157.dll 5737282402ef67b5830e6cbb00f19a85 906
3. PassShow157.exe 5007a39feeace3444e86e17c0c5252c3 525
4. Show-Password155.exe 20eb15c462415fea018fddc79a133f57 399
5. Show-Password_wd.exe f987c140b234dd44b5f2b0076e6d0e57 368
6. PassShow158.exe 507cd9f774dc0d138f5c80e10d8b1630 310
7. PsUP..exe dc800b9a3d7da0669e5f4894c281377d 243
8. v01PassShowz64.exe 20151e598600262c1d47cc9e298e4c71 232
9. PassShow155.exe ece74a8b7bc72a632ff83041e41f49a3 139
10. PassShowZTw158.exe d8ec967238e3a05f833f70c6153f060f 104
11. PassShowZTw161.exe f9bd57ad7b8d5555a7298c62a55008fc 78
12. PassShowZTwzBw.exe d57d2e23cfd35ac8df26f31b338d2a60 78
13. PassShowZTw.exe 4340c44a65cad92eff0f1406bf48ddea 67
14. PassShow-bho.dll 1b82b783e43126a55f3bf52282666bba 6
15. passshow1220.exe dbbf22ff3216c004adec7fce70f97a0e 6
16. PassShow-bho64.dll 21859ca94d650ebbf41f65ab9fcb5e14 2
17. 150.dll 0cfd879b9a17cbc0c4c5e5d51addebd2 1
18. passshow.exe df92f9892c2042a5c3433df0b337c7a8 0
More files

Registry Details

Adware.PassShow may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
CLSID
{4e1dfdc4-5474-47fc-bcaa-6f1f0c49bae2}
{77bf05d1-5f5f-40d2-8feb-7e326c73a257}
{ade2113b-9952-46c8-85b0-b115be39a9fa}
Software\AppDataLow\Software\PassShow
Software\InstalledBrowserExtensions\ShowPass
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions\{11111111-1111-1111-1111-110411631145}
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION\PassShow-bg.exe
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\PassShow Update
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{4e1dfdc4-5474-47fc-bcaa-6f1f0c49bae2}
Software\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\{591f9d2f-ffb2-4bbe-98fc-2fb86649c789}
SOFTWARE\PassShow
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION\PassShow-bg.exe
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{4e1dfdc4-5474-47fc-bcaa-6f1f0c49bae2}
SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\PassShow
SYSTEM\ControlSet002\services\PassShow
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\PassShow

Directories

Adware.PassShow may create the following directory or directories:

%PROGRAMFILES%\ShowPassword
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\PassShow Corp
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\ShowPassword
%ProgramFiles%\PassShow
%ProgramFiles%\PassShow-soft
%ProgramFiles(x86)%\PassShow
%ProgramFiles(x86)%\PassShow-soft