AdzEater Adware
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Ranking: | 1,256 |
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 1,080 |
| First Seen: | February 13, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | September 30, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
During an investigation into deceptive Web pages, infosec researchers discovered the AdzEater browser extension. This extension is promoted as an ad blocker for the YouTube video-hosting platform. However, analysis has revealed that instead of blocking advertisements, AdzEater operates in the exact opposite manner and displays additional advertisements. This behavior classifies AdzEater as advertising-supported software (adware).
Users Should Recognize the Typical Behavior of AdzEater and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs)
Adware is software that is designed to display various advertisements, including banners, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, etc. on websites and interfaces. Unfortunately, many of these advertisements can promote online tactics, unreliable or harmful software and even malware. In some cases, users may inadvertently download and install adware on their systems, and when they click on the advertisements, the advertisements may execute scripts that download and install software without the user's consent.
Keep in mind that even though genuine content may be advertised through these advertisements, it is unlikely to be promoted by the developers of these websites. Rather, it is more probable that fraudsters are abusing the product's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware may require specific conditions, such as a compatible browser or system, user geolocation, or visits to particular sites, to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, even if an adware extension like AdzEater does not display advertisements, its presence on a system could still pose a risk.
Additionally, AdzEater is likely to be equipped with data-tracking capabilities, which can allow it to collect information about users. This information may include browsing and search engine histories, usernames and passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers and more. The collected data may be shared with or sold to third parties, including cybercriminals.
Questionable Methods Involved in the Spread of PUPs and Adware
PUPs and adware are spread through various methods, including but not limited to software bundling, social engineering, email attachments, unsafe websites and fake software updates.
One common method is software bundling, where PUPs and adware are packaged with legitimate software installers. When users download and install the desired software, they unwittingly install the bundled PUP or adware as well.
Social engineering involves tricking users into installing PUPs or adware by making them think they are installing something beneficial. For example, a pop-up may appear on a website claiming that the users' computers are infected with a virus and they need to install a program to remove it.
Email attachments also may be used to spread PUPs and adware. The email may contain an attachment that, when opened, installs the unwanted program on the user's device.
