PUP.Gamehack.AEM
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:
Popularity Rank: 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.
| Popularity Rank: | 24,310 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 3 |
| First Seen: | May 4, 2025 |
| Last Seen: | September 13, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PUP.Gamehack.AEM is the detection name used for a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that targets Windows systems. Programs in this category are not classified as traditional viruses or trojans, but they are flagged because of behavior that can negatively affect a user's experience, privacy, or system performance. As its name suggests, this particular detection is associated with "game hack" style tools, a type of software often marketed to gamers as a way to modify, cheat in, or gain an advantage within video games.
While PUP.Gamehack.AEM carries a low danger rating, that does not mean it should be ignored. Low-risk classification generally means the program is not designed to steal sensitive data or cause direct system damage the way more severe malware families do, but it can still introduce unwanted changes, consume system resources, or open the door to further issues.
Table of Contents
What PUP.Gamehack.AEM Does
Software flagged under this detection typically presents itself as a utility for altering or "hacking" video games, such as modifying in-game values, unlocking features, or granting other unauthorized advantages. In practice, programs of this nature are frequently bundled with additional components that the user never explicitly agreed to install. Typical unwanted behaviors associated with this category of software include installing browser toolbars or extensions without clear consent, displaying intrusive advertising, and altering a browser's default search engine or homepage. The file associated with this detection is a native Windows executable that does not carry a digital signature, which is a common trait among PUPs and makes it harder for users to verify the legitimacy of its publisher.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
PUPs like Gamehack.AEM commonly reach computers through software bundling, where the unwanted program is packaged alongside a free download, a game modification tool, a cheat engine, or another seemingly useful application. Users often agree to install it without realizing it during a rushed installation process, particularly when skipping through installer screens or choosing "quick" rather than "custom" setup options. Downloading cracked games, unofficial game trainers, or hack tools from unverified websites also significantly increases the risk of picking up this type of program.
Risks for the User
Although classified as low danger, PUP.Gamehack.AEM and similar programs can still create real inconveniences. Users may notice unwanted advertisements, changes to browser settings, or sluggish system performance. Because these programs often arrive bundled with other unknown components, there is also a risk that additional, potentially more harmful software could be installed alongside them without the user's full awareness. Game hack tools in particular can also violate the terms of service of online games, which may result in account bans or suspensions.
Signs of Infection
Common indicators that a PUP may be present include unexpected browser toolbars, a changed homepage or default search engine, an increase in pop-up or banner advertisements, unfamiliar programs appearing in the installed applications list, and general slowdowns in system or browser performance.
How to Stay Protected
To reduce the risk of encountering PUPs like Gamehack.AEM, download software only from official or reputable sources, avoid cracked games and unofficial hack or cheat tools, and always choose the custom installation option so bundled extras can be reviewed and declined. Keeping security software up to date and regularly reviewing installed programs and browser extensions can also help catch unwanted applications early.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.Gamehack.AEM |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
cb9e2cddddaf8162d453f0aaed7c5e9e
SHA1:
204dd38014e2438ae3ab71c9999de5a429dc908a
SHA256:
6CF2246B5CCB62FCE5465277619DC5AF5EC9E13588785AF5AF59625AED0C46F0
File Size:
814.08 KB, 814080 bytes
|
Windows Portable Executable Attributes
- File doesn't have "Rich" header
- File doesn't have exports table
- File doesn't have security information
- File has TLS information
- File is 64-bit executable
- File is console application (IMAGE_SUBSYSTEM_WINDOWS_CUI)
- File is either console or GUI application
- File is Native application (NOT .NET application)
- File is not packed
- IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
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- IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)
File Traits
- dll
- fptable
- imgui
- x64
Block Information
Block Information
During analysis, EnigmaSoft breaks file samples into logical blocks for classification and comparison with other samples. Blocks can be used to generate malware detection rules and to group file samples into families based on shared source code, functionality and other distinguishing attributes and characteristics. This section lists a summary of this block data, as well as its classification by EnigmaSoft. A visual representation of the block data is also displayed, where available.| Total Blocks: | 1,481 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 68 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 1,332 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 81 |
Visual Map
? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block
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 | 큸甾䐨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 |
|---|---|
| Syscall Use |
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| Anti Debug |
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| Process Terminate |
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