PUP.Gamehack.EM
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: | 17,432 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 75 |
| First Seen: | May 23, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | October 29, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PUP.Gamehack.EM is a detection name used to identify a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that targets Windows computers. While it is not classified as a severe or destructive threat, its presence on a system is generally undesirable, as programs in this category are known for behaviors that can compromise a user's browsing experience, privacy, or overall system performance. Security tools flag PUP.Gamehack.EM because it exhibits the hallmark traits of unwanted software, even though its individual danger level is rated low.
Table of Contents
What PUP.Gamehack.EM Does
Like other members of the Potentially Unwanted Program family, PUP.Gamehack.EM is designed to run on a victim's machine without necessarily providing clear or meaningful value to the user. Programs of this type typically engage in behaviors such as injecting advertisements into web pages, installing unwanted browser toolbars or extensions, modifying browser settings like the homepage or default search engine, and tracking user activity for advertising purposes. The file associated with this detection is a 32-bit Windows executable that does not carry a digital signature, lacks version information, and shows signs of high entropy, a characteristic sometimes associated with obfuscated or compressed code designed to make analysis more difficult.
Although it does not appear to be packed in the traditional sense, the absence of debugging information, an exports table, and security metadata is typical of PUP installers and companion modules that prefer to avoid easy identification. These traits do not confirm malicious intent on their own, but they are consistent with software that is not fully transparent about its purpose.
How PUP.Gamehack.EM Usually Gets Onto Computers
PUPs like this one are rarely downloaded intentionally. Instead, they typically arrive bundled with other free software, game-related utilities, or downloads from third-party websites. During installation, the unwanted component may be included as a pre-selected option that users unknowingly agree to install while rushing through setup screens. Freeware bundlers, cracked game modification tools, and unofficial download portals are common distribution channels for this category of software.
Risks for the User
While PUP.Gamehack.EM carries a low danger rating, it can still create problems for affected users. Typical risks associated with this category of software include:
- Unwanted advertisements appearing during normal browsing
- Browser settings being changed without permission
- Reduced system and browser performance due to background processes
- Potential exposure to further unwanted downloads or redirects
- Collection of browsing data for advertising or analytics purposes
Signs of Infection
Users whose systems have been affected by programs like PUP.Gamehack.EM may notice new toolbars or extensions appearing in their browser without having installed them deliberately. Other common signs include a change in the default search engine or homepage, an increase in pop-up ads or redirected web pages, and unexplained slowdowns in system or browser performance. Unfamiliar processes running in the background can also be an indicator.
How to Stay Protected
To reduce the risk of encountering PUPs like this one, users should download software only from official or trusted sources, carefully review each step of installation wizards, and opt out of any additional offers or bundled programs. Choosing "custom" or "advanced" installation options, rather than "quick" or "recommended" ones, often reveals bundled components that can be deselected. Keeping security software up to date and performing regular system scans also helps detect and remove unwanted programs before they cause further issues.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.Gamehack.EM |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
0d55989196a8ca983e7689d6e2a4aa1d
SHA1:
521db57c290302abbe03a31389cb70d663464dc7
SHA256:
EE00A34672A0B4ECE7E613F6B11D81058B77EEF874342DD7EE84F05AE0951F73
File Size:
723.97 KB, 723968 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 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)
- File is not packed
Show 2 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.
File Traits
- HighEntropy
- No Version Info
- x86
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: | 2,852 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 130 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 2,652 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 70 |
Visual Map
... Data truncated? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block
Similar Families
Similar Families
This section lists other families that share similarities with this family, based on EnigmaSoft’s analysis. Many malware families are created from the same malware toolkits and use the same packing and encryption techniques but uniquely extend functionality. Similar families may also share source code, attributes, icons, subcomponents, compromised and/or invalid digital signatures, and network characteristics. Researchers leverage these similarities to rapidly and effectively triage file samples and extend malware detection rules.- Clicker.BHO.X
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