PUP.Gamehack.HMC

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Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 6,650
Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 1,518
First Seen: June 9, 2022
Last Seen: October 28, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

PUP.Gamehack.HMC is a detection name used to identify a type of Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that is commonly associated with game-hacking tools, cheat engines, or modified game utilities. While it is not classified as highly dangerous, this program can cause unwanted changes to a Windows system and may expose users to additional risks if left unaddressed.

What PUP.Gamehack.HMC Does

PUP.Gamehack.HMC is typically packaged as a 32-bit Windows executable disguised as a game modification tool, cheat utility, or "hack" application designed to alter the behavior of video games. Once active on a system, it may perform actions such as launching additional processes, modifying system memory, or interacting with other running applications. In this case, the program has been observed invoking Windows system utilities like rundll32.exe to execute code, a technique sometimes used by PUPs to blend in with legitimate system activity and avoid drawing attention.

Like many programs in the Gamehack family, this PUP may also exhibit behaviors typical of its category, including attempts to detect debugging tools or security monitoring, which is a common tactic used by borderline or unwanted software to resist analysis or removal.

How It Usually Gets Onto Computers

Programs like PUP.Gamehack.HMC are typically downloaded by users seeking cheats, trainers, or hacks for video games from unofficial websites, file-sharing platforms, or third-party download portals. These sources are not vetted for security and often bundle additional software alongside the intended download. In many cases, users may not fully realize that installing a game hack tool also installs extra components, as these bundled items are often hidden in default installation settings or disguised within multi-step installers.

Risks for the User

While rated at a low danger level, PUP.Gamehack.HMC is not without risk. Software in this category can:

  • Consume system resources unnecessarily, slowing down performance
  • Alter browser settings, install toolbars, or display unwanted advertisements, as is typical for this category of software
  • Create entry points that could be exploited by more harmful threats if the source of the download was compromised
  • Run without clear user consent or full transparency about its actions on the system

Because game hack tools often originate from unverified sources, there is an elevated chance that such downloads could be tampered with or bundled with more serious malware, even if the Gamehack.HMC detection itself is considered low-risk.

Signs of Infection

Users may notice unexpected background processes running, unusual system slowdowns, or unfamiliar executable files appearing in download folders. Security software may flag files associated with game cheat tools, particularly those downloaded from third-party sites. In some cases, affected systems may show unauthorized changes to browser settings or unexpected pop-up advertisements, both common indicators associated with PUPs.

How to Stay Protected

To reduce the risk of encountering PUP.Gamehack.HMC and similar unwanted programs, users should avoid downloading game hacks, cheats, or trainers from unofficial or unverified websites. Always review installation screens carefully to decline any bundled software, and prefer official sources for game modifications or utilities whenever possible. Keeping a reputable, updated security solution active can help detect and block such PUPs before they are installed, and performing regular system scans can help identify and remove unwanted software that may already be present.

Analysis Report

General information

Family Name: PUP.Gamehack.HMC
Signature status: No Signature

Known Samples

MD5: f976dde5b6f1d2f531bf7060b48d3626
SHA1: ae0085ac0ae96affeb7f97192a0972eef3ceb731
SHA256: 1AF55BC4CD2478E4FB3CD8355EEADD66C32FE55870650D8D1A28F98D09D1D516
File Size: 781.64 KB, 781637 bytes
MD5: f9627cc56decad842a0388dafc062e7c
SHA1: 8e6768497cb60da5b98c866cbfe1ade28fda75b3
SHA256: 7336A03A0DAA3F961B02B1B3C208CEE8A7757687760DC687C587C142BBFF273E
File Size: 781.59 KB, 781590 bytes
MD5: a8001308404dd97d2359323d92f02799
SHA1: 9b38b197014aca74397f59f334f30d5333193881
SHA256: 36C917708B4DA937A9FA56B744AE30A691AFD055DD73709DF72C3E256F9EF0A5
File Size: 781.60 KB, 781604 bytes
MD5: 5a8f138c9f67d48c2135ad39fa8ad36b
SHA1: d4365395cdf9e5afa8008663e59a9d36ddb1d50d
SHA256: B0E63776AC53E0580FFA4BB6CE387D261660691AE5C49A46B63EEA2E3BE1C1CB
File Size: 781.60 KB, 781603 bytes
MD5: 158833fb26237a85fbac2fbb700f651f
SHA1: b373aa8e9a7cb664f13c2c4a8e145796b5f82038
SHA256: E4BF39070EDB54E3C70EE5CF1AE4BF05B4825A6C93D01E8601074A0919F2D8AD
File Size: 781.60 KB, 781597 bytes
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MD5: 6fbc886cc84496b055867d855f939412
SHA1: 85713b11d7fe2ee26170fcee53e74020c8786878
SHA256: D32944FF1F50E7860ED9AB7A6FDD53DE48ABFB698AB432829413199CE8C57994
File Size: 781.61 KB, 781609 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 32-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
  • x86

Block Information

Total Blocks: 2,371
Potentially Malicious Blocks: 465
Whitelisted Blocks: 1,348
Unknown Blocks: 558

Visual Map

... Data truncated
0 - Probable Safe Block
? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block

Windows API Usage

Category API
Syscall Use
  • ntdll.dll!NtAlpcSendWaitReceivePort
  • ntdll.dll!NtClose
  • ntdll.dll!NtCreateFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtCreateSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtFreeVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtMapViewOfSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenKey
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenProcessToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryAttributesFile
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  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryDebugFilterState
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryInformationProcess
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryInformationToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtQuerySystemInformationEx
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryValueKey
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryVolumeInformationFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtReadFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetEvent
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationProcess
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationWorkerFactory
  • ntdll.dll!NtTestAlert
  • ntdll.dll!NtTraceControl
  • ntdll.dll!NtUnmapViewOfSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtWaitForSingleObject
  • ntdll.dll!NtWriteFile
Process Manipulation Evasion
  • NtUnmapViewOfSection
Process Shell Execute
  • CreateProcess
Anti Debug
  • NtQuerySystemInformation

Shell Command Execution

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\ae0085ac0ae96affeb7f97192a0972eef3ceb731_0000781637.,LiQMAxHB
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\8e6768497cb60da5b98c866cbfe1ade28fda75b3_0000781590.,LiQMAxHB
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\9b38b197014aca74397f59f334f30d5333193881_0000781604.,LiQMAxHB
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\d4365395cdf9e5afa8008663e59a9d36ddb1d50d_0000781603.,LiQMAxHB
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\b373aa8e9a7cb664f13c2c4a8e145796b5f82038_0000781597.,LiQMAxHB
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C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\85713b11d7fe2ee26170fcee53e74020c8786878_0000781609.,LiQMAxHB