PUP.Gamehack.HMC
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: | 7,136 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 1,513 |
| First Seen: | June 9, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | October 16, 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.
Table of Contents
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
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
f976dde5b6f1d2f531bf7060b48d3626
SHA1:
ae0085ac0ae96affeb7f97192a0972eef3ceb731
SHA256:
1AF55BC4CD2478E4FB3CD8355EEADD66C32FE55870650D8D1A28F98D09D1D516
File Size:
781.64 KB, 781637 bytes
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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
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: | 2,371 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 465 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 1,348 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 558 |
Visual Map
? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block
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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| Process Manipulation Evasion |
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| Process Shell Execute |
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| Anti Debug |
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Shell Command Execution
Shell Command Execution
This section lists Windows shell commands that are run by the samples in this family. Windows Shell commands are often leveraged by malware for nefarious purposes and can be used to elevate security privileges, download and launch other malware, exploit vulnerabilities, collect and exfiltrate data, and hide malicious activity.
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\ae0085ac0ae96affeb7f97192a0972eef3ceb731_0000781637.,LiQMAxHB
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