PUP.Gamehack.KU
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: | 26,561 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 1 |
| First Seen: | August 27, 2026 |
| Last Seen: | September 20, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PUP.Gamehack.KU is a detection name used to identify a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that is associated with game hacking or cheating tools. Programs flagged under this detection name are typically bundled with or disguised as game modification utilities, trainers, or cheat engines that promise to give players an advantage in video games, such as unlimited in-game currency, unlocked features, or altered gameplay mechanics. While these tools may appear appealing to gamers looking for shortcuts, they often come with hidden risks that outweigh any perceived benefit.
Table of Contents
What This Threat Does
Like other programs in the Potentially Unwanted Programs category, PUP.Gamehack.KU is generally not classified as outright malware, but it can still behave in ways that are intrusive or harmful. Game hack tools of this type typically modify game files or inject code into running processes to alter gameplay. In doing so, they may also introduce unwanted behavior such as displaying intrusive advertisements, installing additional unwanted software without clear consent, collecting information about the user's system or browsing habits, or making unauthorized changes to system settings. Because these tools often require elevated privileges or disable security features to function, they can also weaken the overall security posture of the computer.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
Potentially unwanted programs like this one typically spread through channels that are common to the broader PUP category. These include bundling with free software downloads, where the hack tool is installed alongside other programs without the user fully noticing during setup. They may also be distributed through third-party download sites, file-sharing networks, forums dedicated to gaming cheats, or deceptive advertisements that promise free in-game benefits. Users searching for ways to cheat in online or offline games are often targeted specifically because they are more willing to download and run unverified executable files from untrusted sources.
Risks for the User
Downloading and running game hack tools carries several risks. Beyond the potential for unwanted advertising and system modifications, these programs can act as a gateway for more serious threats, since cybercriminals frequently disguise malware as popular cheat tools. Users may also face account bans or suspensions from game publishers, as most online games explicitly prohibit the use of third-party hacking or cheating software. Additionally, because these tools often require disabling antivirus protection or granting administrative access, they can leave the system more vulnerable to other infections.
Signs of Infection
Common signs that a system may have a program like PUP.Gamehack.KU installed include unexpected pop-up advertisements, new toolbars or browser extensions that were not intentionally installed, a noticeable slowdown in system or game performance, unfamiliar processes running in the background, and security software reporting repeated detections or being unable to start properly. Some users may also notice unauthorized changes to browser settings or new unwanted programs appearing in the list of installed applications.
How to Stay Protected
To avoid programs like this, it is best to download software only from official and reputable sources, carefully review installation prompts to opt out of bundled offers, and avoid searching for or installing third-party game hacks and cheat tools altogether. Keeping security software up to date and performing regular system scans can help detect and remove unwanted programs before they cause harm. Staying cautious around unsolicited download links shared in gaming communities and forums is also an effective way to reduce exposure to this type of potentially unwanted program.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.Gamehack.KU |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
e52d3313016a5fc61e88a61d417c285c
SHA1:
0ca9f3f16b56a2b3acb41713c6d4b39be634eef8
SHA256:
A856A37051A848F2183A2E1ED3B5412A7A8801C04BEC4526B87D9DB782D9D9D3
File Size:
2.82 MB, 2817536 bytes
|
Windows Portable Executable Attributes
- File doesn't have "Rich" header
- File doesn't have security information
- File has exports table
- 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)
Show More
- IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)
File Traits
- dll
- fptable
- HighEntropy
- imgui
- VirtualQueryEx
- 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: | 6,194 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 701 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 5,322 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 171 |
Visual Map
? - 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.- Gamehack.KU
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 |
Show More
|