Threat Database Potentially Unwanted Programs PUP.HackAgent.A

PUP.HackAgent.A

By CagedTech in Potentially Unwanted Programs
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PUP.HackAgent.A is a detection name used to identify a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that may be present on a computer without the user fully understanding what it does or why it was installed. As with most programs in this category, PUP.HackAgent.A is not classified as a severe or destructive threat like ransomware or a banking trojan, but its presence is still considered undesirable because it can affect system performance, privacy, and overall user experience.

What PUP.HackAgent.A Does

While the exact behavior of any individual PUP can vary, programs detected under names like PUP.HackAgent.A typically perform actions that are not clearly disclosed to the user at the time of installation. Typical behavior for this type of potentially unwanted program may include running background processes that consume system resources, displaying unwanted advertisements or pop-ups, modifying browser settings such as the homepage or default search engine, or collecting information about the user's browsing habits and system configuration. Some PUPs in this category are also known to install additional software components without clear consent, which can further complicate removal and increase the risk of additional unwanted behavior.

It is important to note that specific technical details about this particular detection were not available, so the above should be understood as typical behavior for this category of software rather than confirmed facts about PUP.HackAgent.A specifically.

How It Usually Gets Onto Computers

Potentially unwanted programs like PUP.HackAgent.A commonly spread through bundled software installers. Users downloading free programs, utilities, or media tools from the internet may unknowingly agree to install additional software when they rush through the installation process without reviewing each step carefully. Deceptive advertisements, misleading download buttons, and fake update prompts are also common distribution methods for this category of software. In many cases, the unwanted program is technically disclosed somewhere in the installer's terms or an easily overlooked checkbox, which is why careful attention during installation is so important.

Risks for the User

Even though PUPs are generally considered less dangerous than outright malware, they can still pose real risks. These may include reduced system performance due to unnecessary background processes, exposure to intrusive or inappropriate advertising, unwanted changes to browser or system settings, and potential privacy concerns if the program collects and transmits user data without clear consent. In some cases, PUPs can also act as a gateway for more harmful software by displaying deceptive ads that lead to malicious websites.

Signs of Infection

Common signs that a PUP such as PUP.HackAgent.A may be present on a system include unexpected pop-up ads, new toolbars or browser extensions that were not intentionally installed, a sudden change in the default search engine or homepage, slower than usual system performance, and unfamiliar programs appearing in the list of installed applications. Users may also notice unusual network activity or an increase in resource usage even when few programs are actively running.

How to Stay Protected

To reduce the risk of encountering potentially unwanted programs, users should download software only from official or trusted sources, carefully read each step of installation wizards, and opt out of any bundled offers that are not explicitly needed. Keeping the operating system and installed applications updated, regularly reviewing installed programs and browser extensions, and using reputable security software to scan the system periodically can also help detect and remove unwanted programs before they cause further issues.

Analysis Report

General information

Family Name: PUP.HackAgent.A
Packers: UPX
Signature status: No Signature

Known Samples

MD5: 47ad7fd933a6e7f54ebcb19de350ad77
SHA1: 8d446d5e42ad29e9204c893162c4c6a4e235c948
SHA256: FFDFB616B3D5E7819A0805BBE8E286417406D8AB3D68B37A462661C59AA200F4
File Size: 1.83 MB, 1830400 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 relocations information
  • File doesn't have security information
  • File has been packed
  • 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)
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  • IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
  • IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)

File Icons

Windows PE Version Information

Name Value
Company Name warezstore.com
File Description WS Downloader
File Version 1.0.0.1
Internal Name downloader.exe
Legal Copyright (c) warezstore.com
Original Filename downloader.exe
Product Name WS Downloader
Product Version 1.0.0.1

File Traits

  • HighEntropy
  • packed
  • x86

Block Information

Total Blocks: 2,670
Potentially Malicious Blocks: 105
Whitelisted Blocks: 2,565
Unknown Blocks: 0

Visual Map

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

Similar Families

  • HackAgent.FSA

Files Modified

File Attributes
c:\users\user\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\usrclass.dat{dba6b5ef-640a-11ed-9bcb-f677369d361c}.txr.1.regtrans-ms Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data
c:\users\user\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\usrclass.dat{dba6b5ef-640a-11ed-9bcb-f677369d361c}.txr.2.regtrans-ms Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data

Registry Modifications

Key::Value Data API Name
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings::maxconnectionsperserver RegNtPreCreateKey
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings::maxconnectionsper1_0server RegNtPreCreateKey

Windows API Usage

Category API
Anti Debug
  • IsDebuggerPresent
User Data Access
  • GetUserObjectInformation
Other Suspicious
  • SetWindowsHookEx