PUP.HackKMS.MA
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: | 10,649 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 865 |
| First Seen: | October 19, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | November 9, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PUP.HackKMS.MA is a detection name used to flag a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) found on Windows systems. As the name suggests, it is connected to "KMS hacking" tools - utilities that are often circulated as unofficial activators for Windows or other Microsoft software. While not classified as highly dangerous, with a danger level of just 1 out of 10, this detection is still worth taking seriously because of the unpredictable behavior commonly associated with this type of software.
Table of Contents
What PUP.HackKMS.MA Does
PUP.HackKMS.MA is identified as a 64-bit Windows DLL file with a graphical subsystem component, meaning it is designed to integrate into other running processes rather than operate as a standalone visible application. The sample associated with this detection is unsigned, meaning it carries no verified publisher signature, which is a common trait of unofficial or unauthorized software tools.
Technically, the file is capable of writing to the memory space of other processes, a technique often used by software that wants to modify how a program runs or interact with system functions in ways that go beyond standard user-level activity. Like many PUPs, HackKMS.MA may be bundled with additional components that are not clearly disclosed to the user. In general, programs in this category are known to install browser toolbars, change browser settings such as the default search engine or homepage, and display unwanted advertisements, pop-ups, or notifications, although the exact behavior can vary between versions.
How It Typically Gets Installed
Programs detected as PUP.HackKMS.MA are commonly associated with "KMS activators" - tools that claim to unlock or activate licensed software without a valid purchase. Users typically encounter such tools through unofficial download sites, torrent platforms, or software-bundling installers that package extra, unrequested programs alongside a desired download. Because these tools are not distributed through official or verified channels, installation often happens with incomplete or unclear consent, as users may skip through installation screens without noticing additional bundled offers.
Risks for the User
Although rated at the lowest danger level, PUP.HackKMS.MA still poses several risks. Software that modifies process memory and lacks a digital signature can be unpredictable, and in some cases, tools of this type have been found alongside more harmful payloads in bundled installers. Users may experience a degraded browsing experience due to unwanted advertising, unexpected changes to browser settings, or the presence of additional unwanted programs installed without clear notice. There is also the broader risk that using unauthorized activation tools can expose a system to instability or further unwanted software, since such tools are not vetted or supported by official software vendors.
Signs of Infection
- Unexpected toolbars, extensions, or search engine changes appearing in web browsers
- Increased pop-up ads or redirected web searches
- Unfamiliar programs or processes running in the background
- Slower system or browser performance without a clear cause
- Security tools flagging a file related to HackKMS or similar activation tools
How to Stay Protected
To avoid PUPs like HackKMS.MA, it is best to download software only from official sources and verified publishers, and to avoid tools that claim to bypass software licensing. During installation, carefully review each step and decline any bundled offers or optional add-ons that are not explicitly needed. Keeping a reputable, up-to-date security solution active, performing regular system scans, and staying cautious about files from unofficial sources can help reduce the risk of encountering this and similar potentially unwanted programs.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.HackKMS.MA |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
ebffe9dedcbef342839a14ffc049bada
SHA1:
f0bccf3e06b6f18daa989daef0655d6133bff2a4
SHA256:
F290CB009A23BDB4F22BAB7A400798A3EB25400CDB3AA8BD6C5AE05E1193D346
File Size:
170.50 KB, 170496 bytes
|
Windows Portable Executable Attributes
- File doesn't have "Rich" header
- File doesn't have debug information
- File doesn't have resources
- File doesn't have security information
- File has exports table
- File is 64-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 Traits
- dll
- WriteProcessMemory
- 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: | 448 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 70 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 378 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 0 |
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.- HackKMS.MA
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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