PUP.Keygen.P
PUP.Keygen.P is a detection name used to flag a potentially unwanted program (PUP) associated with key generator, or "keygen," tools. These programs are typically distributed as small utilities that claim to generate valid license keys, serial numbers, or activation codes for commercial software, allowing users to bypass legitimate licensing and payment systems. Because keygens are closely tied to software piracy and often bundled with hidden extras, security tools classify them under the broader "Hacktool" category and flag them as unwanted or potentially harmful.
Table of Contents
What PUP.Keygen.P Does
Programs detected as PUP.Keygen.P are designed to produce fake or algorithmically generated activation keys for paid software. While the stated purpose is to unlock premium features without payment, these tools frequently carry additional, undisclosed payloads. It is typical for keygen-type utilities to disable or interfere with security software, modify system settings so they can run without being flagged, and create entry points that other malicious programs can exploit. Some may quietly install adware, browser hijackers, or other unwanted components alongside the "key generation" function, running in the background without the user's clear knowledge or consent.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
Keygen tools like this are rarely found on official software stores or legitimate download portals. Instead, they are typically distributed through torrent sites, file-sharing networks, cracking forums, and third-party download pages that host pirated or cracked software. Users commonly download these tools deliberately, believing they will unlock paid applications for free, without realizing the files may be tampered with or bundled with unwanted extras. In some cases, keygens are packaged inside software installers, archive files, or disguised as patches, making it easy for additional unwanted components to be installed alongside them.
Risks for the User
Running a tool flagged as PUP.Keygen.P carries several risks. Because these utilities often require disabling antivirus protection to run, they leave the system more exposed to genuine malware infections. The generated "keys" themselves provide no guarantee of working software and may simply be a lure to get users to execute the file. Beyond legal and ethical concerns tied to software piracy, users risk system instability, unwanted toolbars or browser changes, unexpected pop-ups, degraded performance, and exposure to further infections that can compromise personal data or system integrity.
Signs of Infection
Users whose systems have been affected by a program like this may notice their antivirus or firewall has been disabled or is failing to update, unusual files or processes running that they don't recognize, new toolbars or search engine changes in their browser, unexpected pop-up ads, slower system performance, or security warnings being suppressed. Since keygen tools are often bundled with other unwanted software, additional symptoms such as new unfamiliar programs or browser extensions may also appear.
How to Stay Protected
The most effective way to avoid threats like PUP.Keygen.P is to avoid downloading or running keygens, cracks, or other tools that bypass software licensing, since these are a common vector for both unwanted programs and more serious malware. Software should only be obtained from official vendors or trusted app stores. Keeping security software active and updated, avoiding disabling protection features to run unknown programs, and being cautious with files from torrent sites or cracking forums all help reduce risk. Regular system scans and prompt removal of any flagged files can also help prevent further compromise.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.Keygen.P |
|---|---|
| Packers: | UPX |
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
a3a281edee8bd7c24bf97679ea5d1839
SHA1:
e5f879f6535e38c5b97ed068abc740e906172e2e
SHA256:
4ED7DF9C043041B46C7602ED23151F0F54C38741017B2C37F6ABC34C46C9C2EE
File Size:
164.35 KB, 164352 bytes
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MD5:
fb64444f8b16bc5c140e01f7e7d98657
SHA1:
55eddd7e1aaa6a2cb30bf9f64d0eddb0a2dfd08b
SHA256:
78C8BA290F75303AAD8E8EA8FF03A4F0FED26ACEE10E6FEBD158AAE7D08804D6
File Size:
164.86 KB, 164864 bytes
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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)
Show More
- IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
- IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)
File Icons
File Icons
This section displays icon resources found within family samples. Malware often replicates icons commonly associated with legitimate software to mislead users into believing the malware is safe.
File Traits
- .UPX
- 2+ executable sections
- HighEntropy
- No Version Info
- packed
- UPX!
- 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: | 83 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 0 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 57 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 26 |
Visual Map
? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block
Files Modified
Files Modified
This section lists files that were created, modified, moved and/or deleted by samples in this family. File system activity can provide valuable insight into how malware functions on the operating system.| File | Attributes |
|---|---|
| c:\windows\74m.dll | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
| c:\windows\bs.dll | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
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 |
|---|---|
| Anti Debug |
|
| User Data Access |
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