PUP.Mongoose.B
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: | 26,048 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| First Seen: | August 13, 2026 |
| Last Seen: | September 7, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PUP.Mongoose.B is a detection name used to identify a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that targets Windows computers. While it is not classified as highly dangerous, its presence on a system is generally undesirable, as it can bring about unwanted changes to a user's browsing experience and overall system behavior. This article explains what PUP.Mongoose.B is, how it typically spreads, and what users can do to protect their computers.
Table of Contents
What PUP.Mongoose.B Does
PUP.Mongoose.B falls into the broad category of Potentially Unwanted Applications. Programs in this category are not always malicious in the traditional sense, but they often perform actions that users did not explicitly agree to or fully understand at the time of installation. This can include installing unwanted toolbars in web browsers, displaying intrusive advertisements, or modifying browser settings such as the default search engine or homepage without clear user consent.
Technical analysis of this detection shows that the file associated with PUP.Mongoose.B is a 32-bit native Windows executable with no digital signature and no version information, which is a common trait among PUPs that try to avoid easy identification. The file also contains networking components, including functions related to socket creation and network communication. This suggests that the program may be capable of connecting to remote servers over the internet, a behavior that is typical of adware and PUPs that fetch advertisements, deliver updates, or communicate with remote infrastructure to receive instructions.
How PUP.Mongoose.B Gets Onto Computers
Like most programs in the Possibly Unwanted Program category, PUP.Mongoose.B typically spreads through software bundling. This means it is often included as an additional, optional component when a user downloads and installs free software from the internet. During installation, the unwanted program may be pre-selected for installation by default, relying on users quickly clicking through setup wizards without carefully reviewing each screen. As a result, many users end up installing PUP.Mongoose.B without fully realizing it, even though they technically agreed to the installation terms.
Other common distribution methods for this type of software include deceptive advertisements, misleading download buttons on file-sharing websites, and fake software update prompts that trick users into downloading unwanted files.
Risks for the User
Although PUP.Mongoose.B carries a low danger rating, it can still create problems for affected users. These may include a degraded browsing experience due to unwanted advertisements, reduced system performance, unauthorized changes to browser settings, and potential exposure to further unwanted software or misleading content delivered through its advertising or networking features. Additionally, because the program lacks a digital signature and transparency about its origin, it raises concerns about privacy and the legitimacy of any data it may send or receive over the network.
Signs of Infection
Users dealing with PUP.Mongoose.B may notice unfamiliar toolbars or browser extensions appearing without their knowledge, a sudden increase in pop-up or banner advertisements, changes to their browser's homepage or default search engine, and general sluggishness in system or browser performance.
How to Stay Protected
To avoid PUPs like Mongoose.B, users should download software only from official and trusted sources, carefully read each step of installation wizards, and opt for "custom" or "advanced" installation options to deselect any bundled extras. Keeping the operating system and browsers updated, along with routinely reviewing installed programs and browser extensions, can also help users identify and remove unwanted software promptly.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.Mongoose.B |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
a026f661d8da302576886ba167ed8aad
SHA1:
ad1e3b340bf921ddde5928f7cccc07b62a50de32
SHA256:
7F0BE618842767D9C83D9607139334F454447FDF822A5404DC9AC7EDFCAB856B
File Size:
110.59 KB, 110592 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 resources
- File doesn't have security 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)
Show 3 more
- File is not packed
- IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
- IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)
File Traits
- No Version Info
- 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: | 339 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 285 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 54 |
| 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.- Mongoose.B
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 |
|---|---|
| Network Winsock2 |
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| Network Winsock |
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