Threat Database Trojans Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ

Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ

Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ is a generic detection name used by security scanners to identify a type of Trojan horse program classified as a downloader. Programs grouped under this detection are not designed to cause damage directly; instead, their primary purpose is to secretly connect to remote servers and retrieve additional malicious files onto an infected computer. Because detailed technical specifics about this particular variant are not available, the information below reflects the typical behavior of Trojan downloaders as a category, rather than confirmed facts about this exact threat.

What This Threat Does

Like other members of the Trojan downloader family, Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ typically operates quietly in the background once it is active on a system. Its main job is to establish a connection to a remote location controlled by cybercriminals and download other harmful programs, which can include spyware, ransomware, adware, or additional Trojans. Some downloaders may also make changes to system settings, create new files, or attempt to maintain persistence so they continue running even after the computer is restarted. Because the end goal of the downloaded payload can vary, the overall impact of an infection can range from relatively minor nuisances to serious data loss or system compromise.

How It Usually Gets Onto Computers

Trojan downloaders like this one commonly spread through deceptive methods rather than by exploiting flashy vulnerabilities. Typical infection routes include:

  • Email attachments or links in spam and phishing messages disguised as invoices, shipping notices, or other legitimate-looking documents
  • Bundled installers for free or pirated software, cracks, and key generators
  • Fake software updates or pop-up alerts urging users to download a "missing" program component
  • Malicious or compromised websites that trigger automatic downloads
  • Peer-to-peer file sharing networks and unofficial download portals

Because Trojans rely on tricking the user rather than self-replicating, careless downloading habits are usually the main factor that allows them onto a system.

Risks for the User

The biggest danger of a downloader Trojan is what it brings with it. Once it connects to its remote server, it may install additional malware without any further action from the user, meaning the visible infection can quickly multiply into several separate problems. Potential risks include theft of personal or financial information, degraded system performance, unwanted advertising, unauthorized remote access, and exposure to ransomware or other destructive payloads. Even if the downloader itself seems harmless, the programs it installs afterward can be far more damaging.

Signs of Infection

Trojan downloaders are built to avoid detection, so signs of infection are often subtle. Users may notice unexplained slowdowns, increased network activity even when idle, unfamiliar processes running in task manager, new programs or browser toolbars that were not intentionally installed, security software being disabled unexpectedly, or frequent pop-ups and redirects. A sudden drop in system performance combined with any of these symptoms can indicate the presence of a downloader or the additional malware it installed.

How to Stay Protected

Reducing the risk of infection starts with cautious online habits: avoid opening attachments or clicking links from unknown or unexpected emails, download software only from official or trusted sources, and stay away from pirated applications and cracking tools. Keeping the operating system and installed applications updated helps close security gaps that malware can exploit. Running reputable, up-to-date security software and performing regular system scans can help detect and remove threats like this one before they have a chance to download additional malicious payloads. Backing up important files regularly also limits the damage if a device does become infected.

Analysis Report

General information

Family Name: Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ
Signature status: Hash Mismatch

Known Samples

MD5: 8cffb79773e500d47b542ddccc57d9b0
SHA1: ad4bbb54033b72d3177bc91e31e09d82d27bdd32
SHA256: CDB4973C96B5EFD058D75146D73ADC935F2574587061FA7FA8411BF353288D84
File Size: 163.46 KB, 163464 bytes

Windows Portable Executable Attributes

  • File doesn't have "Rich" header
  • File has exports table
  • 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)
  • 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)

Windows PE Version Information

Name Value
Company Name Microsoft Corporation
File Description Microsoft® C/C++ OpenMP Runtime
File Version 14.44.35112.1
Internal Name VCOMP140.DLL
Legal Copyright © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Original Filename VCOMP140.DLL
Product Name Microsoft® Visual Studio®
Product Version 14.44.35112.1

Digital Signatures

Signer Root Status
Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Code Signing PCA 2011 Hash Mismatch
Microsoft Windows Software Compatibility Publisher Microsoft Windows Third Party Component CA 2013 Hash Mismatch

File Traits

  • dll
  • x86

Block Information

Total Blocks: 696
Potentially Malicious Blocks: 9
Whitelisted Blocks: 687
Unknown Blocks: 0

Visual Map

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 x x 0 x x x x x x x 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
0 - Probable Safe Block
? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block

Similar Families

Windows API Usage

Category API
Syscall Use
  • ntdll.dll!NtAlpcSendWaitReceivePort
  • ntdll.dll!NtClose
  • ntdll.dll!NtCreateFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtCreateSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtFreeVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtMapViewOfSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenKey
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenProcessToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryAttributesFile
Show More
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryDebugFilterState
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryInformationProcess
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryInformationToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtQuerySystemInformationEx
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryValueKey
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryVolumeInformationFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtReadFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetEvent
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationProcess
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationWorkerFactory
  • ntdll.dll!NtTestAlert
  • ntdll.dll!NtTraceControl
  • ntdll.dll!NtUnmapViewOfSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtWaitForSingleObject
  • ntdll.dll!NtWriteFile
Process Manipulation Evasion
  • NtUnmapViewOfSection
Process Shell Execute
  • CreateProcess
Anti Debug
  • NtQuerySystemInformation

Shell Command Execution

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\ad4bbb54033b72d3177bc91e31e09d82d27bdd32_0000163464.,LiQMAxHB