Trojan.FakeAV.MD
Trojan.FakeAV.MD is a Trojan horse that belongs to the broader family of so-called "FakeAV" threats. Programs in this family are designed to imitate legitimate security software while actually working against the user's interests. Rather than protecting a computer, Trojan.FakeAV.MD is built to deceive, manipulate, and often pave the way for additional malicious activity. Because specific technical details about this particular variant are not publicly documented in depth, the information below reflects the typical behavior associated with FakeAV-style Trojans in general.
Table of Contents
What This Threat Does
Like other members of the FakeAV category, Trojan.FakeAV.MD typically disguises itself as an antivirus, system optimizer, or security scanning tool. Once active on a system, it commonly generates alarming pop-up messages, fake scan results, or system warnings claiming that the computer is heavily infected with viruses, spyware, or other dangerous files. These alerts are fabricated and are designed purely to frighten the user into taking action, such as purchasing a bogus "full version" of the fake software or providing payment card information. In many cases, Trojans of this type also interfere with normal system operations, block legitimate security tools, or make it difficult to close the fake warning windows, all in an effort to pressure the victim into compliance.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
Trojans in this category typically spread through deceptive means rather than exploiting advanced technical vulnerabilities. Common infection paths include bundled downloads from untrustworthy websites, fake software update prompts, malicious email attachments, infected links shared through social media or messaging apps, and drive-by downloads from compromised or malicious websites. Users may also encounter this type of threat after clicking on misleading online advertisements that claim the computer is already infected and urge an immediate "security scan."
Risks for the User
The presence of a FakeAV-style Trojan like Trojan.FakeAV.MD can expose users to several risks. Financial loss is a primary concern, since these threats are often designed to trick victims into paying for worthless or nonexistent software. Beyond monetary scams, such Trojans can also collect sensitive information, including payment details entered during the fake purchase process. Additionally, because these programs are intrusive by nature, they can degrade system performance, interfere with legitimate antivirus or security software, and leave the computer more vulnerable to further infections by other malware.
Signs of Infection
Users dealing with this type of Trojan may notice persistent and exaggerated security warnings that appear out of nowhere, especially ones urging an immediate purchase or download. Other common signs include unfamiliar programs appearing in the system that the user did not install, frequent pop-ups that are difficult to close, a noticeable slowdown in system performance, and legitimate security tools being blocked or disabled without explanation. Unexpected browser redirects or the appearance of unfamiliar toolbars can also indicate related unwanted activity.
How to Stay Protected
To reduce the risk of encountering threats like Trojan.FakeAV.MD, users should avoid downloading software from untrustworthy or unofficial sources and be cautious with email attachments or links from unknown senders. Keeping the operating system and installed applications updated helps close security gaps that malware can exploit. It is also wise to be skeptical of unsolicited pop-up warnings claiming urgent infections, especially those demanding immediate payment. Regularly backing up important files and using a reputable, trusted security solution to scan the system can further help detect and remove such threats before they cause significant harm.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | Trojan.FakeAV.MD |
|---|---|
| Packers: | UPX |
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
716613ba42ebde3eb67e71aec4c51602
SHA1:
decff3053c5de96e66a35f438bbd8d8996deac26
SHA256:
32880D411A270A3FF83E6679B2A6EEFB062B464540BD9F77DCCB3E7703E6E743
File Size:
762.37 KB, 762368 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
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.
Windows PE Version Information
Windows PE Version Information
This section displays values and attributes that have been set in the Windows file version information data structure for samples within this family. To mislead users, malware actors often add fake version information mimicking legitimate software.| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Native Instruments |
| File Description | Add Library Assistant for Kontakt 5.6.8+ |
| File Version | 1.0.5.0 |
| Internal Name | Add Library |
| Legal Copyright | Copyright (C) 2017 |
| Original Filename | Add Library.exe |
| Product Name | Add Library |
| Product Version | 1.0.5.0 |
File Traits
- packed
- 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: | 1,298 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 220 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 1,078 |
| 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.- FakeAV.ADR
- FakeAV.MD
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 |
|---|---|
| \device\namedpipe\dav rpc service | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
| \device\namedpipe\wkssvc | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\explorer\iconcache_16.db | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\explorer\iconcache_32.db | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\explorer\iconcache_idx.db | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
Registry Modifications
Registry Modifications
This section lists registry keys and values that were created, modified and/or deleted by samples in this family. Windows Registry activity can provide valuable insight into malware functionality. Additionally, malware often creates registry values to allow itself to automatically start and indefinitely persist after an initial infection has compromised the system.| Key::Value | Data | API Name |
|---|---|---|
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\mountpoints2\##10.200.31.10#amas::_labelfromdesktopini | RegNtPreCreateKey |
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 |
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| User Data Access |
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| Keyboard Access |
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