Threat Database Cracks PUP.Crack.BTA

PUP.Crack.BTA

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 5
First Seen: October 3, 2026
Last Seen: October 17, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

PUP.Crack.BTA is a detection name used to identify a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that masquerades as a software activation tool or "crack" patcher for Windows systems. In this particular case, the file presents itself under the file description "Topaz Labs runtime patcher," suggesting it is designed to appear as a legitimate patching utility for licensed software, even though it is flagged as unwanted. While its assigned danger level is low, users who encounter this detection should still take it seriously, as it falls into a broader category of software known for unwanted and sometimes risky behavior.

What PUP.Crack.BTA Does

Like other programs in the Crack.BTA family, this detection is associated with software cracking or patching tools that attempt to bypass licensing restrictions on commercial applications. The sample identified under this detection is a 64-bit native Windows executable with a graphical user interface. It is not digitally signed, meaning there is no verified publisher information attached to confirm its legitimacy or origin.

Technical analysis shows the file interacts with process memory through functions such as WriteProcessMemory, and it uses low-level system calls including those for writing files, freeing virtual memory, setting memory information, and tracing. It also uses an anti-debugging technique (OutputDebugString), a method sometimes employed by software to detect or hinder analysis by security researchers. The file is not packed, meaning its code is not compressed or obfuscated in the way many malware samples are, but the combination of crack-style branding and process memory manipulation is a pattern commonly seen in PUPs and unwanted patchers that may alter the behavior of other installed software.

As is typical for this category of threat, programs like PUP.Crack.BTA may also exhibit broader unwanted behaviors, such as installing additional browser toolbars, displaying unwanted advertisements, or changing a browser's default home page without clear user consent.

How It Typically Gets Onto Computers

Crack and patch tools like this one are typically downloaded by users seeking to bypass payment or licensing for commercial software. These files are commonly distributed through unofficial download sites, torrent networks, and file-sharing forums. It is also typical for PUPs to be bundled with other free software installers, meaning a user may unknowingly install this program alongside something else they intentionally downloaded, often because bundled offers are pre-selected during installation.

Risks for the User

While its danger level is rated low, using crack or patch tools carries inherent risks. Such tools often require disabling security software to run, which can leave a system more exposed. Because the program is unsigned and lacks verifiable origin, users have no reliable way to confirm what it actually does beyond its stated purpose. Typical risks associated with this category include unwanted advertising, browser setting changes, degraded system performance, and exposure to further unwanted or harmful software bundled alongside it.

Signs of Infection

Users may notice unexpected changes to their browser, such as a new homepage, unfamiliar toolbars, or an increase in pop-up advertisements. A security tool flagging a downloaded "patcher" or "crack" file is also a clear sign. Unexplained new processes running in the background or software behaving differently after installing a cracked program can also indicate the presence of this type of PUP.

How to Stay Protected

Avoid downloading software cracks, keygens, or patchers, as these are a frequent source of PUPs and other unwanted programs. Only download software from official vendors or trusted sources, and pay close attention during installation to decline any bundled extra offers. Keeping security software updated and performing regular system scans can help detect and remove unwanted programs like PUP.Crack.BTA before they cause further issues.

Analysis Report

General information

Family Name: PUP.Crack.BTA
Signature status: No Signature

Known Samples

MD5: 0074ca6f619ae8bed3cc3f1a2eaac995
SHA1: 176e4f56fbc3d7c775c16d7097bc442a23ee81ad
SHA256: 9876961CB7447EBADCF39DE4217C70475DFCF3E41C1060E672005F1FC003FD21
File Size: 41.98 KB, 41984 bytes

Windows Portable Executable Attributes

  • File doesn't have "Rich" header
  • File doesn't have debug information
  • 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
  • IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
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  • IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)

Windows PE Version Information

Name Value
File Description Topaz Labs runtime patcher
File Version 1.0.0.4
Legal Copyright Copyright (C) 2026
Product Version 1.0.0.4

File Traits

  • dll
  • WriteProcessMemory
  • x64

Block Information

Total Blocks: 66
Potentially Malicious Blocks: 52
Whitelisted Blocks: 14
Unknown Blocks: 0

Visual Map

x 0 x x x x x x x 0 x x x 0 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 0 0 0 0 x 0 x 0 x x x x x x x 0 0 x 0 x 0 x x x x x x 0 x x x x x x x x x x
0 - Probable Safe Block
? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block

Similar Families

  • Crack.BTA

Windows API Usage

Category API
Syscall Use
  • ntdll.dll!NtAccessCheck
  • ntdll.dll!NtAlpcSendWaitReceivePort
  • ntdll.dll!NtApphelpCacheControl
  • ntdll.dll!NtClose
  • ntdll.dll!NtConnectPort
  • ntdll.dll!NtCreateMutant
  • ntdll.dll!NtCreateSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtDuplicateToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtFreeVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtMapViewOfSection
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  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenKey
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenKeyEx
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenProcessToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenProcessTokenEx
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenSemaphore
  • ntdll.dll!NtOpenThreadTokenEx
  • ntdll.dll!NtProtectVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryAttributesFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryDebugFilterState
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryInformationProcess
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryInformationThread
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryInformationToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryKey
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryPerformanceCounter
  • ntdll.dll!NtQuerySecurityAttributesToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryValueKey
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryVolumeInformationFile
  • ntdll.dll!NtQueryWnfStateData
  • ntdll.dll!NtReleaseMutant
  • ntdll.dll!NtReleaseSemaphore
  • ntdll.dll!NtReleaseWorkerFactoryWorker
  • ntdll.dll!NtRequestWaitReplyPort
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetEvent
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationProcess
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationThread
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationWorkerFactory
  • ntdll.dll!NtSubscribeWnfStateChange
  • ntdll.dll!NtTestAlert
  • ntdll.dll!NtTraceControl
  • ntdll.dll!NtUnmapViewOfSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtUnmapViewOfSectionEx
  • ntdll.dll!NtWaitForSingleObject
  • ntdll.dll!NtWaitForWorkViaWorkerFactory
  • ntdll.dll!NtWaitLowEventPair
  • ntdll.dll!NtWriteFile
  • UNKNOWN
Anti Debug
  • OutputDebugString