PUP.Crack.VB
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.
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| First Seen: | May 2, 2026 |
| Last Seen: | October 27, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PUP.Crack.VB is a detection name used to identify a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that is typically found bundled with or disguised as software cracks, keygens, or activation tools for Windows. While its overall danger level is low, users who encounter this detection should still take it seriously, as PUPs of this type are known to alter system settings, display unwanted advertising, and open the door to further unwanted software installations.
Table of Contents
What PUP.Crack.VB Does
PUP.Crack.VB is identified as a 64-bit Windows DLL file that does not carry a digital signature, meaning it has not been verified as coming from a trusted publisher. Like many programs in this category, it is built to run quietly in the background while performing actions the user did not explicitly approve of. Typical behavior associated with this class of PUP includes installing unwanted browser toolbars or extensions, changing browser homepages or default search engines without permission, and generating pop-up or injected advertisements during normal browsing sessions.
Because the file is not packed and does not use advanced obfuscation techniques like a "Rich" header or embedded resources, it may appear relatively simple on the surface. However, its use of low-level system calls—such as those related to memory management, process information queries, and file writing—suggests it is capable of interacting directly with system processes, which is a common trait of software designed to install itself persistently or evade quick removal.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
As its name suggests, PUP.Crack.VB is most commonly associated with pirated software, cracks, keygens, and unofficial activation tools that users download from unofficial websites, torrent trackers, or file-sharing platforms. These types of downloads are a well-known vector for PUPs, as malicious or unwanted code is frequently bundled with the cracked application to generate revenue for distributors through advertising or affiliate programs. Users typically install this PUP unknowingly when they attempt to activate pirated software or run keygen tools that promise to unlock premium features of paid programs for free.
Risks for the User
Although PUP.Crack.VB is rated as a low danger-level threat, it can still negatively affect the user experience and system security. Typical risks associated with this category of software include:
- Unwanted changes to browser settings, such as new homepages, default search engines, or toolbars
- Increased exposure to intrusive advertisements, pop-ups, and redirects
- Reduced system performance due to background processes running without consent
- Potential exposure to additional unwanted or harmful software bundled alongside the PUP
- Privacy concerns, as some PUPs are known to collect browsing data or usage statistics
Signs of Infection
Users affected by PUP.Crack.VB or similar programs may notice unexpected browser toolbars appearing, a change in their default search engine or homepage without their input, an increase in pop-up ads, or unfamiliar programs running in the background that they do not recall installing. Slower-than-usual system performance after downloading cracked software can also be a warning sign.
How to Stay Protected
The best way to avoid PUP.Crack.VB and similar unwanted programs is to avoid downloading pirated software, cracks, and keygens altogether, as these are a primary distribution method for PUPs. Always download software from official vendor websites or trusted app stores, read installation prompts carefully to opt out of bundled offers, and keep your operating system and security tools up to date. Regularly reviewing installed programs and browser extensions can also help catch unwanted software early before it causes further issues.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.Crack.VB |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
fb46811dcfe60dc274a0608a213a89a7
SHA1:
6ad5a7a25a3eaf01dda3b8eed33f3efb424c8183
SHA256:
BA84B5D71E59FBA8C9B38866BB0F2733B847CC631A6FA725E4052500C815E62F
File Size:
184.32 KB, 184320 bytes
|
Windows Portable Executable Attributes
- File doesn't have "Rich" header
- File doesn't have resources
- File doesn't have security information
- File has exports table
- File has TLS information
- 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
Show 2 more
- IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
- IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)
File Traits
- dll
- x64
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: | 674 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 23 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 651 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 0 |
Visual Map
? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block
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 |
|---|---|
| Syscall Use |
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