PUP.GameHack.GACM
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: | 11,652 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| First Seen: | August 20, 2026 |
| Last Seen: | October 13, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PUP.GameHack.GACM is a detection name used to identify a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that targets Windows computers, often associated with tools that claim to modify, unlock, or "hack" video games. While it is classified as a low-risk threat, users who find this detection on their system should still take it seriously, as PUPs of this type are frequently bundled with unwanted extras and can behave in ways that compromise privacy, stability, or performance.
Table of Contents
What PUP.GameHack.GACM Does
Programs flagged under this detection are typically distributed as executables that masquerade as legitimate game-related tools or utilities. In some cases, the file may be disguised with names or branding resembling well-known gaming platforms in an attempt to appear trustworthy and avoid suspicion from users who are scanning their downloads. Rather than openly identifying itself as third-party or unofficial software, it may present itself using generic or borrowed naming conventions.
Once active, software in this family can interact with system processes and memory, which is typical of applications that attempt to modify how a game or program runs. This type of behavior, while sometimes used for legitimate automation, is also commonly associated with PUPs that inject unwanted code, monitor system activity, or enable additional unwanted components to load without a clear, separate consent step from the user.
Like many PUPs, GameHack.GACM may also open the door to other unwanted behavior typical of this software category, such as displaying extra advertisements, altering browser settings, installing toolbars, or bundling additional programs the user did not specifically request.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
PUPs such as this one typically spread through bundled software installers, freeware download sites, cracked or pirated game modification tools, and third-party download portals. Users often install these programs unintentionally while rushing through installation wizards, accepting default options without reviewing the included extra offers. Because many PUPs rely on some form of user consent—however vague or buried in fine print—they can be legally distributed even though their behavior is unwanted by most users.
Risks for the User
Although rated at a low danger level, PUPs in this category can still create real problems. Risks typically include reduced system performance, unwanted changes to browser or application settings, increased exposure to advertising, and a higher chance of additional unwanted software being installed alongside it. Because this type of program can interact with system memory and processes, there is also a possibility it could be used to deliver more disruptive components in the future, even if the original PUP itself is not highly destructive.
Signs of Infection
Common signs that a PUP like this may be present include unexpected new programs or shortcuts appearing on the desktop, unfamiliar processes running in the background, a general slowdown in system performance, unexpected pop-up ads, or changes to browser homepages and search settings that the user did not make.
How to Stay Protected
To reduce the risk of encountering PUPs like GameHack.GACM, users should avoid downloading game modification tools, cracks, or "hacks" from unofficial sources. Always choose custom installation options when installing new software so bundled extras can be reviewed and declined, and keep a reputable security solution active and updated to catch unwanted programs before they can run. Regularly reviewing installed programs and browser extensions can also help catch unwanted additions early.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.GameHack.GACM |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | Self Signed |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
204902fba59ca417bcaefa73d060cf9b
SHA1:
1b94d2e9108fb8fef5703f25e65f9070ec9d3183
SHA256:
94595A464E88E2E31A8EFAB1084604B199EF95BCB67CD03781F4539F9474FE4F
File Size:
911.87 KB, 911872 bytes
|
|
MD5:
f5e3867437b1b0e2757a06a02c9028bd
SHA1:
6dae04f6dd859385db6d293c74a5eccbcd20519e
SHA256:
0C89B372AB57DD8C97480D22F2727D832DAF59230472A1E5520C1B61C4371BE1
File Size:
351.66 KB, 351656 bytes
|
Windows Portable Executable Attributes
- File doesn't have "Rich" header
- File doesn't have 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
- 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 | GSE |
| File Description | GSE |
| File Version | 1, 0, 0, 2 |
| Internal Name | GSE |
| Legal Copyright | Copyright (C) 2021 GSE |
| Original Filename | steam.exe |
| Product Name | GSE |
| Product Version | 1, 0, 0, 2 |
| Source Control I D | 8563863 |
Digital Signatures
Digital Signatures
This section lists digital signatures that are attached to samples within this family. When analyzing and verifying digital signatures, it is important to confirm that the signature’s root authority is a well-known and trustworthy entity and that the status of the signature is good. Malware is often signed with non-trustworthy “Self Signed” digital signatures (which can be easily created by a malware author with no verification). Malware may also be signed by legitimate signatures that have an invalid status, and by signatures from questionable root authorities with fake or misleading “Signer” names.| Signer | Root | Status |
|---|---|---|
| GSE | GSE | Self Signed |
File Traits
- fptable
- WriteProcessMemory
- 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: | 1,321 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 49 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 1,272 |
| 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.- GameHack.GACM
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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