PUP.GameHack.Gen.BX

Published:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
First Seen: October 2, 2026
Last Seen: October 27, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

PUP.GameHack.Gen.BX is a detection name used to identify a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that targets Windows systems. While it does not carry the destructive payload typically associated with high-risk malware, its presence on a computer can still lead to a degraded user experience, unwanted changes to the system, and exposure to additional unwanted software. As its name suggests, this detection is commonly associated with programs that claim to modify, enhance, or "hack" video games, though the actual behavior of such tools often falls short of what is advertised and instead introduces unwanted side effects.

What PUP.GameHack.Gen.BX Does

Programs flagged under this detection are generally built around the same core behaviors common to the Potentially Unwanted Program category. Rather than delivering the game modifications or cheats they may promise, these applications often run quietly in the background, performing actions the user did not explicitly agree to. Typical behaviors associated with this type of PUP include installing additional browser toolbars or extensions, displaying unwanted advertisements, altering browser settings such as the default search engine or homepage, and bundling in extra software components that the user never intended to install. Because the file is a native 64-bit Windows application without a digital signature, it can be difficult for an average user to verify its legitimacy before it runs on the system.

How It Usually Gets Onto Computers

PUPs like this one typically arrive on a system bundled with other software, especially free downloads such as game mods, cheat tools, cracks, or unofficial game utilities found on third-party websites. Users may encounter it while searching for ways to unlock extra features in games, bypass restrictions, or download "free" versions of paid content. During installation of a seemingly unrelated program, this PUP can be included as an additional, pre-selected component, meaning it installs alongside the desired software unless the user actively opts out during setup.

Risks for the User

Although classified as low danger, PUP.GameHack.Gen.BX is still grouped with potentially malicious software and should not be ignored. Risks associated with this type of program include unwanted changes to browser or system settings, exposure to intrusive advertising, reduced system performance, and the potential for additional unwanted or harmful software to be introduced through the same bundling channels. Because the program lacks a verified digital signature, there is also uncertainty about its true origin and intentions.

Signs of Infection

Users affected by this type of PUP may notice unexpected toolbars or extensions appearing in their web browser, a change in their default search engine or homepage without explanation, an increase in pop-up ads or redirected web searches, and new programs appearing in the list of installed applications that were not intentionally downloaded. General slowdowns in system or browser performance can also be a sign of unwanted software running in the background.

How to Stay Protected

To reduce the risk of encountering programs like PUP.GameHack.Gen.BX, users should avoid downloading game modification tools, cheats, or cracked software from unofficial or unverified sources. When installing any new program, it is important to choose custom or advanced installation options so that any additional bundled software can be reviewed and deselected. Keeping a reputable security solution active and up to date, along with regularly reviewing installed programs and browser extensions, can help users identify and remove unwanted applications before they cause further issues.

Analysis Report

General information

Family Name: PUP.GameHack.Gen.BX
Signature status: No Signature

Known Samples

MD5: d3707ac3c2f9f239b28b54fce7f17093
SHA1: bd024cf09dd302e509252d24053bfe314b5d1214
SHA256: D7A773088422352253B9D23E64D4C9D1756C1C49E6405E143159E9CF613E4E27
File Size: 192.51 KB, 192512 bytes
MD5: d0889cb13f42896d9636472b415ba9b2
SHA1: 5e1d1b74634e2e0f604b00d24cb7c77c1bf35924
SHA256: 372E5603D90ADC8338B3099E69FBC2F81339DBE519FE97A2329FFA75B28F7BC2
File Size: 192.51 KB, 192512 bytes

Windows Portable Executable Attributes

  • File doesn't have "Rich" header
  • File doesn't have exports table
  • File doesn't have resources
  • File doesn't have security 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)
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  • IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)

File Traits

  • dll
  • x64

Block Information

Total Blocks: 608
Potentially Malicious Blocks: 511
Whitelisted Blocks: 95
Unknown Blocks: 2

Visual Map

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

Similar Families

Registry Modifications

Key::Value Data API Name
HKLM\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\notifications\data::418a073aa3bc1c75 �n. �v �ZT�����Bx#��(�(X�1`1�1HO@V�A��H[uH�pN$_�zb"hk`k�ql(�{b��P���!���� ���3������������.�m�Ù�ƾB�gi�V����$�Ac�8წ���l��&MA�~��=�SB1_B��T�Vw�`�V�R��� RegNtPreCreateKey

Windows API Usage

Category API
Syscall Use
  • ntdll.dll!NtAccessCheck
  • ntdll.dll!NtAlertThreadByThreadId
  • ntdll.dll!NtAlpcSendWaitReceivePort
  • ntdll.dll!NtApphelpCacheControl
  • ntdll.dll!NtClose
  • ntdll.dll!NtConnectPort
  • ntdll.dll!NtCreateMutant
  • ntdll.dll!NtCreateSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtDuplicateToken
  • ntdll.dll!NtFreeVirtualMemory
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  • ntdll.dll!NtMapViewOfSection
  • 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!NtSetInformationVirtualMemory
  • ntdll.dll!NtSetInformationWorkerFactory
  • ntdll.dll!NtSubscribeWnfStateChange
  • ntdll.dll!NtTestAlert
  • ntdll.dll!NtTraceControl
  • ntdll.dll!NtUnmapViewOfSection
  • ntdll.dll!NtUnmapViewOfSectionEx
  • ntdll.dll!NtWaitForAlertByThreadId
  • ntdll.dll!NtWaitForSingleObject
  • ntdll.dll!NtWaitLowEventPair
  • ntdll.dll!NtWriteFile
  • UNKNOWN