PUP.ProcessHacker.A
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: | 2,535 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 7,726 |
| First Seen: | March 6, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | October 29, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PUP.ProcessHacker.A is a detection name used to flag a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that is based on, or disguised as, the legitimate open-source Process Hacker utility. While the original tool is a legitimate system monitoring application, this detection identifies instances where the program is distributed, bundled, or used in a way that could put users at risk, or where its advanced system-level capabilities are leveraged by other unwanted or malicious software without the user's full understanding or consent.
Table of Contents
What PUP.ProcessHacker.A Does
This detection applies to a 64-bit Windows executable that functions as a system process and memory management utility. Tools in this category typically provide the ability to view and manipulate running processes, inspect services, and interact deeply with the Windows operating system. Based on the technical traits observed, this program can write to files, open and query registry keys, interact with the Windows Service Control Manager, and allocate, map, or free sections of memory within other processes.
These capabilities are not inherently malicious — they are the same kind of functions used by legitimate diagnostic and administrative tools. However, when bundled with adware, unwanted browser add-ons, or other PUP installers, this type of utility can be repurposed to interfere with security software, terminate protective processes, or manipulate other running applications on the system. The presence of anti-debugging checks and low-level system call usage suggests the program is designed to operate with a degree of stealth and resistance to analysis, which is a common trait of PUPs that want to avoid easy removal or detection.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
Like most Potentially Unwanted Programs, PUP.ProcessHacker.A typically does not arrive through direct, intentional downloads. Instead, it is commonly bundled with free software downloaded from third-party websites, software download portals, or peer-to-peer file sharing networks. Users may inadvertently install it by rushing through software installation wizards, clicking "Next" without reviewing optional add-ons, or downloading cracked or repackaged installers that silently include additional, unwanted programs alongside the desired application.
Risks for the User
Although rated at a low danger level, this type of PUP can still pose risks. Because it has the capability to interact with memory in other processes and query sensitive registry information, it could potentially be used to interfere with the normal operation of security tools or other software. Users may also experience unwanted changes to system behavior, degraded performance, or exposure to further unwanted bundled software if this detection is part of a larger distribution package.
Signs of Infection
Users may notice an unfamiliar system utility running in the background that they did not intentionally install, unexpected entries in their list of installed programs, or unusual activity involving system processes and services. In some cases, security software may flag the file during a routine scan without any other obvious symptoms being present.
How to Stay Protected
To avoid PUPs like this one, always download software directly from official vendor websites rather than third-party aggregators. During installation, choose "Custom" or "Advanced" setup options so that any bundled extras can be reviewed and declined. Keep your operating system and security software up to date, and run regular system scans. If this detection appears on your system, review recently installed programs and remove anything unfamiliar or unwanted.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | PUP.ProcessHacker.A |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
87c9a93a9edb976b71eaa1d9603b896e
SHA1:
906050ef2c87db0ec9a9b96032ac9d4231f8992f
SHA256:
2B8D618874534A9BFEA8E79C910C7EE6BA023945F3FCC6FE4C91AF71A244859A
File Size:
1.78 MB, 1778208 bytes
|
Windows Portable Executable Attributes
- File doesn't have "Rich" header
- 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)
- 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 |
|---|---|
| File Version | 2.39.0.124 |
| Legal Copyright | Licensed under the GNU GPL, v3. |
| Original Filename | ⸠exe |
| Product Name | ⸠ Hacker |
| Product Version | 2.39.0.124 |
File Traits
- ntdll
- 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: | 4,864 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 3,100 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 1,764 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 0 |
Visual Map
... Data truncated? - 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.- ProcessHacker.A
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 |
|---|---|
| c:\users\user\downloads\temp\shsandbox-x64.dll-5.23.1.9999-x64.dmp | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
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 |
Show 28 more
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| Anti Debug |
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| User Data Access |
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| Service Control |
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