Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ
Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ is a generic detection name used by security scanners to identify a type of Trojan horse program classified as a downloader. Programs grouped under this detection are not designed to cause damage directly; instead, their primary purpose is to secretly connect to remote servers and retrieve additional malicious files onto an infected computer. Because detailed technical specifics about this particular variant are not available, the information below reflects the typical behavior of Trojan downloaders as a category, rather than confirmed facts about this exact threat.
Table of Contents
What This Threat Does
Like other members of the Trojan downloader family, Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ typically operates quietly in the background once it is active on a system. Its main job is to establish a connection to a remote location controlled by cybercriminals and download other harmful programs, which can include spyware, ransomware, adware, or additional Trojans. Some downloaders may also make changes to system settings, create new files, or attempt to maintain persistence so they continue running even after the computer is restarted. Because the end goal of the downloaded payload can vary, the overall impact of an infection can range from relatively minor nuisances to serious data loss or system compromise.
How It Usually Gets Onto Computers
Trojan downloaders like this one commonly spread through deceptive methods rather than by exploiting flashy vulnerabilities. Typical infection routes include:
- Email attachments or links in spam and phishing messages disguised as invoices, shipping notices, or other legitimate-looking documents
- Bundled installers for free or pirated software, cracks, and key generators
- Fake software updates or pop-up alerts urging users to download a "missing" program component
- Malicious or compromised websites that trigger automatic downloads
- Peer-to-peer file sharing networks and unofficial download portals
Because Trojans rely on tricking the user rather than self-replicating, careless downloading habits are usually the main factor that allows them onto a system.
Risks for the User
The biggest danger of a downloader Trojan is what it brings with it. Once it connects to its remote server, it may install additional malware without any further action from the user, meaning the visible infection can quickly multiply into several separate problems. Potential risks include theft of personal or financial information, degraded system performance, unwanted advertising, unauthorized remote access, and exposure to ransomware or other destructive payloads. Even if the downloader itself seems harmless, the programs it installs afterward can be far more damaging.
Signs of Infection
Trojan downloaders are built to avoid detection, so signs of infection are often subtle. Users may notice unexplained slowdowns, increased network activity even when idle, unfamiliar processes running in task manager, new programs or browser toolbars that were not intentionally installed, security software being disabled unexpectedly, or frequent pop-ups and redirects. A sudden drop in system performance combined with any of these symptoms can indicate the presence of a downloader or the additional malware it installed.
How to Stay Protected
Reducing the risk of infection starts with cautious online habits: avoid opening attachments or clicking links from unknown or unexpected emails, download software only from official or trusted sources, and stay away from pirated applications and cracking tools. Keeping the operating system and installed applications updated helps close security gaps that malware can exploit. Running reputable, up-to-date security software and performing regular system scans can help detect and remove threats like this one before they have a chance to download additional malicious payloads. Backing up important files regularly also limits the damage if a device does become infected.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | Hash Mismatch |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
8cffb79773e500d47b542ddccc57d9b0
SHA1:
ad4bbb54033b72d3177bc91e31e09d82d27bdd32
SHA256:
CDB4973C96B5EFD058D75146D73ADC935F2574587061FA7FA8411BF353288D84
File Size:
163.46 KB, 163464 bytes
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Windows Portable Executable Attributes
- File doesn't have "Rich" header
- File has exports table
- File is 32-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)
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 | Microsoft Corporation |
| File Description | Microsoft® C/C++ OpenMP Runtime |
| File Version | 14.44.35112.1 |
| Internal Name | VCOMP140.DLL |
| Legal Copyright | © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. |
| Original Filename | VCOMP140.DLL |
| Product Name | Microsoft® Visual Studio® |
| Product Version | 14.44.35112.1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Corporation | Microsoft Code Signing PCA 2011 | Hash Mismatch |
| Microsoft Windows Software Compatibility Publisher | Microsoft Windows Third Party Component CA 2013 | Hash Mismatch |
File Traits
- dll
- x86
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: | 696 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 9 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 687 |
| 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.- Rugmi.XD
- Trojan.Downloader.Gen.ASQ
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 More
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| Process Manipulation Evasion |
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| Process Shell Execute |
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| Anti Debug |
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Shell Command Execution
Shell Command Execution
This section lists Windows shell commands that are run by the samples in this family. Windows Shell commands are often leveraged by malware for nefarious purposes and can be used to elevate security privileges, download and launch other malware, exploit vulnerabilities, collect and exfiltrate data, and hide malicious activity.
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe c:\users\user\downloads\ad4bbb54033b72d3177bc91e31e09d82d27bdd32_0000163464.,LiQMAxHB
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