{
  "family": "alnaddy",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "advanced_threat",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nAlnaddy is a persistent browser hijacker and adware family primarily focused on altering user web traffic to generate illicit advertising revenue. It compromises browser integrity to force users to specific, affiliate-linked search portals and bombards them with intrusive, unwanted advertisements.\n\n<h3>Infection Vector and System Impact</h3>\nAlnaddy is predominantly distributed through software bundling, often masquerading as a necessary component or \"recommended offer\" within the installation wizard of freeware downloaded from untrusted sources. \n\nOnce the user authorizes the installation (often inadvertently), Alnaddy immediately alters the configurations of all major web browsers installed on the system. It replaces the default homepage, new tab page, and default search engine with its own domains (frequently `alnaddy.com` or associated variants). \n\nThe adware heavily relies on malicious browser extensions and, in some variants, modifies Windows shortcut files (`.lnk` files) on the Desktop and Taskbar, appending its URL to the shortcut target. This ensures that every time the user launches the browser, they are directed to the hijacker's portal. Furthermore, Alnaddy tracks the user's search queries and browsing habits to serve targeted pop-up and banner advertisements.\n\n<h3>Security and Privacy Implications</h3>\nThe presence of Alnaddy introduces significant privacy risks. The continuous harvesting of browsing data and its transmission to third-party servers violates user confidentiality. Additionally, the search results provided by Alnaddy's portal are heavily manipulated, often prioritizing malicious or fraudulent websites over legitimate results, increasing the risk of phishing or secondary malware infections.\n\n<h3>Removal and Mitigation</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Shortcut Verification:</strong> Right-click all browser shortcuts, open 'Properties', and inspect the 'Target' field. Remove any URLs appended after the executable path (e.g., `chrome.exe`).</li>\n<li><strong>Browser Reset:</strong> Uninstall any suspicious extensions from the browser's add-on manager and perform a complete settings reset to eradicate hijacked homepages and search engines.</li>\n<li><strong>Automated Scanning:</strong> Run a comprehensive scan with a reputable anti-malware solution to detect and remove any underlying registry modifications or scheduled tasks established by Alnaddy.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Hijacker.Alnaddy",
    "Adware.Alnaddy",
    "BrowserModifier.Alnaddy"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1176",
    "T1562.001",
    "T1547.009"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-01T16:06:52Z",
  "type": "Browser Hijacker",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}