{
  "family": "installmate",
  "sample_count": 3,
  "category": "trojan",
  "description": "Adware:Win32/Installmate is a detection for a potentially malicious software packager or bundler. InstallMate itself (formerly Tarma InstallMate) is a legitimate software installation builder for Windows. However, much like Nullsoft (NSIS) or InnoSetup, the InstallMate engine is frequently abused by adware networks and malware authors to silently bundle unwanted programs, browser hijackers, and trojans alongside legitimate freeware (`T1189`).<br><br><b>Understanding Installmate (Software Bundlers)</b><br>To an end-user, executing an Installmate-packaged file looks like a standard software setup wizard. For a security analyst, a heuristic detection for Installmate implies that the package contains hidden payloads designed to install silently (`T1204.002`). The business model relies on Pay-Per-Install (PPI) networks, where the distributor gets paid for every extra toolbar or adware application they successfully sneak onto the victim's machine.<br><br><b>Execution and Bundling Mechanics</b><br>When the user runs the installer, the legitimate setup UI may present complex or deliberately confusing 'Custom Install' options. If the user clicks 'Next' without reading carefully, the Installmate package silently executes secondary installers in the background (`T1105`). These secondary payloads establish persistence (`T1547.001`), modify browser settings (`T1112`), and inject advertisements. Furthermore, advanced malware operators use these legitimate installer engines to bypass basic antivirus heuristics, as the outer wrapper is a known, digitally signed installation engine, hiding the malicious binaries encrypted within the installation archive (`T1027.002`).<br><br><b>Indicators of Compromise & Impact</b><br>The impact ranges from extreme annoyance (adware) to full system compromise (if the bundler drops a trojan). Host-based IoCs include EDR alerts for a single setup executable spawning multiple unrelated child processes (`msiexec.exe`, `cmd.exe`, or unknown binaries in `%Temp%`), sudden modifications to browser shortcut properties, and the appearance of unrequested desktop icons. Network IoCs include the installer reaching out to affiliate networks to register a successful installation and download the secondary payloads.",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [],
  "enrichment_level": "expert-seo",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1105",
    "T1204.002",
    "T1189",
    "T1027.002"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-06-09",
  "mitre_attack_detail": [
    {
      "id": "T1189",
      "name": "Drive-by Compromise (Bundled installations)",
      "tactic": "Initial Access"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1027.002",
      "name": "Obfuscated Files or Information: Software Packing",
      "tactic": "Defense Evasion"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1204.002",
      "name": "User Execution: Malicious File",
      "tactic": "Execution"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1105",
      "name": "Ingress Tool Transfer (Downloading bundled payloads)",
      "tactic": "Command and Control"
    }
  ],
  "containment_steps": [
    "Use Task Manager to terminate the installation process if it is still running, along with any suspicious child processes it spawned.",
    "Use the Windows Control Panel to uninstall the primary software and meticulously review the installed programs list for any unwanted applications installed on the same date.",
    "Run a full system scan with an enterprise anti-malware and adware removal tool to catch any deeply embedded PUPs.",
    "Reset all browser settings to default to remove any hijacked search engines or malicious extensions."
  ],
  "what_to_avoid": [
    "Do not blindly click 'Next' or 'Express Install' when installing freeware; always choose the 'Custom' option to uncheck bundled software.",
    "Avoid downloading software from third-party download portals (e.g., CNET, Softonic); always source software directly from the official developer's website."
  ],
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}