{
  "family": "powp",
  "sample_count": 99,
  "category": "advanced_threat",
  "description": "Adware:Win32/Powp is a pervasive Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) and adware framework that aggressively monetizes infected endpoints by injecting unwanted advertisements, hijacking search traffic, and degrading browser performance.<br><br><b>What is Powp?</b><br>To the average user, Powp causes severe browser degradation. It floods the screen with pop-ups, injects hyperlinked text into legitimate websites (like Wikipedia or news sites), and redirects search queries to affiliate portals. For security analysts, Powp represents a persistent nuisance and a compliance risk, as it actively harvests browsing data to generate targeted advertising revenue for its operators.<br><br><b>Infection Vectors & Threat Hunting</b><br>Powp is primarily distributed via Pay-Per-Install (PPI) software bundlers. Users are tricked into installing it alongside freeware (like media converters or PDF readers), often through deceptive installation wizards employing Dark Patterns. Once executed, it drops malicious extensions across all installed browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox). It establishes persistence by modifying the Windows Registry (`HKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run`) and frequently drops a watchdog service to reinstall any components the user attempts to remove. Powp may also alter the Windows HOSTS file to block access to security vendor websites.<br><br><b>Forensic Analysis & Impact</b><br>Threat hunters will observe a massive spike in outbound HTTP/HTTPS connections to known affiliate tracking domains. The `%ProgramFiles%` and `%AppData%` directories will rapidly fill with randomly named folders containing unwanted software. The impact is a severely bloated endpoint, compromised search privacy, and potential system instability.",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [],
  "enrichment_level": "expert-seo",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1189",
    "T1562.001",
    "T1176",
    "T1112",
    "T1105"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-06-09",
  "mitre_attack_detail": [
    {
      "id": "T1189",
      "name": "Drive-by Compromise",
      "tactic": "Initial Access"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1176",
      "name": "Browser Extensions",
      "tactic": "Persistence"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1112",
      "name": "Modify Registry",
      "tactic": "Defense Evasion"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1562.001",
      "name": "Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools",
      "tactic": "Defense Evasion"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1105",
      "name": "Ingress Tool Transfer",
      "tactic": "Command and Control"
    }
  ],
  "containment_steps": [
    "Quarantine the endpoint to halt the continuous downloading of secondary adware payloads and stop the exfiltration of tracking data.",
    "Deploy specialized adware removal tools (like AdwCleaner) to locate and strip the forced Group Policies, Windows Services, and deep registry hooks.",
    "Reset all web browsers to their factory defaults to completely purge the rogue extensions and restore legitimate search settings.",
    "Audit the Windows HOSTS file and revert any unauthorized entries blocking access to security vendors."
  ],
  "what_to_avoid": [
    "Do not trust the uninstallers provided by the adware; they frequently execute secondary scripts to reinstall the software later.",
    "Avoid ignoring the infection; the tracking infrastructure actively harvests browsing habits, which may include access to sensitive corporate portals."
  ],
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}