Overbright Adware
Our research team came across the Overbright application during an examination of file samples. After a thorough analysis, we determined that Overbright falls under the category of advertising-supported software, commonly known as adware. It's worth noting that Overbright is affiliated with the Pirrit adware family.
Adware is crafted to generate revenue for developers by presenting users with unwarranted and deceptive advertisements. These third-party visual elements, such as pop-ups, overlays, banners, and surveys, appear on visited websites and other interfaces.
Software of this kind may necessitate specific conditions to execute intrusive advertising campaigns, like compatible browser/system specifications or visits to particular sites. However, even if adware, like Overbright, does not actively display ads, it poses a threat to device integrity and user safety.
Advertisements delivered by adware often promote online scams, unreliable or dangerous software, and potential malware. Certain intrusive ads can execute scripts, triggered by user clicks, leading to stealthy downloads or installations.
While we have previously identified adware-type applications from the Pirrit family with browser-hijacking capabilities, our analysis revealed that Overbright did not exhibit these characteristics.
Advertising-supported software commonly includes data-tracking features, and this may apply to Overbright. The information of interest may encompass visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, login credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can be sold to third parties.
How Can Adware Land on Your System?
Adware can find its way onto your system through various methods, often by exploiting vulnerabilities or tricking users into unintentionally installing it. Here are common ways adware can land on your system:
Software Bundling:
Adware is frequently bundled with free or seemingly legitimate software that you download from the internet. During the installation process, users may overlook or not notice additional offers to install adware, leading to unintentional installation.
Deceptive Installers:
Some adware is distributed through deceptive installers that masquerade as legitimate software updates or downloads. Users may be tricked into installing adware by thinking they are obtaining a necessary or beneficial program.
Fake Software Updates:
Adware creators may exploit users by presenting fake software update alerts. Unsuspecting users who believe they are updating legitimate software may unknowingly install adware instead.
Malicious Websites:
Visiting compromised or malicious websites can expose users to adware. Some websites may use drive-by download techniques, automatically downloading and installing adware onto the user's system without their knowledge.
Phishing Emails and Malicious Links:
Adware can be delivered through phishing emails or malicious links. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails may result in the inadvertent installation of adware.
Freeware and Shareware:
Adware often accompanies freeware or shareware applications. Users who download and install free software without carefully reviewing the installation process may unintentionally allow adware onto their system.
Infected Advertisements (Malvertising):
Malicious advertisements (malvertisements) on websites can serve as a vehicle for adware delivery. Clicking on compromised ads may initiate the download and installation of adware.
