UltraApplication Adware
While examining new file samples, our researchers came across UltraApplication, a piece of software identified as adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This application is specifically designed to conduct intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, functions by presenting third-party graphical content (such as pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements often promote online scams, untrustworthy or hazardous software, and, in some cases, even malware. Clicking on certain ads may trigger scripts to initiate downloads or installations without the user's consent.
It's important to note that while legitimate content may occasionally appear through these ads, it is unlikely to be endorsed by the actual developers or official parties. The motivation behind such promotions is likely to gain illegitimate commissions by exploiting affiliate programs associated with the endorsed products.
Adware may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system, user geolocation, or visits to particular sites. Regardless of whether UltraApplication displays advertisements, it is still a potential threat.
Although many AdLoad applications exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities, our analysis did not reveal such traits in the case of UltraApplication.
This adware-type application probably includes data-tracking functionalities, as is common in advertising-supported software. The targeted information may encompass visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, internet cookies, account login credentials and personally identifiable details.
What is the AdLoad Group of Adware Variants?
The AdLoad group refers to a family of adware variants that are known for their intrusive advertising behavior. AdLoad is a type of adware, which stands for advertising-supported software. Adware is software that displays advertisements on a user's device, often in the form of pop-ups, banners, or other types of online ads. The primary purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its developers through ad impressions or clicks.
The AdLoad group of adware variants specifically gained attention for the following characteristics:
Intrusive Ad Campaigns: AdLoad variants are designed to run aggressive and intrusive advertising campaigns. This may include displaying unwanted pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, and other forms of graphical content on websites and interfaces visited by users.
Promotion of Untrustworthy Content: AdLoad advertisements are known to promote various types of content, including online scams, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and even malware. Clicking on these ads may lead to the download or installation of software without the user's explicit consent.
Affiliate Program Abuse: The motivation behind the aggressive ad campaigns is often linked to the abuse of affiliate programs. Developers of adware like AdLoad may earn commissions by promoting and driving traffic to certain products or services.
Data Tracking: AdLoad variants, like many other adware types, may incorporate data-tracking functionalities. This can involve the collection of user information such as visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, internet cookies, login credentials, and other personally identifiable details. Collected data can be monetized through sale to third parties.
It's important to note that the specifics of adware groups, including the AdLoad family, can evolve over time as new variants are developed, and the tactics of threat actors change. Users are advised to use reliable antivirus or anti-malware tools, keep their software up-to-date, and exercise caution when downloading or interacting with content online to mitigate the risks associated with adware.
