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spstub.exe

ClientConnect LTD

The file belongs to the ClientConnect (Conduit/Perion) platform, a utility that bundles and monetizes search toolbars and browser add-ons. The application spstub.exe by ClientConnect has been detected as adware by 1 anti-malware scanner with very strong indications that the file is a potential threat. The program is a setup application that uses the NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) installer. While running, it connects to the Internet address offering.service.distributionengine.va.conduit-services.com on port 80 using the HTTP protocol.
Publisher:
Client Connect  (signed by ClientConnect LTD)

Description:
Search Protect

Version:
2.4.2.3

MD5:
c252604d5c60a18f20926dc5bf6b71be

SHA-1:
8f1a65dd69ca0369a03c8dea3e8cbbc56b153e01

SHA-256:
9c6287834d1ed886caa6505ab1c70c5ded9ce3b90ee19138efa87ba0a6981fca

Scanner detections:
1 / 68

Status:
Adware

Explanation:
Bundles the Conduit Toolbar and/or Conduit Search Protect.

Analysis date:
11/23/2024 7:44:22 AM UTC  (today)

Scan engine
Detection
Engine version

Reason Heuristics
PUP.Conduit.ClientConnect.Installer (M)
16.1.18.10

File size:
166.9 KB (170,880 bytes)

Copyright:
© 2014 Client Connect Ltd.

File type:
Executable application (Win32 EXE)

Installer:
NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System)

Language:
Language Neutral

Common path:
C:\users\{user}\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\inetcache\ie\{random}\spstub.exe

Digital Signature
Signed by:
ClientConnect LTD

Authority:
Symantec Corporation

Valid from:
4/28/2014 7:00:00 PM

Valid to:
4/29/2016 6:59:59 PM

Subject:
CN=ClientConnect LTD, OU=SPStub, O=ClientConnect LTD, L=Ness Ziona, S=Israel, C=IL

Issuer:
CN=Symantec Class 3 SHA256 Code Signing CA, OU=Symantec Trust Network, O=Symantec Corporation, C=US

Serial number:
36AC210D3412C8646EB3F4C8EE541402

File PE Metadata
Compilation timestamp:
7/6/2011 9:31:20 AM

OS version:
5.0

OS bitness:
Win32

Subsystem:
Windows GUI

Linker version:
9.0

CTPH (ssdeep):
3072:pcmVWD5ltbmP3Q7yQCI0iwd02wcexq3XlE+5V7KaG6yJIf5wye4hrraeXoQs:emJIEIFy03ka+jpMJk5wv4Rr/ds

Entry address:
0x354B

Entry point:
81, EC, D4, 02, 00, 00, 53, 55, 56, 57, 6A, 20, 33, ED, 5E, 89, 6C, 24, 18, C7, 44, 24, 10, D8, 84, 40, 00, 89, 6C, 24, 14, FF, 15, 30, 80, 40, 00, 68, 01, 80, 00, 00, FF, 15, B8, 80, 40, 00, 55, FF, 15, B0, 82, 40, 00, 6A, 08, A3, 98, 06, 47, 00, E8, 67, 27, 00, 00, 55, 68, B4, 02, 00, 00, A3, B0, 05, 47, 00, 8D, 44, 24, 38, 50, 55, 68, 1C, 86, 40, 00, FF, 15, 80, 81, 40, 00, 68, 04, 86, 40, 00, 68, A0, 85, 46, 00, E8, 35, 26, 00, 00, FF, 15, B4, 80, 40, 00, 50, BF, A0, 10, 4C, 00, 57, E8, 23, 26, 00, 00...
 
[+]

Entropy:
7.8181

Packer / compiler:
Nullsoft install system v2.x

Code size:
25 KB (25,600 bytes)

The executing file has been seen to make the following network communications in live environments.

TCP (HTTP):
Connects to ude.conduit-data.com  (54.197.244.95:80)

TCP (HTTP):
Connects to offering.service.distributionengine.va.conduit-services.com  (199.101.114.147:80)

TCP (HTTP):
Connects to cms.distributionengine.conduit-services.com  (23.67.242.59:80)

 
http://cms.distributionengine.conduit-services.com//MainOffer/49238957/?CurrentStep=1&TotalSteps=5&DMVersion=1.9.8.4_Perion.49237834.04&Language=None

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