GridinSoft Threat Intelligence
HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe threat report
GridinSoft Anti-Malware detection
Detected by GridinSoft before you download
The current ThreatInfo record shows this exact file hash detected as Adware.SweetIM. Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware to scan the device, confirm whether this file is present, and remove the detected object if it is found.
- Detection name
- Adware.SweetIM
- Recommended action
- Scan and remove
- Last analysis
- 2026-03-21 23:01:28 (2 months ago)
- File hash
- 22fdcd407449f1f399f3611f6f3e1c86
Why it matters
Why GridinSoft flags this file
GridinSoft identifies the sample as Adware.SweetIM, part of the Adware threat category.
Programs that inject advertising, change browser behavior, or monetize traffic through bundled components. Related Adware reports help compare this file with nearby detections, publishers, and hashes.
First seen 2018-02-16 05:04:17 (8 years ago); latest analysis 2026-03-21 23:01:28 (2 months ago).
Company metadata: SweetLabs, Inc. Product metadata: Host App Service Updater.
Signed by SweetLabs Inc.. The signature is reported as valid, but signed files can still be bundled or abused.
This hash has appeared under multiple file names, which can happen with repackaging, bundling, or deliberate renaming.
ThreatInfo has seen this file in user or system paths listed below. Unexpected locations increase the need for local verification.
Recommended action
What to do next
- Compare the MD5 above with the file found on the device.
- Check whether the file appears in the observed locations or under one of the alternate names.
- Run GridinSoft Anti-Malware to confirm the detection and remove the file if it is present. Review the Adware category for related samples and common context.
File context
HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe is a Windows file recorded in the ThreatInfo database. It is associated with Host App Service Updater. The reported company name is SweetLabs, Inc. The current detection status is Adware.SweetIM, based on the latest analysis from 2026-03-21 23:01:28 (2 months ago). ThreatInfo groups this verdict with Adware reports for broader family-level investigation.
If HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe appears on your computer unexpectedly, treat it as suspicious. Check its location, digital signature, and recent system changes before allowing it to run. A full anti-malware scan is recommended when this file is detected as Adware.SweetIM.
File Details
| Product Name: | Host App Service Updater |
| Company Name: | SweetLabs, Inc |
| MD5: | 22fdcd407449f1f399f3611f6f3e1c86 |
| Size: | 6 MB |
| First Published: | 2018-02-16 05:04:17 (8 years ago) |
| Latest Published: | 2026-03-21 23:01:28 (2 months ago) |
| Status: | Adware.SweetIM (on last analysis) | |
| Analysis Date: | 2026-03-21 23:01:28 (2 months ago) |
Detection screenshot
The screenshot is a visual record of a GridinSoft Anti-Malware detection for this sample. Use the hash and metadata above as the primary identifiers when comparing the file on your system.
Overview
| Signed By: | SweetLabs Inc. |
| Status: | Valid |
The signature on HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe is reported as valid. A valid signature helps confirm publisher identity, but it does not automatically make the file safe if the installer was bundled, abused, or downloaded from an untrusted source.
Common Places:
| %localappdata%\host app service |
| %windir%\serviceprofiles\localservice\appdata\local\host app service |
| %windir%\serviceprofiles\networkservice\appdata\local\host app service |
| %sysdrive%\e\desktop\history 27-aug\samah\appdata\local\host app service |
| %sysdrive%\e\desktop\history 27-aug\samah.mounajed\appdata\local\host app service |
| %sysdrive%\windows.old\users\default\appdata\local\host app service |
| %sysdrive%\adwcleaner\quarantine\rqf69azbla |
| %sysdrive%\adwcleaner\quarantine\x3cf3ednhm |
| %windir%\serviceprofiles\ovrlibraryservice\appdata\local\host app service |
| %windir%\serviceprofiles\nilxidiscovery\appdata\local\host app service |
ThreatInfo has observed HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe in the locations listed above. Files found in temporary folders, user profile folders, startup locations, or unusual application directories should be reviewed more carefully than files installed under a known program directory.
File Names:
2 observed namesThis hash has been seen with multiple file names. Alternate names can appear when software is updated, copied between folders, packed by an installer, or deliberately renamed to avoid recognition. Compare the exact MD5 above before assuming two names refer to the same file.
Geographic signal
Observed country distribution
ThreatInfo has seen HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe across 64 countries. Use this signal to compare local evidence with where the sample is most often reported.
The strongest geographic signal for this file is United States with 10.7% of observed hits. Geographic distribution can help identify targeted campaigns, regional software bundles, or where a file is most commonly reported.
OS Version:
The most common operating system signal for HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe is Windows 10 with 100.0% of observed hits. If your system differs from the common profile, check whether the file was introduced by a specific installer, archive, or removable device.
Analysis
HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe is identified as pe for 64-bit systems. The subsystem is Windows GUI. PE header values are useful for triage, especially when they do not match the expected publisher, product, or release timeline.
PE Sections:
Section layout highlights raw-size concentration, repeated names, packer markers, and hashes that can be compared across related samples.
458ea711963eb3501665c6ccc683a682
adc9e4136475f0ef4bb8b8450e70124f
6040ddaddb864991e0ba5e76a209ad80
74d5bcfe5f0bca49d0c248f481a83ca2
031750dc96f20cefedb31fdad24ed551
a6643ae545092962a14d7bee1a5b20fe
bf619eac0cdf3f68d496ea9344137e8b
a0fc033f75a54193fa9d287495c79b99
68b465b5088b4774f9cf6b32216dea7a
PE section names and hashes can reveal packing, injected resources, or unusual build artifacts. Sections with uncommon names, very large raw data, or hashes that differ from a trusted copy deserve additional review.
Report conclusion
GridinSoft detects this file as Adware.SweetIM
This report identifies HostAppServiceUpdater (1).exe by MD5 22fdcd407449f1f399f3611f6f3e1c86. It is part of the Adware report group. If the same file is present on your device, scan the system and remove the detected object after confirming the hash and location.