GridinSoft Threat Intelligence
PIPInstaller_PTV_[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 PUP.Ask. 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
- PUP.Ask
- Recommended action
- Scan and remove
- Last analysis
- 2023-02-23 23:24:38 (3 years ago)
- File hash
- a36a308ad8273ab36edb9fea9b5869cc
Why it matters
Why GridinSoft flags this file
GridinSoft identifies the sample as PUP.Ask.
First seen 2017-05-30 14:05:41 (8 years ago); latest analysis 2023-02-23 23:24:38 (3 years ago).
Company metadata: Ask.com. Product metadata: Offercast - APN Install Manager.
Signed by Ask.com. 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.
File context
PIPInstaller_PTV_[1].exe is a Windows file recorded in the ThreatInfo database. It is associated with Offercast - APN Install Manager. The reported company name is Ask.com. The current detection status is PUP.Ask, based on the latest analysis from 2023-02-23 23:24:38 (3 years ago).
If PIPInstaller_PTV_[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 PUP.Ask.
File Details
| Product Name: | Offercast - APN Install Manager |
| Company Name: | Ask.com |
| MD5: | a36a308ad8273ab36edb9fea9b5869cc |
| Size: | 850 KB |
| First Published: | 2017-05-30 14:05:41 (8 years ago) |
| Latest Published: | 2023-02-23 23:24:38 (3 years ago) |
| Status: | PUP.Ask (on last analysis) | |
| Analysis Date: | 2023-02-23 23:24:38 (3 years 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: | Ask.com |
| Status: | Valid |
The signature on PIPInstaller_PTV_[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%\temp |
| %windir%\temp |
| %profile%\hsan.macrosaf-ff0659\local settings\temp |
| %profile%\hsan\local settings\temp |
| %temp% |
| %sysdrive%\docume~1\user\locals~1 |
| %profile%\ser\local settings |
| %windir% |
| %localappdata%\microsoft\windows\temporary internet files\content.ie5 |
| %profile%\otamed\local settings |
ThreatInfo has observed PIPInstaller_PTV_[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 PIPInstaller_PTV_[1].exe across 24 countries. Use this signal to compare local evidence with where the sample is most often reported.
The strongest geographic signal for this file is Iran, Islamic Republic of with 64.5% 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 PIPInstaller_PTV_[1].exe is Windows 7 with 72.9% 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
PIPInstaller_PTV_[1].exe is identified as pe for 32-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.
1ded33c61cc59aed2a15a770c33d8bee
2a7abd4fcaabe84bd6201354b91858dc
103b1ee95a7b11a4d4c3587af76b8ee2
46fddc48923a7046f165e1119ea046b7
442701c83a23ea79dac397be2c25b4ee
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 PUP.Ask
This report identifies PIPInstaller_PTV_[1].exe by MD5 a36a308ad8273ab36edb9fea9b5869cc. If the same file is present on your device, scan the system and remove the detected object after confirming the hash and location.