GridinSoft Threat Intelligence
browser_extension_manager.dll threat report
GridinSoft Anti-Malware detection
Detected by GridinSoft before you download
The current ThreatInfo record shows this exact file hash detected as PUP.WebCompanion. 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.WebCompanion
- Recommended action
- Scan and remove
- Last analysis
- 2026-05-12 23:01:11 (2 weeks ago)
- File hash
- af689d3b7606aeff2ea6450987fde73e
Why it matters
Why GridinSoft flags this file
GridinSoft identifies the sample as PUP.WebCompanion, part of the PUP threat category.
Potentially unwanted programs, bundlers, installers, and utilities with intrusive behavior. Related PUP reports help compare this file with nearby detections, publishers, and hashes.
First seen 2026-05-12 23:01:11 (2 weeks ago); latest analysis 2026-05-12 23:01:11 (2 weeks ago).
Company metadata: Avanquest. Product metadata: PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.
Signed by Adaware Software (7270356 CANADA INC.). The signature is reported as valid, but signed files can still be bundled or abused.
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 PUP category for related samples and common context.
File context
browser_extension_manager.dll is a Windows file recorded in the ThreatInfo database. It is associated with PC HelpSoft Driver Updater. The reported company name is Avanquest. The current detection status is PUP.WebCompanion, based on the latest analysis from 2026-05-12 23:01:11 (2 weeks ago). ThreatInfo groups this verdict with PUP reports for broader family-level investigation.
If browser_extension_manager.dll 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.WebCompanion.
File Details
| Product Name: | PC HelpSoft Driver Updater |
| Company Name: | Avanquest |
| MD5: | af689d3b7606aeff2ea6450987fde73e |
| Size: | 798 KB |
| First Published: | 2026-05-12 23:01:11 (2 weeks ago) |
| Latest Published: | 2026-05-12 23:01:11 (2 weeks ago) |
| Status: | PUP.WebCompanion (on last analysis) | |
| Analysis Date: | 2026-05-12 23:01:11 (2 weeks 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: | Adaware Software (7270356 CANADA INC.) |
| Status: | Valid |
The signature on browser_extension_manager.dll 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:
| %programfiles%\avanquest\driver updater\application |
ThreatInfo has observed browser_extension_manager.dll 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.
Geographic signal
Observed country distribution
ThreatInfo has seen browser_extension_manager.dll across 1 countries. Use this signal to compare local evidence with where the sample is most often reported.
The strongest geographic signal for this file is Canada with 100.0% 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 browser_extension_manager.dll 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
browser_extension_manager.dll 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.
3c515dd6bd4e2029cde5d057806fd8b1
3225929f5e5dc0a8c6bf93d65d07ffeb
5341dc2589abbdc777c6745d2ccbc680
0bf5f7a7ee4c1e80c21676f0febfad3c
f33599818bb88871d15dbe72f6f3a44c
384aa847de753edbe1f0da4300953480
0ba4623c95cd6c70070355bd15fcc88c
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.WebCompanion
This report identifies browser_extension_manager.dll by MD5 af689d3b7606aeff2ea6450987fde73e. It is part of the PUP 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.