Total tokens: 0 (0 request / 0 response)
File path: c:\users\coco\appdata\local\chromium\application\chrome.exe
File hash: 906ce85fcc9ab0d3a0a0ef0539775c9e2d5c74a45d0b635cf95486415ff574b4
File size: 4.21 MB
File publisher: This file is a signable file type but has not been digitally signed.
Final Verdict: Not Safe with 92% confidence.
=== SiriusGPT analysis started at: 10/5/2026 6:50:16 PM ===
## Analysis Summary
This file presents a complex case requiring careful evaluation. The executable claims to be Chromium browser (chrome.exe) with matching version information and file paths consistent with a Chromium installation. However, critical security indicators are absent: the file is **completely unsigned** despite being a signable PE file, and it exhibits several anomalies including suspicious export functions and unusual string artifacts. The combination of legitimate-appearing metadata with missing security controls and atypical technical characteristics warrants significant concern.
## Detailed Analysis
### File Metadata and Version Information
The version information appears professionally crafted: "Chromium" as product name, "chrome.exe" as original filename, and copyright attribution to "The Chromium Authors" with 2026 date. The file path `c:\users\coco\appdata\local\chromium\application\chrome.exe` follows expected Chromium installation patterns. However, **the complete absence of digital signature** on a modern browser executable is highly anomalous—legitimate Chromium builds from Google or official sources are always signed. The `ValidSecurityDir: False` and `CertificateTableSize: 0` confirm no signature data exists.
### PE Structure and Entropy Analysis
The file contains 11 sections with generally reasonable entropy values (6.46, 5.62, 2.54, 6.08, etc.), though SectionEntropy3 at 2.54 suggests possible compressed or sparse data. The overlay entropy of 0.00 with zero overlay size indicates no appended data. Section flags appear standard with expected combinations of executable, readable, and writable permissions. The CLRRuntimeHeaderSize of 0 confirms this is native code, not .NET.
### Execution and Security Controls
ASLR and DEP are enabled (`OptionalHeaderDllCharacteristics: 0xC160`), indicating modern security-conscious compilation. The `asInvoker` execution level is standard for browsers. However, the `OptionalHeaderCheckSum: 0x00000000` is unusual—while not strictly required, most legitimate executables include a valid checksum.
### Import Analysis
The import table contains 254 functions with a diverse set of capabilities:
**Process and Memory Manipulation:**
- `CreateProcessW`, `CreateRemoteThread`, `OpenProcess`, `ReadProcessMemory`, `WriteProcessMemory`, `VirtualAllocEx`, `VirtualProtectEx` — these enable process injection and memory manipulation common in malware
- `CreateJobObjectW`, `SetInformationJobObject`, `TerminateJobObject` — job object management for process control
**Persistence and System Integration:**
- `CreateFileW`, `CreateDirectoryW`, `SetFileAttributesW`, `MoveFileW`, `ReplaceFileW` — file system operations for payload deployment
- `CreateNamedPipeW`, `ConnectNamedPipe`, `TransactNamedPipe` — inter-process communication mechanisms
**Evasion and Monitoring:**
- `IsDebuggerPresent`, `AddVectoredExceptionHandler`, `RemoveVectoredExceptionHandler` — anti-debugging and exception handling
- `NtQueryInformationProcess`, `NtQueryObject` — low-level system information queries
**Legitimate Browser Indicators:**
- Extensive locale and internationalization functions (`GetSystemDefaultLCID`, `GetUserDefaultLocaleName`, `EnumSystemLocalesEx`, etc.)
- Console and standard I/O handling
- Memory-mapped file operations for efficient resource loading
The `DangerousImportedLibrariesNormalized: 32.37 / 100` score reflects elevated but not extreme risk from imports. The presence of `dbghelp.dll` symbols and debugging functions suggests either development/debug build characteristics or intentional symbol manipulation.
### Export Analysis
Only **2 exports** are present:
- `GetHandleVerifier`
- `IsSandboxedProcess`
These are **highly suspicious** for a browser executable. Legitimate Chromium exports dozens to hundreds of functions for component integration. `IsSandboxedProcess` specifically relates to Chromium's sandbox security model, but the minimal export table suggests either:
1. A stripped/hollowed executable
2. A loader or wrapper around legitimate Chromium code
3. Malware masquerading as Chromium with minimal implementation
### String Analysis
Critical findings from meaningful strings:
**Rust Runtime Artifacts:**
- `RUST_BACKTRACE`, `panicked at`, `thread panicked while processing panic`, `memory allocation of bytes failed`
- These indicate Rust language compilation, which **Chromium does not use**—Chromium is primarily C++ with some Rust components only in very recent experimental builds, not in core browser executables
**Debug and Symbol References:**
- `dbghelp.dll`, `SymInitializeW`, `SymGetOptions`, `EnumerateLoadedModulesW64` — Windows debugging symbols
- `stack backtrace:` — Rust panic handling
**Internal Module References (suspicious):**
- `icon_reaM3`, `n_readerM3Y`, `print_baH3`, `_backendL3F`, `screen_aH3`, `xr_compoM3Y`, `pdf_convM3Y`, `proxy_reM3Y`, `resolverM3Y`
- These appear to be mangled or obfuscated internal module names, possibly indicating packed or modified code
**System Error Strings:**
- Standard POSIX-style error messages (`Operation not permitted`, `No such file or directory`, etc.) — unusual in Windows executables unless cross-platform compatibility layer present
## Speculative Software Assessment
This executable **does not appear to be legitimate Chromium**. The evidence suggests:
1. **Possible Malware Disguised as Chromium:** The matching metadata and paths with completely absent signature, minimal exports, and Rust compilation artifacts (incompatible with Chromium's actual codebase) strongly suggest impersonation.
2. **Potential Loader or Dropper:** The process manipulation imports, minimal exports, and module-like internal references could indicate a loader that deploys additional payloads while masquerading as a browser.
3. **Modified or Repackaged Binary:** The combination of legitimate-appearing version info with technical inconsistencies (Rust strings, no signature, suspicious exports) suggests modification of a legitimate binary or complete fabrication of metadata.
The file's characteristics align more closely with **sophisticated malware using brand impersonation** than with any legitimate software category. The technical sophistication (ASLR/DEP enabled, diverse API imports) combined with identity deception indicators creates a high-risk profile.
Malware type: Trojan.ChromiumImpersonator
Malware name: Dropper.RustLoader
Final verdict: Malicious with 92% confidence.
Thread starter
danb
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