Summary
- Distributed as FiveM(1).exe — the browser-renamed pattern suggests it was downloaded from an unofficial source.
- DPS timestamp 2077/11/16 — a timestomped future date over 50 years ahead, definitively indicating tampering.
- The legitimate FiveM launcher is signed by Cfx.re and distributed only via fivem.net.
- Prefetch and AppCompat records persist and reveal the non-standard execution path.
Overview
This cheat exploits the FiveM brand by naming itself FiveM(1).exe — the (1) suffix is a browser duplicate-download artefact, indicating the file was downloaded from a web source. The genuine FiveM launcher is named FiveM.exe and is signed by Cfx.re; it never carries a numeric suffix.
The DPS first-seen timestamp of 2077/11/16 is a timestomped value placed over 50 years in the future. This date — which coincidentally matches the setting of a well-known video game — is deliberate and designed to cause confusion in timeline-based forensic reconstruction. No legitimately compiled binary would carry this timestamp.
Sample metadata (IOC)
Name FiveM(1).exe Masquerade FiveM launcher (Cfx.re) DPS stamp 2077/11/16 (future timestamp — timestomped) Signature None (legitimate FiveM is signed by Cfx.re)
Behavioral indicators
Far-future DPS timestamp (2077/11/16)
The DPS timestamp of 2077/11/16 is over 50 years in the future. This is a timestomped value — the PE timestamp was deliberately set to a future date to disrupt chronological forensic analysis. The Windows Program Compatibility Assistant records this value at first execution; its presence in AppCompat logs is definitive evidence of tampering.
Browser duplicate-download naming pattern
The (1) suffix in FiveM(1).exe indicates the file was saved by a web browser as a duplicate download — the browser already had a file named FiveM.exe in the download directory and renamed the new download. This confirms the file was obtained from a web download rather than the official FiveM installer path.
Missing Cfx.re signature
The legitimate FiveM launcher is signed by Cfx.re with a valid Authenticode certificate. This cheat binary is unsigned. A signature check immediately distinguishes it from the legitimate launcher.
Screenshare check guide
DPS timestamp check
- Inspect the PcaSVC / DPS log for FiveM(1).exe or any FiveM-named executable.
- A timestamp of 2077/11/16 or any other far-future date is definitive evidence of timestomping — flag immediately.
Digital signature verification
- Locate the file and right-click → Properties → Digital Signatures.
- Legitimate FiveM is signed by Cfx.re. An unsigned file is not the real launcher.
Filename check — (1) suffix
- The (1) suffix is a browser duplicate artefact — the real FiveM launcher never has this suffix.
- Check browser download history for the source URL of the file.
Prefetch records
- Check C:\Windows\Prefetch for FIVEM(1).EXE-*.pf.
- The Prefetch path reveals the full execution location — confirm it is not an official FiveM install path.
Browser downloads
- Check browser download history for the source of FiveM(1).exe.
- The official FiveM download is FiveM.exe from fivem.net only.
Detection summary
Artifact Survives cleanup? Check location ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── DPS timestamp (2077/11/16) Yes AppCompat / DPS log Missing Cfx.re signature Yes (file on disk) File properties Prefetch + path Usually C:\Windows\Prefetch Browser download history Browser-dependent Browser history
The most immediately actionable indicator is the DPS timestamp of 2077/11/16 — a timestomped future date that cannot appear in any legitimately compiled binary. The missing Cfx.re signature provides immediate secondary confirmation.
Defensive material
All indicators and methodology documented here are published for server administrators, DFIR practitioners, and anti-cheat researchers. This material describes detection techniques only. For vulnerability disclosures or to contribute to the research corpus, contact security@clubhouseac.shop.