Event Triggered Execution: Component Object Model Hijacking

Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious content triggered by hijacked references to Component Object Model (COM) objects.

Executes dropped EXE

Loads dropped DLL

Modifies system executable filetype association

Reads user/profile data of web browsers

Infostealers often target stored browser data, which can include saved credentials etc.

Unexpected DNS network traffic destination

Network traffic to other servers than the configured DNS servers was detected on the DNS port.

Adds Run key to start application

Checks for any installed AV software in registry

Checks installed software on the system

Looks up Uninstall key entries in the registry to enumerate software on the system.

Checks whether UAC is enabled

Enumerates connected drives

Attempts to read the root path of hard drives other than the default C: drive.

Writes to the Master Boot Record (MBR)

Bootkits write to the MBR to gain persistence at a level below the operating system.

Checks system information in the registry

System information is often read in order to detect sandboxing environments.

Drops file in System32 directory