Impair Defenses: Safe Mode Boot

Adds Run key to start application

Boot or Logon Autostart Execution: Active Setup

Adversaries may achieve persistence by adding a Registry key to the Active Setup of the local machine.

Checks for any installed AV software in registry

Downloads MZ/PE file

Writes to the Master Boot Record (MBR)

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

Checks computer location settings

Looks up country code configured in the registry, likely geofence.

Drops file in System32 directory

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.