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 local data of messenger clients

Infostealers often target stored data of messaging applications, which can include saved credentials and account information.

Reads user/profile data of web browsers

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

Accesses Microsoft Outlook profiles

Adds Run key to start application

Checks installed software on the system

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

Contacts third-party web service commonly abused for C2

Legitimate web (hosting) services can be abused by malware authors to host malware or C2s.

Enumerates connected drives

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

Looks up external IP address via web service

Uses a legitimate IP lookup service to find the infected system's external IP.

Maps connected drives based on registry

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

Drops file in System32 directory

Probable phishing domain

Suspicious use of SetThreadContext