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

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.

Drops desktop.ini file(s)

Discovers running processes

Running process information can be used to identify security tools or plan follow-on actions.