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

Stops running service(s)

Adds Run key to start application

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)

Enumerates connected drives

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

Gatekeeper Bypass

Adversaries may modify file attributes and subvert Gatekeeper functionality to evade user prompts and execute untrusted programs. Gatekeeper is a set of technologies that act as layer of Apples security model to ensure only trusted applications are executed on a host.

Looks up external IP address via web service

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

Drops file in System32 directory

File Deletion

Adversaries may delete files left behind by the actions of their intrusion activity. Malware, tools, or other non-native files dropped or created on a system by an adversary (ex: Ingress Tool Transfer) may leave traces to indicate to what was done within a network and how. Removal of these files can occur.

Suspicious use of NtSetInformationThreadHideFromDebugger