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.

Modifies system executable filetype association

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.

Looks up external IP address via web service

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

Suspicious use of SetThreadContext