Outbound SSH connection to public host

SSH is used for remote access. This may indicate SSH host discovery, encrypted C2 traffic, or data exfiltration.

Unexpected DNS network traffic destination

Network traffic to other servers than the configured DNS servers was detected on the DNS port.

Adds Run key to start application

Badlisted process makes network request

Network request originating from process or tool commonly abused by malware.

Contacts third-party web service commonly abused for C2

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

Creates a large amount of network flows

This may indicate a network scan to discover remotely running services.

Downloads MZ/PE file

Drops desktop.ini file(s)

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.

Checks computer location settings

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

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.