File and Directory Permissions Modification

Adversaries may modify file or directory permissions to evade defenses.

Executes dropped EXE

Modifies the /etc/hosts DNS resolution file

Modifying the /etc/hosts name-resolution file changes IP routing, which can facilitate traffic hijacking or the blocking of (security update) endpoints.

Outbound SSH connection to public host

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

Creates/modifies Cron job

Cron allows running tasks on a schedule, and is commonly used for malware persistence.

Creates/modifies environment variables

Creating/modifying environment variables is a common persistence mechanism.

Enumerates running processes

Discovers information about currently running processes on the system

Modifies init.d

Adds/modifies system service, likely for persistence.

Modifies rc script

Adding/modifying system rc scripts is a common persistence mechanism.

Modifies systemd

Adds/ modifies systemd service files. Likely to achieve persistence.

Reads Bash history

Adversaries may search the bash command history on compromised systems for insecurely stored credentials.

Modifies Bash startup script