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

Modifies system executable filetype association

Adds Run key to start application

Writes to the Master Boot Record (MBR)

Bootkits write to the MBR to gain persistence at a level below the operating system.

Discovers running processes

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

Executes a VBScript file via the Windows Script Host.