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

UPX packed file

Detects executables packed with UPX/modified UPX open source packer.

Adds Run key to start application

Checks installed software on the system

Looks up Uninstall key entries in the registry to enumerate software on the system.

Enumerates connected drives

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

Legitimate hosting services abused for malware hosting/C2

Writes to the Master Boot Record (MBR)

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

Drops file in System32 directory