Reflective Code Loading Defense Evasion [Mitre]

Adversaries may reflectively load code into a process in order to conceal the execution of malicious payloads. Reflective loading involves allocating then executing payloads directly within the memory of the process, vice creating a thread or process backed by a file path on disk. Reflectively loaded payloads may be compiled binaries, anonymous files (only present in RAM), or just snubs …

Subvert Trust Controls: Install Root Certificate Defense Evasion [Mitre]

Adversaries may install a root certificate on a compromised system to avoid warnings when connecting to adversary controlled web servers. Root certificates are used in public key cryptography to identify a root certificate authority (CA). When a root certificate is installed, the system or application will trust certificates in the root's chain of trust that have been signed by the …

Subvert Trust Controls: Mark-of-the-Web Bypass Defense Evasion [Mitre]

Adversaries may abuse specific file formats to subvert Mark-of-the-Web (MOTW) controls. In Windows, when files are downloaded from the Internet, they are tagged with a hidden NTFS Alternate Data Stream (ADS) named Zone.Identifier with a specific value known as the MOTW. Files that are tagged with MOTW are protected and cannot perform certain actions. For example, starting in MS Office …

Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion: Time Based Evasion Defense Evasion [Mitre]

Adversaries may employ various time-based methods to detect and avoid virtualization and analysis environments. This may include enumerating time-based properties, such as uptime or the system clock, as well as the use of timers or other triggers to avoid a virtual machine environment (VME) or sandbox, specifically those that are automated or only operate for a limited amount of time.

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XSL Script Processing Defense Evasion [Mitre]

Adversaries may bypass application control and obscure execution of code by embedding scripts inside XSL files. Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) files are commonly used to describe the processing and rendering of data within XML files. To support complex operations, the XSL standard includes support for embedded scripting in various languages.

Adversaries may abuse this functionality to execute arbitrary files …

Evasion using direct Syscalls Antivirus/EDR Evasion

In the Windows operating system, conventional malware frequently utilizes strategies involving the invocation of specific functions from the kernel32.dll library, such as VirtualAlloc, VirtualProtect, and CreateThread. A closer inspection of the call stack reveals that the functions employed from kernel32.dll eventually trigger corresponding functions within the ntdll.dll library. This is facilitated by the ntdll.dll library, which serves …

Shikata Ga Nai (SGN) Data Obfuscation

Shikata Ga Nai (SGN) is a data obfuscation technique that employs a polymorphic binary encoding scheme. It was initially developed by Ege Balci and gained popularity through its implementation in Metasploit Framework's msfvenom. SGN takes a binary input and generates a self-decoding obfuscated shellcode. The algorithm utilizes a XOR feedback loop for encoding and prefixes a decoding routine to the …

DLL Unhooking Antivirus/EDR Evasion

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools use a technique known as hooking to monitor sensitive system functions within the DLLs of loaded processes. Hooking is a method of live-patching system DLLs, enabling EDRs to intercept the flow of a program and evaluate its legitimacy.

Here's how it works: EDRs modify the first instructions of the functions within the DLLs. …

PyArmor Packers

Pyarmor is a command-line tool primarily used for the obfuscation of Python scripts. While its original design aims to protect Python code from unauthorized access and reverse engineering, its capabilities also make it a tool of interest for malware obfuscation. Pyarmor achieves this through several key features, each with potential applications in both legitimate protection and malicious exploitation:

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LimeCrypter Packers

Limecrypter is a sophisticated obfuscation tool designed for both native and .NET files. It employs a unique approach to secure payloads by encrypting them within a .NET-based stub. This stub acts as a container for the encrypted payload, ensuring its contents remain concealed until execution.

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