Detecting Virtual Environment Files

Created the Monday 11 March 2019. Updated 1 year, 2 months ago.

Some files are created by Virtualbox and VMware on the system.

Malware can check the different folders to find Virtualbox artifacts like VBoxMouse.sys.

Malware can check the different folders to find VMware artifacts like vmmouse.sys, vmhgfs.sys.

Some Files Example

Below is a list of files that can be detected on virtual machines:

  • "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp\agent.pyw",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\vmmouse.sys",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\vmhgfs.sys",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\VBoxMouse.sys",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\VBoxGuest.sys",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\VBoxSF.sys",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\VBoxVideo.sys",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxdisp.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxhook.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxmrxnp.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxogl.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxoglarrayspu.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxoglcrutil.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxoglerrorspu.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxoglfeedbackspu.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxoglpassthroughspu.dll",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxservice.exe",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vboxtray.exe",
  • "C:\WINDOWS\system32\VBoxControl.exe"


Technique Identifier

U1333


Code Snippets

Detection Rules

Additional Resources

External Links

The resources provided below are associated links that will give you even more detailed information and research on current evasion technique. It is important to note that, while these resources may be helpful, it is important to exercise caution when following external links. As always, be careful when clicking on links from unknown sources, as they may lead to malicious content.


Sleeping Alien

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