Detecting Virtual Environment Process

Created the Monday 11 March 2019. Updated 6 months, 3 weeks ago.

Process related to Virtualbox can be detected by malware by query the process list.

The VMware Tools use processes like VMwareServices.exe or VMwareTray.exe, to perform actions on the virtual environment. A malware can list the process and searches for the VMware string. Process: VMwareService.exe, VMwareTray.exe, TPAutoConnSvc.exe, VMtoolsd.exe, VMwareuser.exe.

Technique Identifiers

U1334 B0009.004

Detection Rules

                                    rule:
  meta:
    name: check for windows sandbox via process name
    namespace: anti-analysis/anti-vm/vm-detection
    author: "@_re_fox"
    scope: function
    att&ck:
      - Defense Evasion::Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion::System Checks [T1497.001]
    mbc:
      - Anti-Behavioral Analysis::Virtual Machine Detection [B0009]
    references:
      - https://github.com/LloydLabs/wsb-detect
    examples:
      - 773290480d5445f11d3dc1b800728966:0x140001140
  features:
    - and:
      - match: enumerate processes
      - string: CExecSvc.exe

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.

Stopping Malware With a Fake Virtual Machine | McAfee Blog