{"description":"Trending threats, MITRE ATT\u0026CK coverage, and detection metadata. Fed continuously.","feed_url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/tags/office-test/feed.json","home_page_url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/","items":[{"_cs_actors":[],"_cs_cpes":[],"_cs_cves":[],"_cs_exploited":false,"_cs_has_poc":false,"_cs_poc_references":[],"_cs_products":["Microsoft Office"],"_cs_severities":["medium"],"_cs_tags":["persistence","registry modification","office test"],"_cs_type":"advisory","_cs_vendors":["Microsoft"],"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAttackers can exploit the Microsoft Office \u0026quot;Office Test\u0026quot; Registry key (located at \u003ccode\u003eHKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Office Test\\Special\\Perf\u003c/code\u003e) to achieve persistence. This key allows specifying a DLL that is executed whenever an MS Office application is started. By modifying this registry key to point to a malicious DLL, attackers can ensure that their code is executed every time a user opens Word, Excel, or other Office applications. This technique is particularly effective because it leverages a legitimate feature of MS Office, making it harder to detect. This activity has been observed in historical campaigns by the Sofacy APT.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"attack-chain\"\u003eAttack Chain\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn attacker gains initial access to the target system, potentially through phishing or exploiting a software vulnerability.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker elevates privileges to allow modification of the registry.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker modifies the \u003ccode\u003eHKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Office Test\\Special\\Perf\u003c/code\u003e registry key to point to a malicious DLL.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe malicious DLL is placed on the system in a location accessible to the user account.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe user launches an MS Office application (e.g., Word, Excel).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe MS Office application loads the malicious DLL specified in the registry key.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe malicious DLL executes its payload, potentially installing malware, establishing a reverse shell, or exfiltrating data.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker maintains persistence on the system, as the malicious DLL will be loaded every time an MS Office application is launched.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"impact\"\u003eImpact\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccessful exploitation allows attackers to maintain persistent access to compromised systems. This can lead to data theft, installation of ransomware, or further compromise of the network. The number of victims is dependent on the scope of the initial compromise, but any system with MS Office installed is potentially vulnerable. Attackers often use this technique to maintain access to high-value targets, such as executives or system administrators.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"recommendation\"\u003eRecommendation\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor registry modifications to the \u003ccode\u003eHKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Office Test\\Special\\Perf\u003c/code\u003e key using the Sigma rule provided to detect potential malicious activity.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnable Sysmon registry event logging to capture the necessary data for the Sigma rule to function correctly.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegularly scan systems with updated anti-malware solutions to detect and remove any malicious DLLs.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImplement application control policies to prevent the execution of unauthorized DLLs in MS Office applications.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvestigate any alerts generated by the Sigma rule, paying close attention to the DLL path and user activity logs.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","date_modified":"2024-01-30T10:00:00Z","date_published":"2024-01-30T10:00:00Z","id":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/briefs/2024-01-office-test-registry-persistence/","summary":"Attackers can modify the Microsoft Office 'Office Test' Registry key to establish persistence by loading a malicious DLL that executes every time an MS Office application starts.","title":"Office Test Registry Persistence for Malicious DLL Execution","url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/briefs/2024-01-office-test-registry-persistence/"}],"language":"en","title":"CraftedSignal Threat Feed - Office Test","version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1"}