COMMON ATTACK PATTERN ENUMERATION AND CLASSIFICATIONLive MITRE record

CAPEC-270

Modification of Registry Run Keys

An adversary adds a new entry to the "run keys" in the Windows registry so that an application of their choosing is executed when a user logs in. In this way, the adversary can get their executable to operate and run on the target system with the authorized user's level of permissions. This attack is a good way for an adversary to run persistent spyware on a user's machine, such as a keylogger.

Abstraction

Detailed

Typical severity

Medium

Likelihood of attack

Medium

Understand the attack

What is this attack pattern?

An adversary adds a new entry to the "run keys" in the Windows registry so that an application of their choosing is executed when a user logs in. In this way, the adversary can get their executable to operate and run on the target system with the authorized user's level of permissions. This attack is a good way for an adversary to run persistent spyware on a user's machine, such as a keylogger.

Execution flow

How does the attack proceed, step by step?

1

Explore

Determine target system

The adversary must first determine the system they wish to target. This attack only works on Windows.
2

Experiment

Gain access to the system

The adversary needs to gain access to the system in some way so that they can modify the Windows registry.

Techniques used

  • Gain physical access to a system either through shoulder surfing a password or accessing a system that is left unlocked.
  • Gain remote access to a system through a variety of means.
3

Exploit

Modify Windows registry

The adversary will modify the Windows registry by adding a new entry to the "run keys" referencing a desired program. This program will be run whenever the user logs in.

Requirements

What does the attack require?

Prerequisites

  • The adversary must have gained access to the target system via physical or logical means in order to carry out this attack.

Skills required

Not stated in the MITRE record.

Resources required

Not stated in the MITRE record.

Impact

What does a successful attack lead to?

Modify DataGain Privileges

Affected scopes: Integrity

Defence

How is it prevented and mitigated?

1
Identify programs that may be used to acquire process information and block them by using a software restriction policy or tools that restrict program execution by using a process allowlist.

Real world

MITRE example instances

Example instance 1Detail
An adversary can place a malicious executable (RAT) on the target system and then configure it to automatically run when the user logs in to maintain persistence on the target system.
Example instance 2Detail
Through the modification of registry "run keys" the adversary can masquerade a malicious executable as a legitimate program.