T1129: Shared Modules
| View on MITRE ATT&CK | T1129 |
|---|---|
| Tactic(s) | Execution |
Data from MITRE ATT&CK®:
Adversaries may execute malicious payloads via loading shared modules. Shared modules are executable files that are loaded into processes to provide access to reusable code, such as specific custom functions or invoking OS API functions (i.e., Native API).
Adversaries may use this functionality as a way to execute arbitrary payloads on a victim system. For example, adversaries can modularize functionality of their malware into shared objects that perform various functions such as managing C2 network communications or execution of specific actions on objective.
The Linux & macOS module loader can load and execute shared objects from arbitrary local paths. This functionality resides in dlfcn.h in functions such as dlopen and dlsym. Although macOS can execute .so files, common practice uses .dylib files.(Citation: Apple Dev Dynamic Libraries)(Citation: Linux Shared Libraries)(Citation: RotaJakiro 2021 netlab360 analysis)(Citation: Unit42 OceanLotus 2017)
The Windows module loader can be instructed to load DLLs from arbitrary local paths and arbitrary Universal Naming Convention (UNC) network paths. This functionality resides in NTDLL.dll and is part of the Windows Native API which is called from functions like LoadLibrary at run time.(Citation: Microsoft DLL)
© 2024 The MITRE Corporation. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of The MITRE Corporation.
Cyber Threat Graph Context
Explore how this ATT&CK Technique relates to the wider threat graph
Reporting on this Technique
Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation
This blog post by threat researchers at Mandiant outlines intrusions activity by the UNC3886 intrusion set which involved the deployment of ...
Cyberespionage Group Earth Hundun's Continuous Refinement of Waterbear and Deuterbear
This blog post from researchers at Trend Micro discusses the cyberespionage group Earth Hundun and its malware, Waterbear and Deuterbear, which ...
GhostSec’s joint ransomware operation and evolution of their arsenal
This Threat Spotlight from Cisco Talos describes the evolution of GhostSec's ransomware operations including their work with the Stormous ...
Mitigations for this technique
MITRE ATT&CK Mitigations
How to detect this technique
MITRE ATT&CK Data Components
Control Validation Tests for this Technique
Use Atomic Red Team tests to test your defenses against this technique.
SP800-53 Controls
See which controls can help protect against this MITRE ATT&CK technique. This is based on mappings to associated SP800-53 controls produced by the MITRE Engenuity Center for Threat-Informed Defense.