Redirecting Execution Flow in Malware

Amos KingatuaPosted on

Common Techniques for Redirecting Execution Flow in Malware

  1. Code Injection:
    • DLL Injection: Malicious code is injected into a process by inserting a dynamic link library (DLL). The malware typically uses functions like CreateRemoteThread to execute the DLL within the context of another process.
    • Process Hollowing: A legitimate process is started in a suspended state, its memory is unmapped, and replaced with malicious code. The process is then resumed, running the injected code.
  2. Hooking:
    • API Hooking: Malware modifies function pointers or the import address table (IAT) to redirect API calls to malicious code. This is often used to intercept and alter the behavior of system and application APIs.
    • Inline Hooking: Modifies the beginning of a function to jump to malicious code. When the malicious code is executed, it can perform its tasks and then optionally return to the original function.
  3. Exploiting Vulnerabilities:
    • Buffer Overflow: Malicious input is used to overwrite the memory of a program, including the return address, causing the program to execute the injected code.
    • Return-Oriented Programming (ROP): Constructs a chain of return addresses that execute useful instructions already present in the program’s memory, bypassing non-executable stack protections.
  4. Manipulating Execution Flow:
    • Control Flow Guard (CFG) Bypass: Techniques to bypass modern security features like CFG that prevent indirect calls to non-legitimate functions.
    • Hijacking Control Structures: Altering structures like the exception handling chain to redirect execution to malicious code when an exception occurs.
  5. Persistence Mechanisms:
    • Registry Modifications: Adding entries to the Windows Registry to ensure that malware is executed during system startup or when certain events occur.
    • Scheduled Tasks: Creating scheduled tasks to execute malicious code at specified times or intervals.
  6. Rootkits:
    • Kernel-Mode Rootkits: Modify kernel data structures and hooks to hide malware and redirect execution flow. These rootkits can intercept system calls to ensure that malicious activities are hidden from the user and security software.
    • User-Mode Rootkits: Operate at the user level, altering API results and user-space data to hide malicious processes and activities.

Examples of Malware Using Execution Flow Redirection

  1. Stuxnet:
    • Used multiple zero-day vulnerabilities and sophisticated techniques to redirect execution flow and evade detection while sabotaging industrial control systems.
  2. Zeus Trojan:
    • Known for injecting itself into browser processes to intercept and redirect banking transactions, thereby stealing sensitive information.
  3. Conficker Worm:
    • Employed several methods to hide its presence and ensure execution, including patching system functions and creating scheduled tasks.

Mitigations and Defenses

  1. Endpoint Protection:
    • Use comprehensive endpoint security solutions that can detect and block malicious behavior and known techniques used for code injection and execution flow redirection.
  2. Memory Protection:
    • Enable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) to make exploitation more difficult.
  3. Code Integrity:
    • Use tools like Microsoft’s Control Flow Guard (CFG) to ensure that indirect calls are only made to known and valid functions.
  4. Monitoring and Logging:
    • Monitor system calls, API usage, and process behavior for anomalies that might indicate malware activity. Maintain detailed logs for forensic analysis.
  5. Patch Management:
    • Regularly update and patch software to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited to redirect execution flow.

By understanding these techniques and implementing appropriate security measures, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves against malware that manipulates execution flow.