T1497 Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion — ATT&CK Technique
Adversaries may employ various means to detect and avoid virtualization and analysis environments. This may include changing behaviors based on the results of checks for the presence of artifacts indicative of a virtual machine environment (VME) or sandbox. If the adversary detects a VME, they may alter their malware to disengage from the victim or conceal the core functions of the implant. They may also search for VME artifacts before dropping secondary or additional payloads. Adversaries may use the information learned from Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors. Adversaries may use several methods to accomplish Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion such as checking for security monitoring tools (e.g., Sysinternals, Wireshark, etc.) or other system artifacts associated with analysis or virtualization. Adversaries may also check for legitimate user activity to help determine if it is in an analysis environment. Additional methods include use of sleep timers or loops within malware code to avoid operating within a temporary sandbox.
Detection coverage (7)
- Headless Browser Usage
- Windows Chromium Browser Launched with Small Window Size
- Windows Chromium process Launched with Disable Popup Blocking
- Windows Chromium Process with Disabled Extensions
- Windows Chromium Browser No Security Sandbox Process
- Windows Chromium Process Launched with Logging Disabled
- Windows Chromium Browser with Custom User Data Directory
Malware using this technique
- StoneDrill
- IcedID
- Agent Tesla
- Bisonal
- Carberp
- Gelsemium
- Black Basta
- Raspberry Robin
- Bazar
- CHOPSTICK
- Metamorfo
- Bumblebee
- XLoader
- StrelaStealer
- RTM
- Egregor
- CozyCar
- Kevin
- RedLine Stealer
- Pteranodon
- Squirrelwaffle
- Hancitor