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.
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Overview
CAPEC-270 (Modification of Registry Run Keys) is a detailed-level attack pattern catalogued by MITRE in the Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC). It describes a recurring method attackers use to exploit software weaknesses.
How the attack works
The phases an attacker typically follows to carry out this attack.
- Step 1Explore
[Determine target system] The adversary must first determine the system they wish to target. This attack only works on Windows.
- Step 2Experiment
[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.
- 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.
- Step 3Exploit
[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.
What the attacker needs
Prerequisites
- The adversary must have gained access to the target system via physical or logical means in order to carry out this attack.
Consequences
What a successful CAPEC-270 attack can achieve.
Modify Data, Gain Privileges
Affects: Integrity
How to mitigate it
Defenses that reduce the risk of CAPEC-270.
- 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.
Examples
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.
Through the modification of registry "run keys" the adversary can masquerade a malicious executable as a legitimate program.
Terminology & mappings
Mapped taxonomies
- ATTACK: Boot or Logon Autostart Execution: Registry Run Keys / Start Folder (1547.001)
- ATTACK: Boot or Logon Autostart Execution: Active (1547.014)
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about CAPEC-270.
- What is CAPEC-270?
- 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.
- How does a Modification of Registry Run Keys attack work?
- It typically unfolds over 3 phases. It begins with: [Determine target system] The adversary must first determine the system they wish to target. This attack only works on Windows.
- How do you prevent CAPEC-270?
- 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.
- What weaknesses does CAPEC-270 target?
- CAPEC-270 exploits 1 CWE weakness, including CWE-15 (External Control of System or Configuration Setting).
- How severe is CAPEC-270?
- MITRE rates CAPEC-270 as Medium severity with medium likelihood of attack.
References
Attack-pattern data is sourced from the MITRE CAPEC catalog (v3.9). Weakness associations link to the corresponding CWE entries on RadicalNotion.AI.
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