T1055.009: Proc Memory
Adversaries may inject malicious code into processes via the /proc filesystem in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Proc memory injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process.
Proc memory injection involves enumerating the memory of a process via the /proc filesystem (/proc/[pid]
) then crafting a return-oriented programming (ROP) payload with available gadgets/instructions. Each running process has its own directory, which includes memory mappings. Proc memory injection is commonly performed by overwriting the target processes’ stack using memory mappings provided by the /proc filesystem. This information can be used to enumerate offsets (including the stack) and gadgets (or instructions within the program that can be used to build a malicious payload) otherwise hidden by process memory protections such as address space layout randomization (ASLR). Once enumerated, the target processes’ memory map within /proc/[pid]/maps
can be overwritten using dd.
Other techniques such as Dynamic Linker Hijacking may be used to populate a target process with more available gadgets. Similar to Process Hollowing, proc memory injection may target child processes (such as a backgrounded copy of sleep).
Running code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via proc memory injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process.
Positive Technologies products that cover the technique
Description of detection methods is not available yet
Detection
ID | DS0022 | Data source and component | File: File Modification | Description | Monitor for changes made to /proc files that may inject malicious code into processes via the /proc filesystem in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Users should not have permission to modify these in most cases. |
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Mitigation
ID | M1040 | Name | Behavior Prevention on Endpoint | Description | Some endpoint security solutions can be configured to block some types of process injection based on common sequences of behavior that occur during the injection process. |
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ID | M1022 | Name | Restrict File and Directory Permissions | Description | Restrict the permissions on sensitive files such as |
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