RIFT: Analysing a Lazarus Shellcode Execution Method

2021-01-23 NCCGroup

https://research.nccgroup.com/2021/01/23/rift-analysing-a-lazarus-shellcode-execution-method/

NCC Group RIFT analyzed Lazarus-linked macro documents that execute shellcode without the more commonly detected WriteProcessMemory or CreateThread APIs. The macros trigger through a Microsoft Forms ActiveX control, allocate an executable heap, decode shellcode from hardcoded UUID strings via UuidFromStringA, and execute it through a callback parameter in EnumSystemLocalesA. The activity aligns with Lazarus tradecraft involving phishing documents disguised as job descriptions, including LinkedIn-themed lures previously documented in Operation In(ter)ception. Confirmed artifacts include persistence under ProgramLogs, scheduled tasks such as ProgramLogsSrv.job and IntelGfx.job, copied Windows utilities, and command lines retrieving custom CSS or XSL resources from domains including crmute[.]com and advantims[.]com. The technique matters because it shows how Lazarus macro loaders can abuse legitimate Windows API behavior to reduce detection by endpoint controls.

Indicators of Compromise

Type Value First Seen Last Seen
URL https://www.advantims.com/GfxCP… 2021-01-23 2022-02-08
HASH 949bfce2125d76f2d21084f187c6813… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
HASH f188eec1268fd49bdc7375fc5b77ded… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
HASH bdf9fffe1c9ffbeec307c536a2369ee… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
HASH d6b55dae813a4acd461d1d36ff7ef25… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
HASH 47a342545d8df9c2c1e0e945f2c4fca… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
HASH cabb45c99ffd8dd189e4e3ed5158fac… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
HASH c0c8a97a04b4d3c7709760fcbe36dc6… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
URL https://www.advantims.com/Sync.… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
URL http://ropgadget.com/posts/abus… 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
URL http://crmute.com/custom.css 2021-01-23 2021-01-23
DOMAIN crmute.com 2021-01-23 2021-01-23

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