T1027.009: Embedded Payloads — MITRE ATT&CK Technique

Description

Adversaries may embed payloads within other files to conceal malicious content from defenses. Otherwise seemingly benign files (such as scripts and executables) may be abused to carry and obfuscate malicious payloads and content. In some cases, embedded payloads may also enable adversaries to Subvert Trust Controls by not impacting execution controls such as digital signatures and notarization tickets.(Citation: Sentinel Labs)

Adversaries may embed payloads in various file formats to hide payloads.(Citation: Microsoft Learn) This is similar to Steganography, though does not involve weaving malicious content into specific bytes and patterns related to legitimate digital media formats.(Citation: GitHub PSImage)

For example, adversaries have been observed embedding payloads within or as an overlay of an otherwise benign binary.(Citation: Securelist Dtrack2) Adversaries have also been observed nesting payloads (such as executables and run-only scripts) inside a file of the same format.(Citation: SentinelLabs reversing run-only applescripts 2021)

Embedded content may also be used as Process Injection payloads used to infect benign system processes.(Citation: Trend Micro) These embedded then injected payloads may be used as part of the modules of malware designed to provide specific features such as encrypting C2 communications in support of an orchestrator module. For example, an embedded module may be injected into default browsers, allowing adversaries to then communicate via the network.(Citation: Malware Analysis Report ComRAT)

Platforms

LinuxmacOSWindows

Mitigations (2)

Antivirus/AntimalwareM1049

Anti-virus can be used to automatically detect and quarantine suspicious files.

Behavior Prevention on EndpointM1040

On Windows 10, enable Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules to prevent execution of potentially obfuscated scripts.(Citation: win10_asr)

Threat Groups (3)

ID	Group	Context
G0032	Lazarus Group	[Lazarus Group](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0032) has distributed malicious payloads embedded in PNG files.(Citation: Microsoft DiamondSleet 2023...
G1037	TA577	[TA577](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1037) has used LNK files to execute embedded DLLs.(Citation: Latrodectus APR 2024)
G1036	Moonstone Sleet	[Moonstone Sleet](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1036) embedded payloads in trojanized software for follow-on execution.(Citation: Microsoft Moonsto...

Associated Software (18)

ID	Name	Type	Context
S1137	Moneybird	Malware	[Moneybird](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1137) contains a configuration blob embedded in the malware itself.(Citation: CheckPoint Agrius 2023)
S1052	DEADEYE	Malware	The DEADEYE.EMBED variant of [DEADEYE](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1052) has the ability to embed payloads inside of a compiled binary.(Citati...
S1081	BADHATCH	Malware	[BADHATCH](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1081) has an embedded second stage DLL payload within the first stage of the malware.(Citation: Gigamon ...
S1149	CHIMNEYSWEEP	Malware	[CHIMNEYSWEEP](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1149) can extract RC4 encrypted embedded payloads for privilege escalation.(Citation: Mandiant ROADS...
S1134	DEADWOOD	Malware	[DEADWOOD](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1134) contains an embedded, AES-encrypted payload labeled <code>METADATA</code> that provides configurat...
S0367	Emotet	Malware	[Emotet](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0367) has dropped an embedded executable at `%Temp%\setup.exe`.(Citation: Binary Defense Emotes Wi-Fi Spre...
S1048	macOS.OSAMiner	Malware	[macOS.OSAMiner](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1048) has embedded [Stripped Payloads](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/008) within anoth...
S0567	Dtrack	Malware	[Dtrack](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0567) has used a dropper that embeds an encrypted payload as extra data.(Citation: Securelist Dtrack)
S0483	IcedID	Malware	[IcedID](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0483) has embedded malicious functionality in a legitimate DLL file.(Citation: Trendmicro_IcedID)
S0457	Netwalker	Malware	[Netwalker](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0457)'s DLL has been embedded within the PowerShell script in hex format.(Citation: TrendMicro Netwalke...
S1135	MultiLayer Wiper	Malware	[MultiLayer Wiper](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1135) contains two binaries in its resources section, MultiList and MultiWip. [MultiLayer Wiper]...
S0649	SMOKEDHAM	Malware	The [SMOKEDHAM](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0649) source code is embedded in the dropper as an encrypted string.(Citation: FireEye SMOKEDHAM Ju...
S1145	Pikabot	Malware	[Pikabot](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1145) further decrypts information embedded via steganography using AES-CBC with the same 32 bit key as i...
S0126	ComRAT	Malware	[ComRAT](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0126) has embedded a XOR encrypted communications module inside the orchestrator module.(Citation: ESET Co...
S1158	DUSTPAN	Malware	[DUSTPAN](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1158) decrypts and executes an embedded payload.(Citation: Google Cloud APT41 2024)(Citation: Google Clou...
S1159	DUSTTRAP	Malware	[DUSTTRAP](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1159) contains additional embedded DLLs and configuration files that are loaded into memory during execu...
S0231	Invoke-PSImage	Tool	[Invoke-PSImage](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0231) can be used to embed payload data within a new image file.(Citation: GitHub PSImage)
S0022	Uroburos	Malware	The [Uroburos](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0022) Queue file contains embedded executable files along with key material, communication channels,...

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is T1027.009 (Embedded Payloads)?

T1027.009 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'Embedded Payloads'. It belongs to the Stealth tactic(s). Adversaries may embed payloads within other files to conceal malicious content from defenses. Otherwise seemingly benign files (such as scripts and executables) may be abused to carry and obfuscate ma...

How can T1027.009 be detected?

Detection of T1027.009 (Embedded Payloads) typically involves monitoring system logs, network traffic, and endpoint telemetry. Use SIEM rules, EDR solutions, and behavioral analytics to identify suspicious activity associated with this technique.

What mitigations exist for T1027.009?

There are 2 documented mitigations for T1027.009. Key mitigations include: Antivirus/Antimalware, Behavior Prevention on Endpoint.

Which threat groups use T1027.009?

Known threat groups using T1027.009 include: Lazarus Group, TA577, Moonstone Sleet.