Description
Adversaries may abuse SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs to proxy execution of malicious PowerShell commands. SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs is a Visual Basic script associated with how Windows virtualizes applications (Microsoft Application Virtualization, or App-V).(Citation: 1 - appv) For example, Windows may render Win32 applications to users as virtual applications, allowing users to launch and interact with them as if they were installed locally.(Citation: 2 - appv)(Citation: 3 - appv)
The SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs script is legitimate, may be signed by Microsoft, and is commonly executed from \System32 through the command line via wscript.exe.(Citation: 4 - appv)(Citation: 5 - appv)
Adversaries may abuse SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs to bypass PowerShell execution restrictions and evade defensive counter measures by "living off the land."(Citation: 6 - appv)(Citation: 4 - appv) Proxying execution may function as a trusted/signed alternative to directly invoking powershell.exe.(Citation: 7 - appv)
For example, PowerShell commands may be invoked using:(Citation: 5 - appv)
SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs "n; {PowerShell}"
Platforms
Mitigations (1)
Execution PreventionM1038
Certain signed scripts that can be used to execute other programs may not be necessary within a given environment. Use application control configured to block execution of these scripts if they are not required for a given system or network to prevent potential misuse by adversaries.
References
- John Fokker. (2022, March 17). Suspected DarkHotel APT activity update. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- Microsoft. (2022, November 3). Getting started with App-V for Windows client. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- Nick Landers, Casey Smith. (n.d.). /Syncappvpublishingserver.vbs. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- Nick Landers. (2017, August 8). Need a signed alternative to Powershell.exe? SyncAppvPublishingServer in Win10 has got you covered.. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- Raj Chandel. (2022, March 17). Indirect Command Execution: Defense Evasion (T1202). Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- SEONGSU PARK. (2022, December 27). BlueNoroff introduces new methods bypassing MoTW. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- Strontic. (n.d.). SyncAppvPublishingServer.exe. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T1216.002 (SyncAppvPublishingServer)?
T1216.002 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'SyncAppvPublishingServer'. It belongs to the Stealth tactic(s). Adversaries may abuse SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs to proxy execution of malicious [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) commands. SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs is a Visual Basic...
How can T1216.002 be detected?
Detection of T1216.002 (SyncAppvPublishingServer) 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 T1216.002?
There are 1 documented mitigations for T1216.002. Key mitigations include: Execution Prevention.
Which threat groups use T1216.002?
While specific threat group attribution may vary, this technique has been observed in various real-world attacks. Check the MITRE ATT&CK website for the latest threat intelligence.