Description
Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious content triggered by hijacked references to Component Object Model (COM) objects. COM is a system within Windows to enable interaction between software components through the operating system.(Citation: Microsoft Component Object Model) References to various COM objects are stored in the Registry.
Adversaries may use the COM system to insert malicious code that can be executed in place of legitimate software through hijacking the COM references and relationships as a means for persistence. Hijacking a COM object requires a change in the Registry to replace a reference to a legitimate system component which may cause that component to not work when executed. When that system component is executed through normal system operation the adversary's code will be executed instead.(Citation: GDATA COM Hijacking) An adversary is likely to hijack objects that are used frequently enough to maintain a consistent level of persistence, but are unlikely to break noticeable functionality within the system as to avoid system instability that could lead to detection.
One variation of COM hijacking involves abusing Type Libraries (TypeLibs), which provide metadata about COM objects, such as their interfaces and methods. Adversaries may modify Registry keys associated with TypeLibs to redirect legitimate COM object functionality to malicious scripts or payloads. Unlike traditional COM hijacking, which commonly uses local DLLs, this variation may leverage the "script:" moniker to execute remote scripts hosted on external servers.(Citation: RELIAQUEST) This approach enables stealthy execution of code while maintaining persistence, as the remote payload would be automatically downloaded whenever the hijacked COM object is accessed.
Platforms
Threat Groups (1)
| ID | Group | Context |
|---|---|---|
| G0007 | APT28 | [APT28](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007) has used COM hijacking for persistence by replacing the legitimate <code>MMDeviceEnumerator</code> obje... |
Associated Software (11)
| ID | Name | Type | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| S0045 | ADVSTORESHELL | Malware | Some variants of [ADVSTORESHELL](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0045) achieve persistence by registering the payload as a Shell Icon Overlay handl... |
| S0356 | KONNI | Malware | [KONNI](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0356) has modified ComSysApp service to load the malicious DLL payload.(Citation: Medium KONNI Jan 2020) |
| S1050 | PcShare | Tool | [PcShare](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1050) has created the `HKCU\\Software\\Classes\\CLSID\\{42aedc87-2188-41fd-b9a3-0c966feabec1}\\InprocServ... |
| S0670 | WarzoneRAT | Malware | [WarzoneRAT](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0670) can perform COM hijacking by setting the path to itself to the `HKCU\Software\Classes\Folder\sh... |
| S0126 | ComRAT | Malware | [ComRAT](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0126) samples have been seen which hijack COM objects for persistence by replacing the path to shell32.dll... |
| S1064 | SVCReady | Malware | [SVCReady](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1064) has created the `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{E6D34FFC-AD32-4d6a-934C-D387FA873A19}` ... |
| S0256 | Mosquito | Malware | [Mosquito](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0256) uses COM hijacking as a method of persistence.(Citation: ESET Turla Mosquito Jan 2018) |
| S0679 | Ferocious | Malware | [Ferocious](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0679) can use COM hijacking to establish persistence.(Citation: Kaspersky WIRTE November 2021) |
| S0127 | BBSRAT | Malware | [BBSRAT](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0127) has been seen persisting via COM hijacking through replacement of the COM object for MruPidlList <co... |
| S0692 | SILENTTRINITY | Tool | [SILENTTRINITY](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0692) can add a CLSID key for payload execution through `Registry.CurrentUser.CreateSubKey("Softwar... |
| S0044 | JHUHUGIT | Malware | [JHUHUGIT](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0044) has used COM hijacking to establish persistence by hijacking a class named MMDeviceEnumerator and ... |
References
- Ewing, P. Strom, B. (2016, September 15). How to Hunt: Detecting Persistence & Evasion with the COM. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
- G DATA. (2014, October). COM Object hijacking: the discreet way of persistence. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
- Microsoft. (n.d.). The Component Object Model. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- RELIAQUEST THREAT RESEARCH TEAM. (2025, April 11). Threat Spotlight: Hijacked and Hidden: New Backdoor and Persistence Technique. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T1546.015 (Component Object Model Hijacking)?
T1546.015 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'Component Object Model Hijacking'. It belongs to the Privilege Escalation, Persistence tactic(s). Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious content triggered by hijacked references to Component Object Model (COM) objects. COM is a system within Windows to enable interaction betw...
How can T1546.015 be detected?
Detection of T1546.015 (Component Object Model Hijacking) 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 T1546.015?
Follow defense-in-depth principles including network segmentation, least privilege access, security monitoring, and regular patching to reduce the risk of this technique.
Which threat groups use T1546.015?
Known threat groups using T1546.015 include: APT28.