Description
Adversaries may establish persistence and elevate privileges by using an installer to trigger the execution of malicious content. Installer packages are OS specific and contain the resources an operating system needs to install applications on a system. Installer packages can include scripts that run prior to installation as well as after installation is complete. Installer scripts may inherit elevated permissions when executed. Developers often use these scripts to prepare the environment for installation, check requirements, download dependencies, and remove files after installation.(Citation: Installer Package Scripting Rich Trouton)
Using legitimate applications, adversaries have distributed applications with modified installer scripts to execute malicious content. When a user installs the application, they may be required to grant administrative permissions to allow the installation. At the end of the installation process of the legitimate application, content such as macOS postinstall scripts can be executed with the inherited elevated permissions. Adversaries can use these scripts to execute a malicious executable or install other malicious components (such as a Launch Daemon) with the elevated permissions.(Citation: Application Bundle Manipulation Brandon Dalton)(Citation: wardle evilquest parti)(Citation: Windows AppleJeus GReAT)(Citation: Debian Manual Maintainer Scripts)
Depending on the distribution, Linux versions of package installer scripts are sometimes called maintainer scripts or post installation scripts. These scripts can include preinst, postinst, prerm, postrm scripts and run as root when executed.
For Windows, the Microsoft Installer services uses .msi files to manage the installing, updating, and uninstalling of applications. These installation routines may also include instructions to perform additional actions that may be abused by adversaries.(Citation: Microsoft Installation Procedures)
Platforms
Threat Groups (1)
| ID | Group | Context |
|---|---|---|
| G1056 | TeamPCP | [TeamPCP](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1056) has modified software packages with preinstall scripts to download and execute malicious payloads.(Ci... |
Associated Software (3)
| ID | Name | Type | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| S9008 | Shai-Hulud | Malware | [Shai-Hulud](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S9008) has inserted a new lifecycle hook to include `postinstall`.(Citation: Aikido Shai-Hulud Septembe... |
| S0584 | AppleJeus | Malware | During [AppleJeus](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0584)'s installation process, it uses `postinstall` scripts to extract a hidden plist from the a... |
| S9041 | TeamPCP Cloud Stealer | Malware | [TeamPCP Cloud Stealer](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S9041) can inject malicious pre or post-install scripts within package.json for payload exec... |
References
- Brandon Dalton. (2022, August 9). A bundle of nerves: Tweaking macOS security controls to thwart application bundle manipulation. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
- Debian Policy Manual v4.6.1.1. (2022, August 14). Package maintainer scripts and installation procedure. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
- Global Research & Analysis Team, Kaspersky Lab (GReAT). (2018, August 23). Operation AppleJeus: Lazarus hits cryptocurrency exchange with fake installer and macOS malware. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
- Microsoft. (2021, January 7). Installation Procedure Tables Group. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
- Patrick Wardle. (2020, June 29). OSX.EvilQuest Uncovered part i: infection, persistence, and more!. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- Rich Trouton. (2019, August 9). Installer Package Scripting: Making your deployments easier, one ! at a time. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T1546.016 (Installer Packages)?
T1546.016 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'Installer Packages'. It belongs to the Privilege Escalation, Persistence tactic(s). Adversaries may establish persistence and elevate privileges by using an installer to trigger the execution of malicious content. Installer packages are OS specific and contain the resources an operat...
How can T1546.016 be detected?
Detection of T1546.016 (Installer Packages) 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 T1546.016?
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 T1546.016?
Known threat groups using T1546.016 include: TeamPCP.