MalCommands — msconfig

#					tactics	techniques	os

detail

Command Line

Msconfig.exe -5

Description

Launch a command previously embedded in a crafted C:\windows\system32\mscfgtlc.xml.

Risk

Medium

Risk Reason

This is a rare and uncommon usage of msconfig but not immediately suspicious.

Fidelity

Medium

Fidelity Reason

Direct usage of this binary is typically rare for most users, depending on the organization.

Operating Systems

Windows

Killchain Phases

Actions on Objectives

References

TOOL DATA

Tool Name: MSConfig

Tool URL: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/ask-the-performance-team/system-configuration-8211-aka-msconfig/ba-p/374932

Tool Description: MSConfig is a Microsoft utility used to temporarily disable or re-enable software, drivers or services launching during startup.

Common Tool Locations

C:\Windows\System32\msconfig.exe

Common Tool Arguments

MITRE ATT&CK TECHNIQUES

Technique: T1218 - System Binary Proxy Execution

URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218

Description: Adversaries may bypass process and/or signature-based defenses by proxying execution of malicious content with signed, or otherwise trusted, binaries. Binaries used in this technique are often Microsoft-signed files, indicating that they have been either downloaded from Microsoft or are already native in the operating system.(Citation: LOLBAS Project) Binaries signed with trusted digital certificates can typically execute on Windows systems protected by digital signature validation. Several Microsoft signed binaries that are default on Windows installations can be used to proxy execution of other files or commands. Similarly, on Linux systems adversaries may abuse trusted binaries such as split to proxy execution of malicious commands.(Citation: split man page)(Citation: GTFO split)

Tactics:

Defense Evasion