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Lateral movement

Stage Loader

Stage Loader
Overview
Possible Root Causes
Example Scenarios
Business Impact
Steps to Investigate
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques
Related Detections
FAQ

Detection overview

The "Stage Loader" detection focuses on identifying initial payloads that are designed to download and execute additional malicious code. Stage loaders are typically small, lightweight programs that establish a foothold on a compromised system and then retrieve more complex and harmful payloads from a remote server. Detecting stage loaders is crucial as they are often the first step in a multi-stage attack, leading to the deployment of more sophisticated malware, data exfiltration, or further compromise.

Triggers

  • The detection results from the observation of two closed sessions where an internal host is attacking another internal host by uploading a payload which causes the destination host to connect back to the initial host to download additional stages of software

Possible Root Causes

  • The initial host is transmitting an exploit to a destination host which runs a stage loader and connects back to the initial host to load the rest of the malware necessary for the attacker to make progress toward their goal
  • Bidirectional transaction-based protocols where commands or requests are issued over one port/protocol and data is returned shortly thereafter over another port/protocol can also trigger the detection—common protocols which behave in this manner include the WinRM 2.0 Framework (used for Windows remote management), PostgreSQL, and SNPP (Simple Network Paging Protocol)

Business Impact

  • Lateral movement within a network expands an attacker’s footprint and exposes an organization to substantial risk of data acquisition and exfiltration
  • Lateral movement through exploits or leveraging stolen credentials is involved in almost all high-profile breaches
  • The destination host which is attacked provides a possible perspective on the potential business impact

Steps to Verify

  1. Determine whether there is any reason for the two hosts involved in a stage loading sequence to be communicating with each other
  2. Check to see whether any connections between the initial and destination host (in either direction) persist after the stage loading sequence
  3. Run all available endpoint checks on both the initial and the destination host to check for unwanted malware, but realize that fileless malware will typically escape detection
Stage Loader

Possible root causes

Malicious Detection

  • An attacker has delivered an initial payload designed to download additional malware.
  • Use of phishing emails, malicious websites, or drive-by downloads to deploy the stage loader.
  • Insider threat where an employee has intentionally introduced a stage loader into the network.

    • Benign Detection

  • Legitimate software updates or downloads that resemble stage loader activity.
  • Security assessments or penetration tests involving controlled deployment of stage loaders.
  • Misconfigured systems or applications generating unusual download and execution behaviors.
    • Stage Loader

    Example scenarios

    Scenario 1: An attacker sends a phishing email containing a link to a malicious website. The user clicks the link, and a small binary file is downloaded and executed. The detection is triggered by the unusual outbound network connection to a known C&C server and the execution of a new, unknown process.

    Scenario 2: During a penetration test, the security team uses a stage loader to simulate an initial malware delivery. The detection is triggered, and the activity is verified as part of the scheduled assessment.

    Stage Loader

    Business impact

    If this detection indicates a genuine threat, the organization faces significant risks:

    Further Compromise

    Stage loaders can download and execute more harmful payloads, leading to deeper infiltration.

    Data Exfiltration

    Subsequent payloads may focus on stealing sensitive data.

    Operational Disruption

    Malware downloaded by the stage loader can cause system instability, degradation of performance, or outages.

    Stage Loader

    Steps to investigate

    Review Download Logs

  • Check logs for recent downloads of small binary files or scripts from the internet.
  • Identify the source URLs and destination paths of these downloads.

    • Analyze Network Traffic

  • Monitor outbound network connections for communication with known or suspicious C&C servers.
  • Look for unusual patterns or volumes of data being sent to external addresses.

    • Examine System Changes

  • Identify new or unknown processes that started shortly after suspicious downloads.
  • Check for any new or modified files in directories commonly targeted by malware

    • Conduct a Threat Hunt

  • Search for other indicators of compromise or malicious activity associated with the same user or IP addresses.
  • Verify if the detected activity is part of a scheduled security assessment or penetration test.
    • Stage Loader

    MITRE ATT&CK techniques covered

    Exploitation of Remote Services

    T1210

    Lateral Tool Transfer

    T1570
    Stage Loader

    Related detections

    M365 Malware Stage: Upload

    Malware Update

    Automated Replication

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    FAQs

    What is a stage loader in the context of cybersecurity?

    A stage loader is an initial payload designed to establish a foothold on a compromised system and download additional malicious code from a remote server.

    What are the common signs of stage loader activity?

    Signs include the download of small binary files or scripts, communication with known C&C servers, and the execution of new or unknown processes following suspicious network activity.

    Can legitimate activities trigger the detection of stage loader activity?

    Yes, legitimate software updates, security assessments, or misconfigured systems can trigger this detection. It’s important to verify the context of the activity.

    How does Vectra AI detect stage loader activity?

    Vectra AI uses advanced AI algorithms to analyze download logs, network traffic, and system changes, identifying patterns indicative of stage loader activity and correlating these with other suspicious behaviors.

    What is the business impact of stage loader activity?

    The primary risks are further compromise, data exfiltration, operational disruption, and compliance violations, which can lead to significant harm to the organization.

    How can I detect stage loader activity in my environment?

    Monitor for suspicious small binary files or scripts, unusual outbound network connections, execution of new or unknown processes, and alerts from IDS/IPS.

    Why is stage loader activity a significant threat?

    Stage loaders can download and execute more harmful payloads, leading to further compromise, data exfiltration, operational disruption, and compliance violations.

    What steps should I take if I detect stage loader activity?

    Investigate the source of the downloads and network connections, verify if they are authorized, check for other signs of malicious activity, and take steps to secure affected systems.

    What tools can help verify the presence of stage loader activity?

    Tools like network traffic analyzers, security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and specialized malware analysis solutions can help identify and verify stage loader activity.

    How can I prevent stage loader attacks?

    Implement strong access controls, monitor network traffic and system changes, use advanced threat detection tools, and regularly audit and update security measures.