Malicious Interlock LNK Execution via rundll32 ShellExec_RunDLL

ATT&CK techniques

Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1218.011Rundll32
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects rundll32.exe invoking the shell32.dll ShellExec_RunDLL function to launch a masqueraded LNK file. The Interlock KongTuke ClickFix chain used this technique to execute a dropped shortcut as part of its multi-stage loader. Proxying execution through a signed binary lets attackers run their payload while evading application controls that trust rundll32.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious Interlock LNK Execution via rundll32 ShellExec_RunDLL

Pivot detection · T1218.011 · 9 related

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