🩼Common Techniques Used in Malicious Documents

1. Macros:

   • Macros are scripts written in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) that can automate tasks in Office applications. Malicious documents may use macros to execute malicious code when the document is opened or when certain actions are performed.

2. Embedded Objects:

   • Documents may include embedded objects, such as executables or scripts, that execute malicious code. For example, a Word document might contain an embedded Flash object that exploits vulnerabilities.

3. Exploiting Vulnerabilities:

   • Malicious documents can exploit vulnerabilities in the software used to open them. For example, a PDF might exploit a flaw in Adobe Reader to execute arbitrary code.

4. Social Engineering:

   • Malicious documents often use social engineering techniques to deceive users into opening them. This might include disguising the document as an important report, invoice, or other legitimate file.

5. Phishing:

   • Documents may be used as part of phishing campaigns to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details.

Detection and Mitigation

1. Antivirus and Antimalware Software:

   • Use up-to-date antivirus and antimalware solutions that can scan for known malicious documents and detect suspicious behavior.

2. Sandboxing:

   • Open documents in a sandboxed environment to safely analyze their behavior without risking your main system.

3. Disabling Macros:

   • Configure document viewers and office applications to disable macros by default, and only enable them from trusted sources.

4. Patching and Updates:

   • Keep software up to date with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities that might be exploited by malicious documents.

5. User Education:

   • Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited documents or attachments and encourage them to verify the legitimacy of documents before opening.

6. Email Filtering:

   • Implement email filtering solutions to detect and block malicious documents in email attachments.

Malicious documents are a significant threat vector, and understanding their tactics and techniques is essential for maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses.