T1027.001: Binary Padding
AI Answer
Adversaries may use binary padding to add junk data and change the on-disk representation of malware. This can be done without affecting the functionality or behavior of a binary, but can increase the size of the binary beyond what some security tools are capable of handling due to file size limitations. Binary padding effectively changes (Source: MITRE ATT&CK T1027.001)
ATT&CK Mapping
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Technique ID | T1027.001 |
| Name | Binary Padding |
| Tactic | stealth (stealth) |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Sub-technique | Yes |
Why it matters
In the OpenTrojan knowledge graph, Binary Padding (T1027.001) is one of the highest-connectivity ATT&CK techniques: 30 MITRE STIX relationships reference this technique; 8 threat groups observed using it; 22 software families associated. These counts are derived from MITRE ATT&CK STIX relationships and are not an estimate of exploitation volume.
How attackers use it
Behavior described below is from the MITRE ATT&CK canonical definition (source: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027.001). Adversaries may use binary padding to add junk data and change the on-disk representation of malware. This can be done without affecting the functionality or behavior of a binary, but can increase the size of the binary beyond what some security tools are capable of handling due to file size limitations. Binary padding effectively changes the checksum of the file and can also be used to avoid hash-based blocklists and static anti-virus signatures. The padding used is commonly generated by a function to create junk data and then appended to the end or applied to sections of malware. Increasing the file size may decrease the effectiveness of certain tools and detection capabilities that are not designed or configured to scan large files. This may also reduce the likelihood of being collected for analysis. Public file scanning services, such as VirusTotal, limits the maximum size of an uploaded file to be analyzed.
Detection
Not available — MITRE ATT&CK does not currently publish a structured detection strategy for this technique in the ingested dataset.
Mitigation
Not available — no MITRE course-of-action was found for this technique in the ingested dataset.
Related Software
- Emissary
- HeartCrypt
- TONESHELL
- Emotet
- Snip3
- Rifdoor
- CHIMNEYSWEEP
- LightSpy
- CostaBricks
- Javali
- PlugX
- Bisonal
Software associations are from MITRE ATT&CK STIX relationships (observed usage, not attribution).
Related Threat Groups
- Kimsuky
- Patchwork
- Moafee
- Akira
- Higaisa
- Leviathan
- APT29
- BRONZE BUTLER
Group associations are from MITRE ATT&CK STIX relationships.
References
Source Attribution
Source: MITRE ATT&CK (MITRE ATT&CK) · Confidence: 0.9 · Reviewed: OpenTrojan - Human Review
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