Process Doppelgänging

Process Doppelgänging is a malware injection method that leverages the Windows NTFS (New Technology File System)transactional file system (TxF). Introduced in Windows Vista, NTFS transactions are intended to allow multiple file operations to be performed as a single unit, which can be either committed or rolled back. This ensures that file operations are atomic and can be undone if an error occurs. Cyber criminals,however, have found a way to exploit this feature for malicious purposes.

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How Process Doppelgänging Works

1.           Initiating a Transaction: The attacker begins by creating a new NTFS transaction. Within this transaction, they create a legitimate process and then replace its memory with malicious code.

2.           Committing the Transaction: After the legitimate process is replaced, the transaction is committed. This means the malicious code is now part of what appears to be a legitimate process, all without creating any new executable files on the disk.

3.           Execution:The operating system executes the seemingly legitimate process, now imbued with the attacker’s code. Because the process appears legitimate, it can evade detection by traditional security measures that rely on identifying suspicious file operations.

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The Impact of Process Doppelgänging

Process Doppelgänging allows malware to blend seamlessly into legitimate processes, making it difficult for antiviru ssoftware to detect and block. This stealth capability has several serious implications:

•             Data Theft: Attackers can use Process Doppelgänging to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, such as personal information, financial records, or proprietary business data.

•             Espionage:By operating undetected, attackers can conduct prolonged surveillance,gathering intelligence and monitoring user activities without raising alarms.

•             System Manipulation: The ability to execute malicious code with the appearance of legitimacy allows attackers to manipulate system operations, potentially causing disruptions, data corruption, or system failure.

Remember - staying informed and adopting proactive security measures are essential steps in safeguarding against the evolving landscape of cyber attacks.

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