T1564.009 Resource Forking
sub-techniqueEnterpriseAdversaries may abuse resource forks to hide malicious code or executables to evade detection and bypass security applications. A resource fork provides applications a structured way to store resources such as thumbnail images, menu definitions, icons, dialog boxes, and code. Usage of a resource fork is identifiable when displaying a file’s extended attributes, using <code>ls -l@</code> or <code>xattr -l</code> commands. Resource forks have been deprecated and replaced with the application bundle structure. Non-localized resources are placed at the top level directory of an application bundle, while localized resources are placed in the <code>/Resources</code> folder. Adversaries can use resource forks to hide malicious data that may otherwise be stored directly in files. Adversaries can execute content with an attached resource fork, at a specified offset, that is moved to an executable location then invoked. Resource fork content may also be obfuscated/encrypted until execution.
platforms
Platforms this applies to.
tactics
ATT&CK tactics this technique serves.
sub-technique of
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mitigations
ATT&CK mitigations that reduce this.
detected by (3)
Data components that detect this.
countered by (D3FEND)
D3FEND countermeasures that counter this.
NIST CSF 2.0 — areas of relevance (Protect / Detect)
NIST CSF 2.0 areas this most relates to (evidence-ranked).
- PR.PSPlatform Securitymoderate · backed by 6 of 13 mapped controls
- PR.DSData Securitymoderate · backed by 5 of 13 mapped controls
- DE.CMContinuous Monitoringmoderate · backed by 4 of 13 mapped controls
Derived from MITRE CTID (Apache-2.0) and the NIST 800-53 ↔ CSF crosswalk (public domain). Indicative relevance along the Protect/Detect axis — not a compliance assessment or coverage claim.
mitigating controls (13)
Security controls that mitigate this.
attack patterns (1)
CAPEC attack patterns that exploit this.
software (2)
Malware and tools associated with this.
source
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