New Attack Vector using Microsoft Access

A new attack vector that utilises Microsoft Access macros feature has been discovered. An executable file is created through Microsoft Access,

Threat ID:: CC-1866
Category:
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 19 December 2017 12:00 AM

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Summary

A new attack vector that utilises Microsoft Access macros feature has been discovered. An executable file is created through Microsoft Access,

Threat details

This file can potentially contains malicious macros. The executable is then distributed. A risk of it being an executable file is that this will allow the malware to run without giving the user a warning about macros, which causes the malware to be more difficult to detect. The executable file made through Access is particularly effective and is a key component of the attack going undetected. The use of macros opens up further possibilities, with the potential for installation of ransomware attacks, trojans, keyloggers and worms following the initial attack.

This vector is similar to the recent Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) (REF) attacks in which information shared between programmes such as Microsoft Outlook calendar invites, emails and macros are used maliciously.

Remediation advice

Mitigation:

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	Ensure that users are taking the time to check dialog boxes before clicking 'Yes'. A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 11:36 am