Living-Off-the-Land (LOTL) Attacks: Everything You Need to Know

Living-off-the-land (LOTL) attacks are an increasingly popular tactic among cybercriminals. An advanced persistent threat (APT), an LOTL attack involves using legitimate and trusted system tools to launch a cyberattack and evade detection. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of LOTL attacks and how to prepare for, and mitigate the risk of, this sophisticated attack.

What Is a Living-Off-the-Land (LOTL) Attack?

An LOTL attack is a type of cyberattack where a hacker uses legitimate tools and features already present in the target system to avoid detection and carry on a cyberattack. In this type of attack, the hacker does not use any malicious software or code that can be easily detected by traditional security solutions. Instead, they leverage the operating system’s built-in capabilities, administrative tools, and batch files to control the system and steal sensitive information.

LOTL is a popular technique among hackers because it makes it difficult for security systems to detect the attack. The hacker uses existing system functionalities that do not raise any suspicion, and the tools used in the attack are often difficult to detect by standard security solutions. As the attack uses legitimate tools, it can be difficult to distinguish the attack from regular system activity.

Some examples of LOTL attacks include using PowerShell or the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to carry out malicious activities, using built-in scripting languages like Python or Ruby to create malicious scripts, or utilizing scheduled tasks and registry keys to execute malicious code. We’ll discuss these in detail in the section below.

Types of LOTL Attacks

LOTL attacks are becoming increasingly popular among cybercriminals due to their effectiveness in bypassing traditional security measures. These attacks involve the use of legitimate tools and techniques to carry out malicious activities, making them difficult to detect. There are several types of LOTL attacks, including binary planting, Registry Run Keys, fileless malware, and PowerShell-based attacks. Each of these attacks poses a significant threat to organizations and individuals alike and requires proactive measures to prevent and detect.

Binary Planting

Binary planting, also known as DLL hijacking or DLL side-loading, is a type of LOTL attack that involves replacing a legitimate DLL file with a malicious one. When an application tries to use the legitimate DLL, it unknowingly loads the malicious one instead, allowing the attacker to execute code on the victim’s system. This attack can be particularly dangerous because it can be used to exploit applications that run with elevated privileges, such as system-level services and administrative tools. Detection of this attack can be difficult since it often appears like a legitimate process.

Registry Run Keys

Registry Run Keys are a technique used by attackers to run their malicious code on a victim’s system at startup. The attackers insert their malware into the registry key that contains instructions to execute a specific program at startup. The code can be added to any of the Registry Run Keys, such as:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, or

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.

This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it allows an attacker to maintain persistence on an infected system, even after rebooting. It can also allow the attacker to escalate privileges.

Fileless Malware

Fileless malware is an advanced type of LOTL attack that bypasses traditional antivirus software by residing in the computer’s memory instead of in the file system. The attackers use scripting languages such as PowerShell or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to execute code directly in memory. As a result, there is no file to scan, making it more difficult to detect. Fileless malware can be used to steal sensitive data, install backdoors, or carry out various other malicious activities, and thus poses a significant threat to organizations that rely on traditional antivirus solutions.

PowerShell-based Attacks

PowerShell-based attacks use Windows PowerShell, a powerful scripting language built into Windows, to execute malicious code. Attackers can use PowerShell to bypass traditional antivirus and other security measures by using PowerShell scripts to execute commands and run malware. PowerShell-based attacks can be used to steal credentials, download additional malware, and spread throughout a network. Since PowerShell is a legitimate tool used by administrators, detection of this attack can be difficult, particularly if the attacker has gained privileges or access to an administrative account.

Notable Real-World LOTL Attack Examples

• NotPetya (2017): This devastating attack used legitimate administrative tools like Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and PsExec to spread rapidly across networks, disguised as ransomware but ultimately designed to destroy data. The main lesson from NotPetya was the critical need to segment networks and control administrative tool usage to limit an attacker’s lateral movement.
• SolarWinds SUNBURST (2020): Sophisticated attackers compromised the SolarWinds Orion Platform, using the trusted software update to deploy a backdoor that leveraged PowerShell for command execution and data exfiltration. This supply chain attack highlighted the importance of behavioral monitoring and anomaly detection, as the malicious activity blended in with legitimate network traffic.
• HAFNIUM Exchange Server Attacks (2021): This state-sponsored group exploited vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Servers to deploy web shells, which then used built-in system tools to dump credentials and move laterally. The incident emphasized the necessity of prompt patching for internet-facing systems and monitoring for suspicious processes spawned by web server services.
• APT29 (aka Nobelium/Cozy Bear): This advanced persistent threat group frequently uses WMI for persistence, creating malicious event subscriptions that trigger scripts without writing files to disk, making their presence extremely difficult to detect. Their tradecraft shows that deep monitoring of system event logs and WMI activity is essential for spotting highly sophisticated adversaries.

LOLDrivers: Living Off-the-Land Drivers

LOLDrivers, or Living Off the Land Drivers, represent a specialized LOTL technique where attackers abuse legitimate, signed kernel-mode drivers to carry out malicious actions. Instead of using a malicious driver that would be flagged by security software, they exploit vulnerabilities in trusted drivers—often from third-party hardware or software—that are already present or can be introduced to the system without suspicion. Common abuse cases include escalating privileges to the kernel level, terminating or disabling security tools like EDR and antivirus from a position of ultimate authority, and directly reading memory to steal credentials. Detecting this activity requires more than just file scanning; it involves monitoring for the loading of known-vulnerable drivers and using behavioral analysis to spot suspicious kernel-level API calls or process manipulations that deviate from the driver’s normal function.

How LOTL Attacks Work

LOTL attacks work by exploiting trusted system tools and applications to evade detection. Attackers use preexisting vulnerabilities and weaknesses in these tools to execute malicious code and maintain persistence on the system.

Exploiting Trusted System Tools

LOTL attacks heavily rely on exploiting trusted system tools, such as PowerShell, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), and command-line interfaces. Attackers use these tools to execute commands, modify system configurations, and perform other tasks without alerting users or security systems. Because these tools are trusted by users, attackers can easily blend in with legitimate users and avoid detection.

Leveraging Preexisting Vulnerabilities

LOTL attacks can also leverage preexisting vulnerabilities within the target system. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information or execute commands on the system. Because these vulnerabilities already exist within the system, attackers do not need to create them from scratch or use complex hacking techniques. Instead, they can simply use a known vulnerability to gain access.

Hiding Malicious Code Within Benign Files

Finally, LOTL attacks can involve hiding malicious code within benign files. Attackers can, for example, embed malicious code within trusted file types, such as PDFs or Word documents, and trick users into downloading or opening them. Once the user opens the file, the embedded code executes and gives the attacker access to the system. This type of attack is known as a fileless attack because it does not require the attacker to install any software on the target system.

Why LOTL Attacks Remain a Go-To Tactic for Threat Actors

One of the primary strategic advantages of LOTL attacks is stealth. By using native, signed system binaries like PowerShell, WMI, or `rundll32.exe`, attackers can bypass traditional, signature-based security tools like antivirus software. These tools see legitimate processes being executed and do not raise alarms, allowing adversaries to operate undetected for extended periods. This method also directly counters application allow-listing (whitelisting) policies, as the tools being used are almost always on the pre-approved list. Furthermore, this approach significantly reduces the adversary’s operational costs and development time, as they do not need to create custom malware from scratch. These factors are especially appealing to advanced persistent threat (APT) groups, whose missions depend on long-term, low-and-slow infiltration to achieve espionage goals. Similarly, ransomware operators leverage LOTL for rapid post-exploitation movement and credential harvesting, enabling them to escalate privileges and deploy their payloads across a network before defenders can react.

Tools Used by Cybercriminals in LOTL Attacks

The following tools are commonly used by attackers in various cyberattacks, including LOTL attacks. They provide a wide range of capabilities, including network scanning, remote execution, password cracking, and exploitation of vulnerabilities. These tools are often used in combination to gather information, gain access to systems, and maintain persistence on the target network. The use of these tools requires a high level of technical skill and knowledge, and they are also popular among security professionals for penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.

Tool	How It Is Used for LOTL Attacks
PowerShell	PowerShell is a scripting language and command shell that is used in LOTL attacks to execute commands on the target system and automate various tasks. Attackers can use PowerShell to download and execute malicious code, bypass security controls, and evade detection.
Metasploit Framework	The Metasploit Framework is a popular tool used in LOTL attacks for penetration testing and exploitation of vulnerabilities. It provides a range of modules that can be used to identify and exploit weaknesses in systems, including remote code execution and privilege escalation.
Mimikatz	Mimikatz is a powerful hacking tool used in LOTL attacks for extracting plaintext passwords, hashes, and other sensitive information from the Windows operating system. Attackers can use Mimikatz to obtain credentials and gain access to other systems on the network.
Cobalt Strike	Cobalt Strike is a penetration testing tool that is often used in LOTL attacks to simulate advanced persistent threats (APTs) and conduct red team assessments. It provides a range of features, including command-and-control (C2) servers, payload generation, and post-exploitation tools.
Nmap	Nmap is a network mapping and port scanning tool used in LOTL attacks to identify open ports, services, and vulnerabilities on target systems. It can be used to gather information about the network topology, identify potential attack vectors, and fingerprint operating systems and applications.
Wireshark	Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer used in LOTL attacks to capture and analyze network traffic. It can be used to identify communication patterns, identify vulnerable services, and extract sensitive information from network packets.
Netcat	Netcat is a versatile networking tool used in LOTL attacks for TCP/IP socket programming. It can be used to establish connections, transfer files, and execute remote commands on target systems.
Aircrack-ng	Aircrack-ng is a suite of tools used in LOTL attacks for testing and cracking wireless network security. It can be used to capture packets, perform brute-force attacks, and crack encryption keys to gain unauthorized access to wireless networks.
John the Ripper	John the Ripper is a password cracking tool used in LOTL attacks for testing password strength and cracking password hashes. It supports a range of hash types and can be used to identify weak or vulnerable passwords.
Hashcat	Hashcat is a password cracking tool used in LOTL attacks for testing and cracking password hashes. It supports a wide range of hashing algorithms and can be used for brute-force attacks, dictionary attacks, and rule-based attacks to crack passwords and gain unauthorized access to systems and accounts.

How to Detect LOTL Attacks

Detecting LOTL attacks can be challenging because attackers use trusted system tools and existing vulnerabilities to avoid detection. There are, however, some strategies that organizations can use to detect and prevent these attacks. For example, monitoring system logs and network traffic can help detect unusual or suspicious activity. Additionally, using endpoint detection and response (EDR) security software can help detect and respond to LOTL attacks in real time. Regular vulnerability scanning and patching can also help prevent attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities within the system.

The Impact of LOTL Attacks

The impact of LOTL attacks can be significant, ranging from data theft to complete system compromise. These attacks can result in the loss of sensitive information, business disruption, financial loss, and damage to an organization’s reputation. Real-life examples of LOTL attacks include the Petya and NotPetya attacks in 2017. These attacks caused significant damage to businesses and organizations worldwide. They were a type of ransomware that encrypted the victim’s files and demanded payment in exchange for the decryption key. However, unlike traditional ransomware attacks, the Petya and NotPetya malware spread rapidly through networks using multiple infection vectors, including exploiting vulnerable software. NotPetya was particularly damaging, as it was disguised as ransomware but was actually designed to destroy data on infected machines. These attacks were estimated to have caused losses of billions of dollars globally and served as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity practices. The economic consequences of LOTL attacks can be severe, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources to recover from such attacks.

How to Prevent Living-Off-the-Land (LOTL) Attacks

LOTL attacks are crucial for organizations to maintain the integrity and security of their sensitive information. These attacks can be difficult to detect and can cause significant damage. Implementing certain measures, however, can help reduce the risk of LOTL attacks. These measures include:

Limit the Use of Scripting Languages

LOTL attacks rely on the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code. Limiting the use of scripting languages or implementing strict controls can reduce the risk of these attacks.

Monitor System Activity

Implement a robust system for monitoring system activity and access to files. This can help detect unusual access patterns that could be indicative of an LOTL attack.

Update Software Regularly

Regular software updates can patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited by LOTL attacks. Make sure that all software and applications used within the organization are regularly updated to the latest version.

Implement Least-privilege Access Controls

Limiting access to sensitive data and resources can help reduce the risk of LOTL attacks. Implement a least-privilege access control policy, which can help ensure that users only have access to the data and resources they need to perform their job functions.

Implement Strong User Authentication

Strong user authentication measures, such as multi-factor authentication, can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and resources.

Educate Users

Users can unwittingly introduce vulnerabilities into the system by downloading malicious software or clicking on phishing links. Regular employee training can help educate users on good security practices and reduce the likelihood of LOTL attacks.

Recovering From an LOTL Breach: Post-Incident Steps

• Isolate and Contain: Immediately disconnect compromised systems from the network to prevent the threat from spreading. This includes disabling affected user accounts and blocking communication with known malicious IP addresses or domains.
• Perform Forensic Analysis: Engage a digital forensics team to analyze affected systems. The goal is to identify the specific LOTL techniques used, trace the attacker’s activities, determine the full scope of the breach, and identify what data, if any, was accessed or exfiltrated.
• Eradicate the Threat: Once the attacker’s methods are understood, remove all malicious artifacts. This involves resetting all compromised credentials, deleting persistence mechanisms like malicious scheduled tasks or registry keys, and ensuring no backdoors remain.
• Patch, Harden, and Restore: Apply all relevant security patches for exploited vulnerabilities. Reconfigure systems to be more secure by disabling unused services and enforcing stricter PowerShell execution policies, then safely restore data from clean backups to rebuilt systems.
• Communicate and Report: Follow your incident response plan’s communication protocol. Notify internal stakeholders, legal counsel, and, if necessary, regulatory bodies and affected customers in accordance with data breach notification laws.
• Conduct a Lessons-Learned Review: After the immediate crisis is over, conduct a post-mortem analysis. Evaluate what security controls failed and which succeeded, then use these insights to update your security policies, tools, and defenses to prevent a similar incident in the future.

Protect Sensitive Content From LOTL Attacks With Kiteworks

The Kiteworks Private Content Network (PCN) is a secure platform for businesses and organizations to share, collaborate, and manage sensitive content. With the increase in sophistication of living-off-the-land (LOTL) attacks, companies must be vigilant in protecting their sensitive content from being exploited. LOTL attacks involve hackers using legitimate tools already present within the system to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Kiteworks has unique features and capabilities that make it a valuable asset in guarding against these attacks.

Kiteworks provides end-to-end encryption of all content during transmission and storage, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the information. In addition, the platform has a robust, granular access control system that allows organizations to manage access to their content at a granular level. This helps to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to specific pieces of information, reducing the risk of unauthorized access that can lead to data leaks, theft, and data breaches.

Kiteworks provides a robust auditing and reporting system that tracks and logs all activities within the platform. This provides complete, comprehensive visibility into who accessed, modified, or shared sensitive data, making it easier to demonstrate compliance and detect and respond to any malicious activity.

Kiteworks also has integrated data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities that prevent sensitive content like customer records, financial information, and intellectual property from leaving the organization. Kiteworks’ backup and disaster recovery (BDR) capabilities provide organizations with peace of mind by ensuring that their content is secure and recoverable in the event of a disaster or data loss. The platform provides daily backups of all content stored on the platform, ensuring that organizations can quickly recover their data in the event of an unexpected outage or cyberattack.

To learn more about Kiteworks and how the Private Content Network can help you protect your organization’s most sensitive content, contact us today to schedule a demo.

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