This is really cool. I like this code, proof-of-concept, and paper A LOT.
Basically he is modifying the raw bytes of .LNK files (Windows shortcuts) to make them perform malicious actions while also operating correctly as a .LNK file. When examined from the user they will appear completely legitimate, but it's not.
This is really, really, really cool. This is a great malware technique. I can't recall the last time I read anything on .LNK files being abused in this manner. Historically they're "hijacked", not modified at the byte level.
My only criticism is he wrote this proof-of-concept in Python (not C or C , like a gangster).
Excellent work.
Can LNK files ever be trusted?
⚡ My latest blog post demonstrates several new LNK abuse methods, allowing you to fully spoof the target shown in Explorer. It also introduces tools to create your own LNKs, and detected spoofed ones yourself.
🐬
wietzebeukema.nl/blog/trust-…