Welcome to the GhostDetect Lab walkthrough, a comprehensive analysis of a sophisticated phishing attack that was detected when an employee reported receiving a suspicious email attachment. This lab presents a challenging scenario that tests your ability to analyze potentially malicious files, understand how modern malware operates, and identify the techniques used by advanced threat actors to compromise systems. In this walkthrough, we'll examine a suspicious Windows shortcut (LNK) file and follow its execution chain through various stages of the attack. We'll uncover how the malware uses obfuscation and encryption to hide its true nature, analyze its communication with command and control servers, and trace the dropped files and execution techniques that enable its malicious activities. The investigation will require us to utilize a variety of analysis tools and techniques, including examining file properties, analyzing obfuscated code, understanding encryption methods, and connecting the technical evidence to identify the threat actors behind the attack. This comprehensive approach illustrates the multi-faceted nature of modern malware analysis and incident response.
As we progress through this walkthrough, we'll not only answer specific technical questions about the malware's functionality but also develop a deeper understanding of the sophisticated techniques employed by advanced persistent threat (APT) groups in their targeted operations. The insights gained from this analysis will enhance your ability to detect and respond to similar threats in the future.