Adversaries may abuse SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs to proxy execution of malicious PowerShell commands. SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs is a Visual Basic script associated with how Windows virtualizes applications (Microsoft Application Virtualization, or App-V).^[1] For example, Windows may render Win32 applications to users as virtual applications, allowing users to launch and interact with them as if they were installed locally.^[2],[3]

The SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs script is legitimate, may be signed by Microsoft, and is commonly executed from \System32 through the command line via wscript.exe.^[4],[5]

Adversaries may abuse SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs to bypass PowerShell execution restrictions and evade defensive counter measures by "living off the land."^[6],[4] Proxying execution may function as a trusted/signed alternative to directly invoking powershell.exe.^[7]

For example, PowerShell commands may be invoked using:^[5]

SyncAppvPublishingServer.vbs "n; {PowerShell}"

References

1. SEONGSU PARK. (2022, December 27). BlueNoroff introduces new methods bypassing MoTW. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
2. Microsoft. (2022, November 3). Getting started with App-V for Windows client. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
3. Raj Chandel. (2022, March 17). Indirect Command Execution: Defense Evasion (T1202). Retrieved February 6, 2024.
4. John Fokker. (2022, March 17). Suspected DarkHotel APT activity update. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
5. Nick Landers, Casey Smith. (n.d.). /Syncappvpublishingserver.vbs. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
6. Strontic. (n.d.). SyncAppvPublishingServer.exe. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
7. Nick Landers. (2017, August 8). Need a signed alternative to Powershell.exe? SyncAppvPublishingServer in Win10 has got you covered.. Retrieved September 12, 2024.

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