Adversaries may use MSBuild to proxy execution of code through a trusted Windows utility. MSBuild.exe (Microsoft Build Engine) is a software build platform used by Visual Studio. It handles XML formatted project files that define requirements for loading and building various platforms and configurations.^[1]

Adversaries can abuse MSBuild to proxy execution of malicious code. The inline task capability of MSBuild that was introduced in .NET version 4 allows for C# or Visual Basic code to be inserted into an XML project file.^[1],[2] MSBuild will compile and execute the inline task. MSBuild.exe is a signed Microsoft binary, so when it is used this way it can execute arbitrary code and bypass application control defenses that are configured to allow MSBuild.exe execution.^[3]

References

1. Microsoft. (n.d.). MSBuild1. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
2. Microsoft. (2017, September 21). MSBuild inline tasks. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
3. LOLBAS. (n.d.). Msbuild.exe. Retrieved July 31, 2019.

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