TA0005 · DEFENSE EVASION
Reflective Code Loading
Adversaries may reflectively load code into a process in order to conceal the execution of malicious payloads.
Detect it with
Monitor for code artifacts associated with reflectively loading code, such as the abuse of .NET functions such as Assembly.Load() and Native API functions such as CreateThread() , memfd_create() , execve() , and/or execveat() . Monitor for artifacts of abnormal process execution.
Why it matters on shift
Reflective Code Loading is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve defense evasion. Recognising it in telemetry lets you name the technique in your ticket and pivot to what came before and after.
What to look for next
After defense evasion, the next tactic is usually Credential Access. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context