MITRE ATT&CK / Techniques / T1036.001

Masquerading: Invalid Code Signature

ID
T1036.001
Tactics
TA0005 Stealth
Sub-technique of
T1036 Masquerading
Platforms
macOS, Windows
Data sources
Process Creation, File Metadata, Command Execution, File Modification
Source
attack.mitre.org
MITRE last modified
12 Sep 2026

Adversaries may attempt to mimic features of valid code signatures to increase the chance of deceiving a user, analyst, or tool. Code signing provides a level of authenticity on a binary from the developer and a guarantee that the binary has not been tampered with. Adversaries can copy the metadata and signature information from a signed program, then use it as a template for an unsigned program. Files with invalid code signatures will fail digital signature validation checks, but they may appear more legitimate to users and security tools may improperly handle these files.[1]

Unlike Code Signing, this activity will not result in a valid signature.

Detection

Mitigations (1)

M1045 Code Signing

Require signed binaries.

Groups (3)

Software (8)

References

  1. Threatexpress MetaTwin 2017