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
- DET0031 Invalid Code Signature Execution Detection via Metadata and Behavioral Context
Data components: Process Creation, File Metadata, Command Execution, File Modification
Mitigations (1)
- M1045 Code Signing
Require signed binaries.
Groups (3)
Software (8)
- S0019 Regin
- S0128 BADNEWS
- S0198 NETWIRE
- S0466 WindTail
- S0666 Gelsemium
- S1050 PcShare
- S1234 SplatCloak
- S9050 Vidar
