CAPEC Details
Name Replace File Extension Handlers
Likelyhood of attack Typical severity
Medium Very High
Summary When a file is opened, its file handler is checked to determine which program opens the file. File handlers are configuration properties of many operating systems. Applications can modify the file handler for a given file extension to call an arbitrary program when a file with the given extension is opened.
Prerequisites
Solutions Inspect registry for changes. Limit privileges of user accounts so changes to default file handlers can only be performed by authorized administrators.
Related Weaknesses
CWE ID Description
CWE-284 Improper Access Control
Related CAPECS
CAPEC ID Description
CAPEC-542 An adversary develops targeted malware that takes advantage of a known vulnerability in an organizational information technology environment. The malware crafted for these attacks is based specifically on information gathered about the technology environment. Successfully executing the malware enables an adversary to achieve a wide variety of negative technical impacts.
Taxonomy: ATTACK
Entry ID Entry Name
1546.001 Event Triggered Execution:Change Default File Association