What is the first step in the process hollowing technique?

What is the first step in the process hollowing technique?

• A. Injecting the malicious code into memory
• B. Starting the target process in a suspended state
• C. Removing legitimate code from the executable
• D. Creating a remote thread to execute code

Answer: (B)

The first step in the process hollowing technique involves starting the target process in a suspended state. This is crucial because it allows an attacker to manipulate the target process without it executing its code prematurely. By suspending the process, the attacker can then access and modify the memory space of the target application, typically by removing the legitimate code and replacing it with malicious payloads. This manipulation ensures that the malicious code can run under the guise of a legitimate application, ultimately enabling the attacker to evade detection. Once the target process is suspended, the attacker can proceed with other steps, such as injecting malicious code and creating a remote thread to execute that code. However, the initial suspension of the process is essential to the hollowing technique, as it acts as a foundation for the subsequent modifications.

The first step in the process hollowing technique involves starting the target process in a suspended state. This is crucial because it allows an attacker to manipulate the target process without it executing its code prematurely. By suspending the process, the attacker can then access and modify the memory space of the target application, typically by removing the legitimate code and replacing it with malicious payloads. This manipulation ensures that the malicious code can run under the guise of a legitimate application, ultimately enabling the attacker to evade detection.

Once the target process is suspended, the attacker can proceed with other steps, such as injecting malicious code and creating a remote thread to execute that code. However, the initial suspension of the process is essential to the hollowing technique, as it acts as a foundation for the subsequent modifications.