PDF_Launch_Function

YARA detection rule by InQuest Labs · GPL-2.0

This signature detects the launch function within a PDF file. This function allows a document author to attach an executable file.

rule PDF_Launch_Function {
  meta:
    author         = "InQuest Labs"
    description    = "This signature detects the launch function within a PDF file. This function allows a document author to attach an executable file."
    created_date   = "2022-03-15"
    updated_date   = "2022-03-15"
    blog_reference = "http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/PDF-launch-feature-abused-to-carry-zeuszbot/"
    labs_reference = "N/A"
    labs_pivot     = "N/A"
    samples        = "c2f2d1de6bf973b849725f1069c649ce594a907c1481566c0411faba40943ee5"

  strings:
    $pdf_header = "%PDF-"
    $launch     = "/Launch" nocase

  condition:
    $pdf_header in (0..1024) and $launch

}

[[ currentRule.title && currentRule.title.length > 60 ? currentRule.title.slice(0, 60) + '…' : currentRule.title ]]

ab1b63b0-d825-4070-a4b4-28320a159b58

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Executable code, not a declarative rule

This submission is arbitrary [[ currentRule.format ? currentRule.format.toUpperCase() : '' ]] code, not a declarative detection rule — review it as you would any script before running it, and note that it cannot be safely aggregated or auto-executed alongside YARA/Sigma/Suricata/CRS rules.

Rejected pattern present

[[ reason ]]

What does this mean?

Format & documentation suggestions

Not a security issue — this rule is valid and was accepted as-is. These are optional fields/conventions its own format recommends, mainly affecting its quality score and how well it documents itself for other reviewers.

[[ reason ]]

What do these messages mean?

[[ currentRule.title && currentRule.title.length > 60 ? currentRule.title.slice(0, 60) + '…' : currentRule.title ]]

[[ currentRule.title ]]

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