ClickFix: The Fake CAPTCHA Trap
The ClickFix social engineering technique uses dialogue boxes containing fake error messages to trick victims into copying, pasting, and running malicious content. In this scenario, a user was targeted with a 'Verify You Are Human' CAPTCHA check that led to a significant endpoint compromise. You will analyze the 'paste-and-run' execution chain, investigate PowerShell activity initiated via the Windows Run dialog, and identify the deployment of an information stealer.
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Investigation Tasks
Complete each task by investigating alerts and submitting your findings.
The ClickFix Trap
5Understand the ClickFix social engineering technique before diving into the investigation.
Identifying the Malicious Library
10Examine the XDR file artifacts from corp-wks-102 to identify the malicious DLL loaded during the attack.
Tracing the Payload Source
10Analyze SIEM network logs to identify the external IP address from which the malicious payload was downloaded.
Command and Control Channel
10Identify the C2 IP address used for data exfiltration by correlating XDR process tree and firewall evidence.
Containment and Lessons Learned
5Review the complete attack chain and understand the remediation steps for a ClickFix compromise.
5 tasks · 40 points total
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Skills You'll Build
Ideal for newcomers to SOC operations. Guided investigation with clear indicators.
Prerequisites
- No prior experience required
- Familiarity with SIEM concepts
- Familiarity with XDR concepts
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