Serious Discussion How likely is it for malware to execute on its own?

[gfgtkitkat34]

How likely is it for malware to execute on its own?

1. Hi there, How likely is it for malware to execute by itself and infect a latest Win 11 system? (Without user interaction and just being there).

• I understand that there are zero days for everything, but in this case let's assume that no one wants to hack the user with a brand new exploit.
• And also let's consider that the user downloaded this file from a cloud storage, and he didn't get it from a USB drive.

1. What are the chances of an executable file, such as .exe or .bat, harming a device without the user ignorantly opening them?

Much appreciated.

 

[Bot]

Malware typically requires some form of user interaction to execute, such as opening a file or clicking a link. However, it's not impossible for it to execute on its own, especially if there are system vulnerabilities. In your scenario, assuming a fully updated Win 11 system and no zero-day exploits, the likelihood is relatively low. The chances of an .exe or .bat file causing harm without being opened are also low, but not zero. Always practice safe browsing and download habits to minimize risk.

 

[Bot]

Are there any instance of this happening to a regular user first? I'm just curious. All I see on the internet are high value targeted attacks and attacks on corporations and such.

While high-value targets and corporations are often the focus of news stories, regular users can and do get targeted by malware. However, it's less common for malware to execute on its own without any user interaction on a fully updated system. Most instances involve some form of user action, like clicking a malicious link or downloading a suspicious file.

 

[Victor M]

The file could be destined for the Startup folder within the Start Menu, that's one way that malware can auto start. Or it could be downloaded and added to a autorun registry, see Autoruns - Sysinternals . You don't need to interact with them, and they will run.

New exploits are sold on the blackmarket. They do circulate. That no hacker would use new exploits is a myth. And there is no risk to attacking a home user, what's he going to do - report to the FBI ? They got their hands full already.

 

[gfgtkitkat34]

The file could be destined for the Startup folder within the Start Menu, that's one way that malware can auto start. Or it could be downloaded and added to a autorun registry, see Autoruns - Sysinternals . You don't need to interact with them, and they will run.

New exploits are sold on the blackmarket. They do circulate. That no hacker would use new exploits is a myth.

I guess at this point no sense in thinking that Antivirus will save you by conflicting with the process.

 

[Victor M]

I guess at this point no sense in thinking that Antivirus will save you by conflicting with the process.

Don't understand you - what do you mean "conflicting with the process". ?

 

[gfgtkitkat34]

The file could be destined for the Startup folder within the Start Menu, that's one way that malware can auto start.

Shouldn't startup items need your pc to restart or am I missing something? In any case thanks for your reply Victor M.

 

[gfgtkitkat34]

Don't understand you - what do you mean "conflicting with the process". ?

Trying to block the malicious payload and its processes. AV like Kaspersky usually does have good behavior capability.

 

[lokamoka820]

What are the chances of an executable file, such as .exe or .bat, harming a device without the user ignorantly opening them?

Executable files need user interaction to harm a device, actually most infections are because of the habits of users more than the security software, examples of good practices are:

• Keep your system and software up to date.
• Have a good secure browser with a good ad blocker, a security extension.
• Download executables from their official websites and if you want you can check them on virustotal to be more sure they are safe.
• Check your startup locations with a startup manager to see if there are something added you don't recognize or leftover from previously removed software.
• Check your system with second opinion scanner in case your main security software miss something.

 

[Victor M]

Kaspersky usually does have good behavior capability.

Yes antimalware should know these tricks - they are old techniques. But I believe they are still used.

 

[lokamoka820]

If you are curious about startup items specifically and want a good startup manager with a lot of features, you can use Autorun Organizer, it will help you understand everything running in your device and its location and if it is safe or not, and it will notify you about every startup item added to the system too.

Autorun Organizer 5.46: Free Windows Boot Acceleration

Autorun Organizer 5.46 - Free Advanced Startup Manager for Windows

www.chemtable.com

 

[gfgtkitkat34]

If you are curious about startup items specifically and want a good startup manager with a lot of features, you can use Autorun Organizer, it will help you understand everything running in your device and its location and if it is safe or not, and it will notify you about every startup item added to the system too.

Autorun Organizer 5.46: Free Windows Boot Acceleration

Autorun Organizer 5.46 - Free Advanced Startup Manager for Windows

www.chemtable.com

Is it open source? I have a hard time get myself to install anything that either with large userbase or open source. Just silly paranoia.

Thanks lokamoka820.

 

[lokamoka820]

No not open source, it is free proprietary software, and it doesn't have a large user base.

 

[brambedkar59]

it will notify you about every startup item added to the system too.

Doesn't win 11 already do that for you? I have seen notifications when installing driver about something added to startup item.

 

[oldschool]

Doesn't win 11 already do that for you? I have seen notifications when installing driver about something added to startup item.

Indeed. Settings > System > Notifications > Startup App Notification

 

[simmerskool]

If you are curious about startup items specifically and want a good startup manager with a lot of features, you can use Autorun Organizer, it will help you understand everything running in your device and its location and if it is safe or not, and it will notify you about every startup item added to the system too.

Autorun Organizer 5.46: Free Windows Boot Acceleration

Autorun Organizer 5.46 - Free Advanced Startup Manager for Windows

www.chemtable.com

fwiw_fyi this link would not open for me...

 

[Victor M]

Try this: https://files.chemtable.com/ao/autorun-organizer-setup.exe

 

[BulletKnowledge]

fwiw_fyi this link would not open for me...

Curious the link work for me.
A good software a like to use for checking the autorun

 

[harlan4096]

Indeed. Settings > System > Notifications > Startup App Notification

But I think that one not covers other techniques to get execution in StartUp , for example, using the Windows Scheduler...

There is also SysInternals AutoRuns app (also with VirusTotal checking), You can install the full free suite via Microsoft Store.

 

[lokamoka820]

Doesn't win 11 already do that for you? I have seen notifications when installing driver about something added to startup item.

Not really, it will notify you about startups for new installed software, but Autorun Organizer will notify you about anything will be added even for already installed software, for example: windows scheduled cleanups that run once monthly or weekly, Revo Uninstaller script to complete the leftover removal after restart, PrivaZer jobs after cleanup, etc.

fwiw_fyi this link would not open for me...

It works for me, what do you get when you open it?