New Obex Tools Blocks Runtime Loading of EDR Dynamic Libraries
Obex is a proof-of-concept tool developed by security researcher dis0rder0x00. It provides a user-mode method to prevent unwanted security and monitoring modules from loading into Windows processes.
Obex is a proof-of-concept tool developed by security researcher dis0rder0x00. It provides a user-mode method to prevent unwanted security and monitoring modules from loading into Windows processes.
The tool operates by launching a target process under debugger control and enforcing a configurable DLL blocklist, which stops both startup and runtime loads of specified libraries.
Obex demonstrates its capability by spawning PowerShell while ensuring that amsi.dll is not mapped, highlighting its effectiveness in bypassing in-process inspections.
Process Debug Control: Initiates processes with arguments under debug control, allowing early module load interception. Configurable DLL Blocking: Enables blocking of a customizable list of DLLs by name, allowing targeted prevention of certain modules. Dual-Phase Protection: Provides protection for both startup DLLs and dynamically loaded DLLs through LoadLibrary functions. Zero Dependencies: Developed in plain C with no external dependencies, ensuring a minimal footprint. Case-Insensitive Matching: Matches DLL names without regard to case, enhancing reliability across different naming conventions. Default Blocklist: Automatically blocks amsi.dll if no custom DLL list is provided. Real-time Blocking: Intercepts and prevents module loads in real-time during process execution. Verification Support: Offers evidence of blocked modules through process module enumeration.
Obex is a proof-of-concept tool developed by security researcher dis0rder0x00.
Obex highlights potential vulnerabilities in defenses relying solely on user-mode hooks or mandatory in-process inspections. By preventing specific DLLs from loading, it enables evasion of telemetry and undermines detection rules that rely on those modules.
Enhancing kernel-mode protections, such as enforcing library load integrity or hardening AMSI integrations, can provide more resilient defenses. Additionally, EDR vendors should verify behavior when core components are absent and escalate integrity alerts accordingly.
Obex underscores the importance of defense-in-depth strategies that extend beyond user-mode instrumentation to ensure robust visibility and control.
Based on reporting by GBHackers.
