Checking Screen Resolution

Created the Monday 11 March 2019. Updated 6 months, 2 weeks ago.

Sandbox environments typically do not function as standard user workspaces; as a result, they often maintain a minimum screen resolution of 800x600 or even lower. In practice, users seldom work with such limited screen dimensions. Malware may leverage this information, detecting the screen resolution to ascertain whether it is operating on a genuine user machine or within a sandbox environment.

Technique Identifiers

U1315 B0007.006

Technique Tags

sandbox environments standard user workspaces screen resolution 800x600 malware detection user machine

Featured Windows API's

Below, you will find a list of the most commonly used Windows API's that are currently utilized by malware authors for current evasion technique. This list is meant to provide an overview of the API's that are commonly used for this purpose. If there are any API's that you feel should be included on this list, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to update the list and provide any additional information or documentation that may be helpful.

Code Snippets

#include "wtypes.h"
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

/*
1024x768 can be used for automated Sandbox
800x600 can be used for automated Sandbox
640x480 can be used for automated Sandbox
1024x697
1280x800
1280x960
1680x1050
1916x1066
*/

void GetResolution(int& horiz, int& verti)
{
   RECT desktop;
   const HWND hDesktop = GetDesktopWindow();
   GetWindowRect(hDesktop, &desktop);
   horiz = desktop.right;
   verti = desktop.bottom;
}

int main()
{
   int horiz = 0;
   int verti = 0;
   GetResolution(horiz, verti);

   if(horiz < 1024)
   {
      cout << "[!] Looks like you run in a sandbox!"<< '\n';
   }

   cout << "[+] Screen resolution: "<< horiz << "x" << verti << '\n';
   return 0;
}

package main

import (
	"fmt"
	"syscall"
	"time"
)

var (
	user32               = syscall.NewLazyDLL("user32.dll")
	procGetSystemMetrics = user32.NewProc("GetSystemMetrics")
)

func getScreenResolution() {
	indexX := uintptr(0)
	indexY := uintptr(1)
	x, _, _ := procGetSystemMetrics.Call(indexX)
	y, _, _ := procGetSystemMetrics.Call(indexY)
	fmt.Println("X = ", x, " Y = ", y)
	// Modify the screen size as you want !
	if x < 1024 || y < 768 {
		fmt.Println("Sandbox Detected !")
	}
}

func main() {
	getScreenResolution()
	time.Sleep(time.Second * 10)
}
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Additional Resources

External Links

The resources provided below are associated links that will give you even more detailed information and research on current evasion technique. It is important to note that, while these resources may be helpful, it is important to exercise caution when following external links. As always, be careful when clicking on links from unknown sources, as they may lead to malicious content.

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