HTML smuggling
Prevent this sophisticated evasion technique using seemingly benign HTML files to deliver malware and bypass traditional detection.
Seemingly benign HTML files deliver malicious code
HTML smuggling embeds malicious code within seemingly benign HTML files, making it hard for traditional email filters to detect. Instead of attaching malware directly to an email, attackers embed JavaScript or encoded data within an HTML file, which only becomes active when the user opens the file in their browser.
Security solutions often miss these files, focusing on known threats like malicious attachments or links. By relying on the user's browser to assemble and execute the payload, HTML smuggling also bypasses network security tools like sandbox analysis and antivirus software.
Detect and block HTML smuggling with xorlab
xorlab analyzes HTML files and scripts to identify potentially dangerous features, leveraging sender-recipient relationships and history to detect attempts to smuggle malicious code through attachments.
The platform flags high-risk emails with unusual attachments or hidden code that triggers downloads or other risky actions upon opening and blocks them before delivery.
Obfuscation
Attackers hide malicious code within HTML or JavaScript to bypass security filters.
Delayed Execution
Payloads are triggered upon file opening only, making them hard to detect at email gateway level.
Multi-stage Delivery
The initial HTML file acts as a dropper, downloading additional malware.
Bypass of Network-Based Defenses
As the attack is triggered in the user's browser, network security tools like sandboxes are often bypassed.
Blending with Legitimate Content
HTML files appear benign and blend with legitimate emails, increasing the likelihood of a successful attack.
Ciso Guide
Explore our ebook about smarter email security – an attacker-centric, proactive approach.
Blog
HTML smuggling: How malicious actors use JavaScript and HTML to fly under the radar.
Attack simulation
Stress test your email security with our realistic email attack simulation.
