MalwareBleeping Computer
4.0 — MEDIUM
New GhostLock tool abuses Windows API to block file access
A security researcher has released a proof-of-concept tool named GhostLock that demonstrates how a legitimate Windows file API can be abused in attacks to block access to files stored locally or on SMB network shares. [...]
🤖 AI BriefingAuto-generated threat analysis
🔍Threat Overview
GhostLock is a proof-of-concept tool that abuses the Windows API to block file access by opening files in exclusive mode, preventing other users or applications from accessing them. This technique can be used as a disruption attack to overwhelm IT staff while conducting malicious activity elsewhere in the environment.
⚙️Technical Details
💥Impact Assessment
Severity: Medium
Who Is at Risk
IT staff and users of affected systems
🛡️Recommended Actions
1Monitor file access requests and per-session open-file counts with ShareAccess = 0 at the file server layer
2Implement behavioral detection systems to identify large numbers of legitimate file open requests
3Regularly review SIEM queries and NDR detection rules for GhostLock-related activity
📦Affected Products
Product Name: WindowsAffected Software: SMB network shares and Windows file API
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