FileFix, HTA, and MotW Bypass—The Alarming Evolution of HTML-Based Attacks

Daily Security Review

A newly disclosed exploit dubbed FileFix is redefining how attackers bypass Microsoft Windows' built-in security protections—specifically the Mark-of-the-Web (MotW) mechanism. Developed and detailed by security researcher mr.d0x, this attack takes advantage of how browsers save HTML files and how Windows handles HTA (HTML Application) files. The result? Malicious scripts can execute without warning, bypassing the very safeguards designed to flag untrusted code.

In this episode, we break down how FileFix works, why it’s effective, and what makes it uniquely dangerous. Unlike many malware campaigns, FileFix doesn’t rely on zero-day exploits or complex payloads—instead, it exploits the weakest link in the chain: human behavior.

Key topics include:

• Understanding FileFix Mechanics: How a simple rename from .html to .hta can convert a saved webpage into a launchpad for malicious code execution—without triggering MotW protections.
• Social Engineering at the Core: FileFix depends on user interaction. By designing convincing phishing lures, attackers guide users to unknowingly bypass their own defenses—a modern twist on old tricks.
• The Role of mshta.exe: This deprecated Windows binary remains powerful and dangerous. We examine how attackers use it to execute scripts and why defenders should consider disabling or removing it entirely.
• MotW Bypass Techniques: Beyond FileFix, we dive into container-based bypasses (.iso, .img), and how utilities and encoding tricks (e.g., RLO, double extensions, invisible Unicode) help malware evade detection.
• Masquerading and Human Blind Spots: From fake filenames like Invoice.pdf.exe to Unicode manipulation, attackers exploit user assumptions and default system behaviors to hide malware in plain sight.
• Detection and Mitigation Strategies: We offer a practical set of defenses:
  • Disable or restrict mshta.exe through AppLocker or WDAC
  • Block or quarantine .html, .htm, and .hta email attachments
  • Enable file extension visibility across endpoints
  • Train users to recognize suspicious file behaviors and social engineering lures
  • Implement behavioral detection—e.g., alert when mshta.exe spawns powershell.exe
• Why FileFix Matters Now: With the rise of AI-generated content and increasingly polished phishing infrastructure, low-tech, high-impact attacks like FileFix are gaining new relevance. The simpler the technique, the broader its reach.

As Windows continues to harden its systems, attackers are shifting focus to user-driven execution paths. FileFix exemplifies this shift—blending psychological manipulation with deep technical understanding of system behaviors. For defenders, the challenge is clear: technical controls must be matched by human-aware defenses.

This is a must-listen for enterprise defenders, SOC analysts, and red teamers tracking the latest in Windows exploitation tactics. If your security strategy still assumes technical exploitation is the biggest threat, FileFix is your wake-up call.