MITRE ATT&CKsub-technique
T1027.017 SVG Smuggling
- Domain
- enterprise
- Tactics
- Stealth
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Windows
- Version
- 2.0
- Created
- 2025-03-25
Description
Adversaries may smuggle data and files past content filters by hiding malicious payloads inside of seemingly benign SVG files. SVGs, or Scalable Vector Graphics, are vector-based image files constructed using XML. As such, they can legitimately include `` tags that enable adversaries to include malicious JavaScript payloads. However, SVGs may appear less suspicious to users than other types of executable files, as they are often treated as image files.
SVG smuggling can take a number of forms. For example, threat actors may include content that:
• Assembles malicious payloads
• Downloads malicious payloads
• Redirects users to malicious websites
• Displays interactive content to users, such as fake login forms and download buttons.
SVG Smuggling may be used in conjunction with HTML Smuggling where an SVG with a malicious payload is included inside an HTML file. SVGs may also be included in other types of documents, such as PDFs.
Related
Subtechnique of · MITRE ATT&CK (1)
- T1027 Obfuscated Files or Information technique
Tactic · MITRE ATT&CK (1)
- TA0005 Stealth tactic
Referenced by MITRE ATT&CK · mitigates (1)
- M1048 Application Isolation and Sandboxing mitigation
Referenced by Compliance · mitigates (1)
- CIS-9.7 Deploy and Maintain Email Server Anti-Malware Protections CIS Safeguard v8.1
References
- https://blog.talosintelligence.com/html-smugglers-turn-to-svg-images/ Talos SVG Smuggling 2022
- https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/pixel-perfect-trap-the-surge-of-svg-borne-phishing-attacks/ Trustwave SVG Smuggling 2025
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/phishing-emails-increasingly-use-svg-attachments-to-evade-detection/ Bleeping Computer SVG Smuggling 2024
- https://cofense.com/blog/svg-files-abused-in-emerging-campaigns/ Cofense SVG Smuggling 2024