You can automate tasks in apps or specific actions in online games at will, thanks to the existence of macro tools. However, not all of them deserve a thankful wish, since some of them may possess a silent threat.
Macro has existed even as far back as the 1980s, where it was used for automatically formatting screenplays and a variety of tasks. Nowadays, it can be seen used inside productivity apps like Microsoft Office or available as macro software for gaming.
Unfortunately, some of them can be malicious, and not all games allow players to use macros, as it violates the Terms of Service. Today, let’s find out what are macro tools and what the risks are that come from the malicious ones.
What Are Macro Tools?
Macro tools (or people usually just call it macro) are tools that can automate processes that are deemed to be repetitive. The ultimate reason behind this tool is to not waste time doing repetitive tasks and, instead, allow users to focus on meaningful tasks.
This tool works by recording keystrokes done with a mouse or keyboard, then replaying them with a single action triggered or set up by users. For the mouse, it also can record its movements, allowing users to automate even more complex tasks than usual.
So, what kind of tasks or actions can be automated? Just like the title suggests, there are few kinds of activities where macro is mostly used:
- Automating tasks in word processors and spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. These programs already have their own macro tool that lets users format paragraphs, merge/unmerge all cells, or sort based on specific criteria.
- Automating specific actions in online games. Macro tool for games allow players to automate grinding/farming a specific material, casting certain spells or combat actions, and other simple tasks that otherwise take forever to do.
- Automating web browsing tasks for web scraping. Macro tools can also be used to automate navigating specific websites, log-ins, or even extracting data from websites. The collected data then can be used for research or other needs.
How Macro Tools Threaten Gaming Integrity
Gaming integrity pushes fairness to all players by making sure they play and act according to the Terms of Service. To do this, some online games disallow the usage of macro-enabled tools since it is considered cheating.
For example, in a competitive environment, players can cheat by automating fighting combinations, automating spellcasting, and auto-reloading guns. This can threaten gaming integrity as it gives an advantage over fair players.
In MMORPGs, this is a well-known problem called “botting.” Botting can give a severe impact to the community, such as inflating the game’s world economy and disrupting the game experience for other players.
Risks for App Developers and Security Teams
It’s not just a mere threat, but macro-enabled tools are a risk that app developers and security teams need to mitigate. Ever since their first debut, these tools have had several risks that can harm individuals and organizations. Some of the risks include:
Macro-based Exploits in Apps
Macro is so useful that even one can attack the others by using its exploits. These macro-based exploits are commonly found in Microsoft Office documents that are delivered by an attacker. Here’s how it works:
- The attacker creates malicious macros and includes them in the document file. The codes embedded inside will be executed once the victim opened the file.
- The document file then will be delivered via email as attachments or other ways. The files will use deceptive names like invoice or legal document as a lure.
- Once the victim opens the document, the malicious macro will be executed, putting the system, network, and computer files at risk.
Fortunately, the recent Office versions block them by default. Even so, the threat actor can simply instruct or convince the victim to unblock it.
Circumventing Security Checks
Microsoft Windows has a common security system to check whether the document file is safe to open. This is known as Mark of the Web, which will ensure the macro that comes from an external source will never be executed by the remote system.
However, vulnerabilities from Windows systems can allow bad actors to bypass these security checks, letting VBA macros be executed on the victim’s computer. While it has been patched multiple times, future vulnerabilities may be used again to bypass.
Data Privacy and Abuse Concerns
Another issue with macro software, like macro recorder, is that it may have a major security hole or, in the worst-case scenario, malware. This malware can perform browser hijacking, cunning installation, and data tracking.
Other than data privacy issues, there are also abuse concerns regarding the use of macros in online games. Together, these two problems can bring a great risk to the app and game applications if left undetected.
Detection and Prevention Techniques Against Macro Tools
Over time, there has been a way to detect and prevent macro-based exploits or just usage of macros in general. These examples below are the common ways to do it:
- For macro-based attacks targeting document files, the common prevention technique is disabling the macro function in the word processors and spreadsheets. Windows Defender already has Endpoint Detection and Response as a means to detect VBA macros.
- For usage of macro tools in app & online games, developers or publishers will have to implement robust anti-cheat software. This program can monitor game clients and detect if an external program to automate tasks is being used.
Ready to Shield Your Platform from Silent Exploits?
Whether you have a platform for software applications or online games, you need better protection from these automated abuses. The better way of detecting and preventing macro software is by using user behavior analysis and device intelligence.
Keypaz, for example, leverages device intelligence to detect suspicious activity by capturing behavioral data from devices. If Keypaz detects the presence of a macro recorder or tool, it will block the device to ensure fairness and security for all users.
On top of that, Keypaz also has real-time rule orchestration, allowing companies to customize the rules based on their needs. As a result, you will have robust, adaptive, and scalable protection against silent exploits.
In conclusion, Keypaz is a perfect tool to strengthen your security against macro tools. Start your free trial or request a demo to try Keypaz’s real-time device intelligence now.