In-Memory Remote HTA Execution via mshta Consistent with Emmenthal Loader (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1218.005Mshta
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects mshta.exe launched with an http or https argument, the signed-binary proxy execution used by the Emmenthal loader in the Lumma Stealer CAPTCHA-chaos campaign to fetch and run a remote HTA that decodes an in-memory PowerShell payload. Adversaries leverage mshta to retrieve remote script content while bypassing application controls, making early detection critical for catching the loader before Lumma Stealer is executed.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Mshta Execution From AppData Directory

Malicious mshta Inline JavaScript GetObject Scriptlet Execution

Malicious DLL Written to User Directory by mshta

Suspicious Remote HTA Execution via Mshta (via process_creation)

Suspicious .NET Utility Spawned by Script Host for Process Hollowing

In-Memory Remote HTA Execution via mshta Consistent with Emmenthal Loader (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1218.005 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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