Malicious AutoHotkey Script Execution From ProgramData (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.005Visual Basic
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects AutoHotkey.exe running an .ahk script from a subdirectory of C:\ProgramData which the DarkGate loader uses to execute its interpreted payload after a template injection chain. Abusing the legitimate AutoHotkey interpreter to run scripts from a staging directory evades script host controls and hides malicious logic.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious AutoHotkey Script Execution From ProgramData (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1059.005 · 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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