Malicious axios NPM Supply Chain Persistence via MicrosoftUpdate Run Key

ATT&CK techniques

Initial Access → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
- T1195.002Compromise Software Supply Chain
Execution
Persistence
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Priv Esc
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of a Run key value named MicrosoftUpdate under the Windows CurrentVersion Run path, a persistence mechanism dropped by the trojanized axios npm packages through their postinstall setup.js script. The masquerading value name mimics a legitimate Microsoft update task while pointing to attacker second-stage code that beacons to sfrclak.com. Detecting this key is important because it establishes reboot-persistent execution of supply-chain malware on developer hosts.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange

Malicious Registry Run Key Persistence Masquerading as MicrosoftUpdate

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Named AppResolver (via registry_set)

Suspicious SystemBC Persistence via Run Key to ProgramData Script

Suspicious Interlock RAT Persistence via HKCU Run Key Registration to AppData Payload (via process_creation)

Suspicious SOCKS Proxy Persistence via SystemBC PowerShell Run Key

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Referencing PowerShell Script via registry_set

Malicious Startup Persistence via WindowsDefenderSync Shortcut (via file_event)

Malicious PXA Stealer Persistence via Windows Update Service Run Key (via registry_set)

Suspicious NetSupport client32 Persistence via Run Key from ProgramData

Malicious axios NPM Supply Chain Persistence via MicrosoftUpdate Run Key

Pivot detection · T1547.001 · 9 related

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