Malicious MuddyRot Payload Drop in ProgramData SoftwareMemory Directory

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1547Boot or Logon Autostart Execution
Priv Esc
- T1547Boot or Logon Autostart Execution
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of documentsmanagerreporter.exe inside a softwarememory folder under ProgramData, the staging path used by the MuddyWater MuddyRot implant during installation. Writing this specific file marks the initial deployment of the backdoor before persistence and C2 are established. Early detection at the drop stage allows containment before execution.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious MuddyRot Payload Drop in ProgramData SoftwareMemory Directory

Pivot detection · T1547 · 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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