Malicious PDF Editor Update Script Execution via PowerShell (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.001PowerShell
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects PowerShell executing the named update scripts used by the trojanized PDF editor cluster (ConvertMate and PDFClick) that infiltrated environments through malicious ads. Adversaries run these scripts to register scheduled tasks and pull further payloads, making execution of the specific update script names a direct campaign indicator.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious PDF Editor Update Script Execution via PowerShell (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1059.001 · 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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