Malicious Ransomware Payload Execution via HWP Word Processor Spawning Executable from Temp

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Impact

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1204.002Malicious File
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
- T1486Data Encrypted for Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the Hancom HWP word processor spawning an executable file from the user AppData Local Temp directory, a behavior observed in an EDR-analyzed ransomware campaign delivered through malicious HWP documents. It captures the initial code-execution stage where a lure document drops and launches a payload leading to file encryption. Detecting this parent-child anomaly is important because office document processors should not launch arbitrary executables from temporary folders.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious Ransomware Payload Execution via HWP Word Processor Spawning Executable from Temp

Pivot detection · T1204.002 · 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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