Malicious Registry Run Key Persistence via AHealthDB by Stately Taurus

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
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 AHealthDB that launches SmadavProtect32.exe, matching the persistence mechanism used by Stately Taurus in cyberespionage against the Philippines government reported by Unit 42. The actor masquerades a Run entry to auto-start a sideloading host at logon which maintains footholds for espionage.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious Registry Run Key Persistence via AHealthDB by Stately Taurus

Pivot detection · T1547.001 · 9 related

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