Malicious Scheduled Task Running rundll32 w32analytics (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1053.005Scheduled Task
Persistence
- T1053.005Scheduled Task
Priv Esc
- T1053.005Scheduled Task
Defense Evasion
- T1218.011Rundll32
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of a scheduled task named w32analytics that executes rundll32 against w32analytics.dll, a persistence mechanism observed in recent unusual malware analyzed by Unit 42. Combining scheduled task persistence with rundll32 proxy execution lets the loader run its DLL export on a recurring basis while evading direct binary controls.

Reporting behind it

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Windows Security Log: Defendnot scheduled task (defendnot) persistence via --from-autorun

Malicious Scheduled Task Running rundll32 w32analytics (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1053.005 · 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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