Suspicious Autorun Persistence Masquerading as Windows Security

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Priv Esc
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Defense Evasion
- T1036Masquerading
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of a Run key value named Windows Security which the PXA Stealer campaign uses to disguise its autorun persistence as a legitimate security component. A benign looking value name combined with an autorun registry location is a common masquerading technique that warrants review of the referenced executable.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Autorun Persistence Masquerading as Windows Security

Pivot detection · T1547.001 · 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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