Suspicious BlackBeard Persistence via WDLP File Association (via registry_set)

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1546.001Change Default File Association
Priv Esc
- T1546.001Change Default File Association
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects registration of the custom .wdlp file extension under the HKCU Classes key, a persistence mechanism used by the BlackBeard payload in Boggy Serpens operations alongside a startup Oregon.wdlp file. The bespoke file association triggers malicious code when the associated file type is opened, establishing user-level persistence.

Reporting behind it

Related detections6 linkedT1546.001 — drag to rearrange

Suspicious File Association Shell Command Handler Hijack via Registry

TinyLoader Persistence via txtfile Shell Open Command Hijack (via registry_set)

Windows Registry: Alert on Changes to \shell\open\command Targeting Common Malware Paths

Windows: assoc.exe Changes File Extension Handler to exefile

Windows Registry and PowerShell Modification of ms-settings Protocol Handler

Windows Process: File Association Changes via assoc Command

Suspicious BlackBeard Persistence via WDLP File Association (via registry_set)

Pivot detection · T1546.001 · 6 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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