Suspicious cmd Execution of .ucp Payload from System Volume Information (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.003Windows Command Shell
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects cmd.exe executing a .ucp file staged inside System Volume Information, a hiding technique used in the Mustang Panda PlugX chain. The renamed executable is launched from a directory normally reserved for restore points and shadow data. Execution of arbitrary payloads from this path is highly abnormal.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious cmd Execution of .ucp Payload from System Volume Information (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1059.003 · 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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