Suspicious DarkGate AutoIt3 Script Execution from C Test Directory

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 AutoIt3 executing an a3x compiled script from a non standard root path such as C test. DarkGate used a fake reader update to run its a3x from this staging directory before process hollowing. AutoIt scripts running from an unusual top level folder are a strong DarkGate loader indicator.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious DarkGate AutoIt3 Script Execution from C Test Directory

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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