Suspicious Double Extension Executable Execution via Command Line

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

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

What it detects

This rule detects execution of a file with a doubled .exe.exe extension, a naming anomaly used by Parallax RAT for its startup executable to appear legitimate at a glance. No normal software ships a binary ending in .exe.exe. Detecting it exposes a disguised persistence dropper.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Double Extension Executable Execution via Command Line

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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