Suspicious Executable Launched From ProgramData Root via Image Path (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1204.002Malicious File
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects execution of update.exe directly from the ProgramData directory, matching the Warzone RAT payload staging observed in the Confucius APT campaign. It is associated with Confucius APT activity deploying the Warzone RAT as reported by Uptycs. Attackers place deceptively named binaries in ProgramData to blend with legitimate software, so execution from this path deserves scrutiny.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Executable Launched From ProgramData Root via Image Path (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1204.002 · 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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