Suspicious GhostSocks Run Key Persistence to AppData Cache via registry_set

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Priv Esc
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Defense Evasion
- T1564Hide Artifacts
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects a HKCU Run key value pointing to update.exe placed under the Microsoft Windows Cache directory in AppData. This behavior is used by fake OpenClaw installers distributing GhostSocks infostealer to establish user-level persistence while masquerading as a legitimate update binary, allowing the malware to survive reboots and continue proxying C2 traffic.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious Run Key Persistence Masquerading as NVIDIA Driver Update

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Executing system.bat via registry_set

Malicious Run Key Persistence Masquerading as Windows Update

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Under Masquerading Service Names

Suspicious RMM Uninstall Hiding via HideUL Execution via process_creation

Suspicious Run Key Persistence With Masqueraded System Binary by Millenium RAT (via registry_set)

Suspicious Autostart Persistence via Run Key Pointing Outside Program Files (via registry_set)

Suspicious GhostSocks Run Key Persistence to AppData Cache via registry_set

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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