Suspicious NW.js Runtime Execution from AppData Roaming by Charcoal Stork (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.005Visual Basic
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the NW.js runtime nw.exe executing from the AppData Roaming directory, the Charcoal Stork behavior Red Canary documented for delivering Yellow Cockatoo and related payloads. Legitimate NW.js applications install under Program Files, so execution from a user roaming profile indicates a bundled malicious NW.js package.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious NW.js Runtime Execution from AppData Roaming by Charcoal Stork (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1059.005 · 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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