Suspicious PowerShell Persistence via Registry Run Key

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 creation of a Run key value that launches PowerShell at user logon, matching the RegistryPersistence Beacon Object File demonstrated in Elastic testing of Cobalt Strike detection gaps. Adversaries write a PowerShell payload to the CurrentVersion Run key so their implant re-executes on every startup. A Run entry that invokes PowerShell is a common autostart persistence pattern worth reviewing.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange

Possible SHELBY Backdoor Persistence via Run Key Referencing AppData HTTPApi

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Pointing to Test Executable via Registry Set

Malicious WmRAT Persistence via vcswin Run Key (via registry_set)

Malicious PlugX Persistence via LMIGuardian Update Run Key (via registry_set)

Malicious axios NPM Supply Chain Persistence via MicrosoftUpdate Run Key

Malicious Registry Run Key Persistence Masquerading as MicrosoftUpdate

Malicious Run Key Persistence Referencing DLL in User Documents

PlugX Persistence via Run Key Named AAM Updatevlm

Suspicious Autorun Registry Persistence via sausageLoop Run Key

Suspicious PowerShell Persistence via Registry Run Key

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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