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

Suspicious Run Key Persistence via Reg Add

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Pointing to ProgramData Executable

Possible WSHRAT Persistence via Run Key Silent Script Execution

Malicious Run Key Persistence via wininfo64 Path by Italian Infostealer (via registry_set)

Suspicious Startup Folder LNK Persistence Creation via File System (via file_event)

Suspicious XWorm Persistence Run Key Pointing to Batch Loader via ScreenConnect Lure (via registry_set)

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Named AppResolver (via registry_set)

Suspicious SystemBC Persistence via Run Key to ProgramData Script

Suspicious Interlock RAT Persistence via HKCU Run Key Registration to AppData Payload (via process_creation)

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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