Suspicious Python Interpreter Execution From Downloads Directory via PureHVNC Loader (via process_creation)

PremiumReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
process_creation
Author
HuntRule
Published
2026-09-24
Updated
2026-09-24

ATT&CK techniques

Execution
  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Persistence

  5. Priv Esc

  6. Defense Evasion

  7. Cred Access

  8. Discovery

  9. Lateral Movement

  10. Collection

  11. C2

  12. Exfiltration

  13. Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the PureHVNC loader which extracts a portable Python environment into a hidden folder under the user Downloads directory and runs Python files carrying RC4 encrypted shellcode. A Python interpreter executing scripts from Downloads is unusual on endpoints. This stage decrypts and runs shellcode.

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Suspicious Python Interpreter Execution From Downloads Directory via PureHVNC Loader (via process_creation)
Pivot detection · T1059.006 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.