Suspicious PythonLauncher Scheduled Task Creation via PowerShell Script
- Product
- windows
- Category
- ps_script
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-08-08
- Updated
- 2026-08-28
ATT&CK techniques
Execution → Priv EscRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects PowerShell creating a scheduled task named with the PythonLauncher prefix, the logon persistence UAT-11795 registers for its Starland RAT as reported by Cisco Talos. The operators combine New-ScheduledTask with a PythonLauncher task name to relaunch the implant elevated at each logon. Matching this naming and API pattern reveals attacker persistence distinct from routine task creation.
Reporting behind it
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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