Suspicious pythonw.exe Executing LICENSE.txt Downloader from AppData

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.006Python
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects a hidden pythonw.exe process launched from the AppData Local directory with a LICENSE.txt argument, matching an AI-themed lure that drops a Python downloader loading shellcode. Running a Python interpreter over a text file disguised as a license from a user writable path is a strong sign of staged malware execution.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious pythonw.exe Executing LICENSE.txt Downloader from AppData

Pivot detection · T1059.006 · 9 related

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