Suspicious Renamed MySQL Binary Executed from Temp via ClickFix (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1204.001Malicious Link
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1036.005Match Legitimate Resource Name or Location
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects a binary named mysql.exe running from a temporary directory with a hardcoded password argument, matching the HarborWatch RAT payload which is renamed to mysql.exe and requires a fixed pass value to execute. Genuine MySQL clients do not run from user temp folders.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Renamed MySQL Binary Executed from Temp via ClickFix (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1036.005 · 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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