Suspicious Run Key Persistence Masquerading as MicrosoftUpdate via Axios npm Compromise (via registry_set)

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 an HKCU Run value named MicrosoftUpdate, the persistence entry installed by the postinstall payload from the compromised Axios npm package to relaunch a dropped VBScript and PowerShell loader. Adversaries choose the MicrosoftUpdate name to blend with legitimate Windows tasks, so a Run value using this masquerading name warrants review for supply chain compromise.

Reporting behind it

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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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