Suspicious Run Key Persistence to svcghost in Public WPSManager Path via Registry

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 a Run key value that points to svcghost.exe inside the public WPSDocuments\WPSManager directory, the persistence PlushDaemon establishes after its Korean VPN supply-chain compromise. Executing a service-looking binary from a public documents path is not legitimate autostart behavior. This indicates registry Run-key persistence for the SlowStepper backdoor loader.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious Run Key Persistence via Reg Add

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Pointing to ProgramData Executable

Possible WSHRAT Persistence via Run Key Silent Script Execution

Malicious Run Key Persistence via wininfo64 Path by Italian Infostealer (via registry_set)

Suspicious Startup Folder LNK Persistence Creation via File System (via file_event)

Suspicious XWorm Persistence Run Key Pointing to Batch Loader via ScreenConnect Lure (via registry_set)

Suspicious Run Key Persistence to svcghost in Public WPSManager Path via Registry

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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