Suspicious Scheduled Task Created by Windows Script Host

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1053.005Scheduled Task
Persistence
- T1053.005Scheduled Task
Priv Esc
- T1053.005Scheduled Task
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects a logon-triggered scheduled task being created by wscript.exe or cscript.exe, the persistence step in the GootLoader infection chain. Attackers register a script-host scheduled task so the loader re-executes at each user logon. A Windows Script Host process registering a scheduled task is uncommon and points to script-based persistence.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Scheduled Task Created by Windows Script Host

Pivot detection · T1053.005 · 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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