Suspicious Scheduled Task Creation through Masqueraded XML File (via process_creation)

title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Creation through Masqueraded XML File (via process_creation)
id: 8c8cf784-90c9-518f-95df-fcf6a011416e
status: stable
description: This rule detects the creation of a scheduled task using the "-XML" flag with a file without the '.xml' extension. This behavior could be indicative of potential defense evasion attempt during persistence
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/005/
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/005/
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/taskschd/daily-trigger-example--xml-
    - https://github.com/elastic/protections-artifacts/blob/084067123d3328a823b1c3fdde305b694275c794/behavior/rules/persistence_suspicious_scheduled_task_creation_via_masqueraded_xml_file.toml
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-07-09
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036.005
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
    selection_cli_create:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/create'
            - '-create'
    selection_cli_xml:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/xml'
            - '-xml'
    filter_main_extension_xml:
        CommandLine|contains: '.xml'
    filter_main_system_process:
        IntegrityLevel:
            - 'System'
            - 'S-1-16-16384'
    filter_main_rundll32:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
            - ':\WINDOWS\Installer\MSI'
            - '.tmp,zzzzInvokeManagedCustomActionOutOfProc'
    filter_optional_third_party:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - ':\ProgramData\OEM\UpgradeTool\CareCenter_*\BUnzip\Setup_msi.exe'
            - ':\Program Files\Axis Communications\AXIS Camera Station\SetupActions.exe'
            - ':\Program Files\Axis Communications\AXIS Device Manager\AdmSetupActions.exe'
            - ':\Program Files (x86)\Zemana\AntiMalware\AntiMalware.exe'
            - ':\Program Files\Dell\SupportAssist\pcdrcui.exe'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium