Suspicious VBScript Persistence in CurrentVersion Run Key

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.005Visual Basic
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 CurrentVersion Run autorun value whose data references a script interpreter or inline VBScript, a persistence technique in which adversaries register a scripting payload to execute at logon. Storing wscript, mshta or vbscript logic in a Run key lets fileless or lightly obfuscated code survive reboots. Legitimate autorun entries rarely embed script keywords of this kind.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1059.005 — drag to rearrange

Suspicious SCMBanker Autostart Persistence via Run Key VBScript

Suspicious VBScript Code Stored in CurrentVersion Registry Value

Suspicious VBScript Payload Stored in CurrentVersion Registry Value (via registry_set)

Malicious Sibot Malware Registry Persistence Value

Suspicious Run Key Persistence in CurrentVersion (via registry_set)

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Referencing Script Files Linked to FIN7

Suspicious rundll32 or mshta Proxy Execution of VBScript

Suspicious Office Application Spawning Script Interpreter

Malicious rundll32 vbscript mshtml RunHTMLApplication Execution

Suspicious VBScript Persistence in CurrentVersion Run Key

Pivot detection · T1059.005 · 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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