Suspicious Windows Script Host Execution of JavaScript from Temporary Archive Extraction Folder (via process_creation)
- Product
- windows
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-10-23
- Updated
- 2026-10-23
ATT&CK techniques
Initial Access → ExecutionRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects wscript.exe executing a .js payload from a temporary archive-extraction directory under the user AppData Local Temp path, the delivery behavior Red Canary tied to SocGholish, Gootloader, and Scarlet Goldfinch fake-update lures. Victims download an archive such as Update - 35129.zip, extract it, and double-click a script like Update_123.0.6312.111.js which Windows Script Host runs, so this pattern surfaces script-based initial access before the follow-on payload executes.
Reporting behind it
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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