huntrule

Suspicious Zloader Configuration Registry Key under HKCU Microsoft hcdg (via registry_set)

PremiumReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
registry_set
Author
HuntRule
Published
2026-09-23
Updated
2026-09-23
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Defense Evasion

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of the unusual hcdg subkey under HKCU Software Microsoft, a location Zloader uses to store its encrypted configuration and campaign state. The key name does not correspond to any legitimate Microsoft product and its placement under the trusted Microsoft branch is meant to blend in. Detection of this specific key exposes Zloader persistence and configuration storage.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Zloader Configuration Registry Key under HKCU Microsoft hcdg (via registry_set)
Pivot detection · T1112 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.