URL Shortcut File Created in Startup Folder for Persistence

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
- T1547.009Shortcut Modification
Priv Esc
- T1547.001Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
- T1547.009Shortcut Modification
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the creation of a .url shortcut file inside a Windows Startup folder. The Yashma ransomware planted a .url startup file to relaunch its payload at logon. Attackers abuse Startup-folder shortcut files to achieve low-privilege persistence that runs automatically for the affected user.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange

Suspicious LNK File Created In Startup Folder For Persistence

Malicious Registry Run Key Persistence Using Scarlet Goldfinch OFFICE and DIVXX Values (via registry_set)

Suspicious PowerShell Writing Shortcut to Startup Folder for Persistence (via file_event)

Suspicious Internet Shortcut URL File Registered for Run Key Persistence (via registry_set)

Malicious Run Key Persistence Named SystemAgentService

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Pointing to ProgramData Executable (via registry_set)

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Pointing to WScript via PhantomVAI Loader (via registry_set)

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Named Updater

Suspicious Run Key Persistence Executing VBScript as WindowsSecurityCheck

URL Shortcut File Created in Startup Folder for Persistence

Pivot detection · T1547.001 · 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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