huntrule

Windows Registry: Modify User Shell Folders Startup Values for Persistence

Alerts on Windows Registry changes to User Shell Folders startup-related values that may be used to establish persistence.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
registry_set
Author
frack113, Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2022-10-01
Updated
2026-07-30
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

  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 flags updates to the User Shell Folders registry paths under Windows Explorer, specifically targeting values that end with Common Startup or Startup. Such changes can redirect startup-associated locations to attacker-controlled executables or scripts, enabling persistence at user logon or system startup. It relies on Windows registry set telemetry matching the targeted registry key paths and excluding certain known legitimate value details recorded in the rule filters.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange
Suspicious Startup Folder LNK Persistence Creation via File System (via file_event)
Suspicious XWorm Persistence Run Key Pointing to Batch Loader via ScreenConnect Lure (via registry_set)
Suspicious Run Key Persistence Named AppResolver (via registry_set)
Suspicious SystemBC Persistence via Run Key to ProgramData Script
Suspicious Interlock RAT Persistence via HKCU Run Key Registration to AppData Payload (via process_creation)
Suspicious SOCKS Proxy Persistence via SystemBC PowerShell Run Key
Suspicious Run Key Persistence Referencing PowerShell Script via registry_set
Malicious Startup Persistence via WindowsDefenderSync Shortcut (via file_event)
Malicious PXA Stealer Persistence via Windows Update Service Run Key (via registry_set)
Windows Registry: Modify User Shell Folders Startup Values 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.