huntrule

Windows Registry Run Key Entries Containing PowerShell Execution Strings

Alerts when registry Run key value data contains PowerShell launch or encoded download/execution strings on Windows.

FreeReviewedSigma · Medium · v1
Product
windows
Category
registry_set
Author
frack113, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2022-03-17
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 Windows registry entries in common auto-start Run locations when the value data contains PowerShell-related execution patterns (e.g., powershell/pwsh, encoded command usage, hidden/no-profile execution, web download and in-memory execution indicators, and ExecutionPolicy Bypass). Attackers often abuse Run keys to persist after login by storing commands or scripts that launch PowerShell on startup. The detection relies on registry_set telemetry capturing the TargetObject path and the value Details text to match these PowerShell indicators.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange
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Suspicious Run Key Persistence Referencing PowerShell Script via registry_set
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Suspicious NetSupport client32 Persistence via Run Key from ProgramData
Suspicious Run Key Persistence Named NvidiaDriverUpdate (via registry_set)
Suspicious HTA File Dropped into Startup Folder
Suspicious Registry Run Key Referencing Public Libraries Folder (via registry_set)
Malicious Registry Run Key Persistence Using Scarlet Goldfinch OFFICE and DIVXX Values (via registry_set)
Windows Registry Run Key Entries Containing PowerShell Execution Strings
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.