huntrule

Windows Registry: VBScript/HTMLApplication Payload Stored Under Run Keys

Flags registry persistence where script payload indicators like vbscript: and RunHTMLApplication appear in set registry values.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
registry_set
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2021-03-05
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 identifies registry entries under Windows Run-related paths that contain VBScript and related script/HTMLApplication execution indicators. Attackers may store script payloads in registry to achieve persistence or launch execution via built-in auto-run mechanisms. Telemetry required includes registry set events with TargetObject and Details fields that capture embedded script content and related COM/HTML execution patterns.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange
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Suspicious Interlock RAT Persistence via HKCU Run Key Registration to AppData Payload (via process_creation)
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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)
Suspicious NetSupport client32 Persistence via Run Key from ProgramData
Windows Registry: VBScript/HTMLApplication Payload Stored Under Run Keys
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.