huntrule

Windows Scheduled Task Backdoor Execution via cmd.exe or PowerShell (System EventID /create /delete)

Flags cmd.exe/powershell.exe command lines that create a System/EventID-based scheduled task to run a payload.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v5
Product
windows
Category
process_creation
Author
@kostastsale (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2022-03-21
Updated
2026-07-31
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → 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

Identifies post-exploitation attempts to execute a payload by creating and immediately deleting a scheduled task using cmd.exe or PowerShell. The matched command line contains elements consistent with crafting a trigger tied to a fictitious Windows event (System/EventID=) and using schtasks-style flags (/create, /delete, /ec, /so, /tn run). This matters because such task creation can provide persistence and deferred execution while blending into legitimate scheduler workflows. The detection relies on Windows process creation telemetry capturing the executing image path (cmd.exe or PowerShell) and the full command line string.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious Scheduled Task Masquerading as GoogleUpdate Launching SSH Reverse Shell
Malicious Scheduled Task Creation TaskSystem via Interlock Ransomware
Malicious Scheduled Task Masquerading as Edge Update Running From Temp (via process_creation)
Suspicious Scheduled Task Created From XML Definition (via process_creation)
Malicious Scheduled Task Masquerade for Zardoor Persistence (via process_creation)
Malicious BugSleep Scheduled Task Persistence with Sample Comment
Windows Scheduled Task Backdoor Execution via cmd.exe or PowerShell (System EventID /create /delete)
Pivot detection · T1053.005 · 9 related

Changelog

v5
  1. v5
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  2. v4
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  3. v3
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  4. v2
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  5. v1
    No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

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