huntrule

Windows: WinRAR/Rar.exe Writing Files to Startup Folder Locations

Alerts on WinRAR/Rar creating files under the Windows Startup folder, a common persistence attempt.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v2
Product
windows
Category
file_event
Author
Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2025-07-16
Updated
2026-07-31
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 WinRAR or Rar executing while creating/writing a file whose path contains the Windows Startup directory under the Start Menu Programs. Malicious use of Startup folders can provide persistence by launching attacker-controlled files when a user logs in. Detection relies on Windows file event telemetry that records the creating process image and the target filename/path.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1547.001 — drag to rearrange
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
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)
Suspicious Internet Shortcut URL File Registered for Run Key Persistence (via registry_set)
Windows: WinRAR/Rar.exe Writing Files to Startup Folder Locations
Pivot detection · T1547.001 · 9 related

Changelog

v2
  1. v2
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  2. 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.