Windows Modify Registry Utilize ProgIDs
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows Registry specifically targeting Programmatic Identifier associations to bypass User Account Control (UAC) Windows OS feature. ValleyRAT may create or alter…
Description
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows Registry specifically targeting Programmatic Identifier associations to bypass User Account Control (UAC) Windows OS feature. ValleyRAT may create or alter registry entries to targetted progIDs like `.pwn` files with malicious processes, allowing it to execute harmful scripts or commands when these files are opened. By monitoring for unusual changes in registry keys linked to ProgIDs, this detection enables security analysts to identify potential threats like ValleyRAT execution attempts. Early detection of these modifications helps mitigate unauthorized execution and prevents further exploitation of the system.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_13
Known benign triggers
- No false positives have been identified at this time.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| v3ded.github.io/redteam/utilizing-programmatic-identifiers-progids-for-uac-bypasses | Only this detection cites it |
| www.fortinet.com/blog/threat-research/valleyrat-campaign-targeting-chinese-speakers | 6 |
| www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/chinese-malware-appears-earnest-across-cybercrime-threat-landscape | 6 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 64fa82dd-fd11-472a-9e94-c221fffa591d
- Tagged by the source as
- ValleyRATEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1