Windows Process Execution From ProgramData
The following analytic identifies processes running from file paths within the ProgramData directory, a common location abused by adversaries for executing malicious code while evading detection. Threat actors often…
Description
The following analytic identifies processes running from file paths within the ProgramData directory, a common location abused by adversaries for executing malicious code while evading detection. Threat actors often drop and execute payloads from this directory to bypass security controls, as it typically has write permissions for standard users. While this behavior can indicate malware execution or persistence techniques, it is important to note that some legitimate software, installers, and update mechanisms also run from ProgramData, leading to potential false positives. Security teams should validate detections by correlating with other indicators, such as unusual parent processes, unsigned binaries, or anomalous network activity.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiLinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Administrators may allow execution of specific binaries in non-standard paths. Filter as needed.
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 |
|---|---|
| www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/05/24/volt-typhoon-targets-us-critical-infrastructure-with-living-off-the-land-techniques/ | 20 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 237016fa-d8e6-47b4-80f9-70c4d42c72c0
- Tagged by the source as
- APT37 Rustonotto and FadeStealerAxios Supply Chain Post CompromiseChina-Nexus Threat ActivityGhostRedirector IIS Module and Rungan BackdoorSalat StealerSalt TyphoonSnappyBeeSolarWinds WHD RCE Post ExploitationStealC StealerXWormEndpointendpointSplunk 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