Windows RunMRU Registry Key or Value Deleted
The following analytic detects the deletion or modification of Most Recently Used (MRU) command entries stored within the Windows Registry. Adversaries often clear these registry keys, such as…
Description
The following analytic detects the deletion or modification of Most Recently Used (MRU) command entries stored within the Windows Registry. Adversaries often clear these registry keys, such as HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU, to remove forensic evidence of commands executed via the Windows Run dialog or other system utilities. This activity aims to obscure their actions, hinder incident response efforts, and evade detection. Detection focuses on monitoring for changes (deletion of values or modification of the MRUList value) to these specific registry paths, particularly when performed by unusual processes or outside of typical user behavior. Anomalous deletion events can indicate an attempt at defense evasion or post-exploitation cleanup by a malicious actor.
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_12
Known benign triggers
- This event can be seen when administrator delete a history manually or uninstall/reinstall a software that creates MRU registry entry. It is recommended to check this alert with high priority.
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 |
|---|---|
| thedfirreport.com/2023/10/30/netsupport-intrusion-results-in-domain-compromise/ | 11from 3 sources |
| www.esentire.com/blog/evalusion-campaign-delivers-amatera-stealer-and-netsupport-rat | 3 |
| www.linkedin.com/posts/mauricefielenbach_cybersecurity-incidentresponse-dfir-activity-7394805779448418304-g0gZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAuFTjIB5weY_kcyu4qp3kHbI4v49tO0zEk | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- e651795f-b2c9-4a84-a18a-b901018a3bfa
- Tagged by the source as
- NetSupport RMM Tool AbuseEndpointendpointSplunk 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