Windows Scheduled Task Created Via XML
The following analytic detects the creation of scheduled tasks in Windows using schtasks.exe with the "XML" parameter. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on…
Description
The following analytic detects the creation of scheduled tasks in Windows using schtasks.exe with the "XML" parameter. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions and process details. This activity is significant as it is a common technique for establishing persistence or achieving privilege escalation, often used by malware like Trickbot and Winter-Vivern. While creating a scheduled task via XML may be legitimate, it can also be abused by attackers. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to maintain access, execute additional payloads, and potentially lead to data theft or ransomware deployment.
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
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Installers are known to create scheduled tasks via XML. Apply additional filters 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 |
|---|---|
| cert.gov.ua/article/3761104 | 4 |
| twitter.com/_CERT_UA/status/1620781684257091584 | 4 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 7e03b682-3965-4598-8e91-a60a40a3f7e4
- Tagged by the source as
- CISA AA23-347ALokibotMalicious Inno Setup LoaderMoonPeakScheduled TasksWinter VivernEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1