| ID | Name |
|---|---|
| T1059.001 | PowerShell |
| T1059.002 | AppleScript |
| T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| T1059.004 | Unix Shell |
| T1059.005 | Visual Basic |
| T1059.006 | Python |
| T1059.007 | JavaScript |
| T1059.008 | Network Device CLI |
| T1059.009 | Cloud API |
| T1059.010 | AutoHotKey & AutoIT |
Adversaries may execute commands and perform malicious tasks using AutoIT and AutoHotKey automation scripts. AutoIT and AutoHotkey (AHK) are scripting languages that enable users to automate Windows tasks. These automation scripts can be used to perform a wide variety of actions, such as clicking on buttons, entering text, and opening and closing programs.[1][2]
Adversaries may use AHK (.ahk) and AutoIT (.au3) scripts to execute malicious code on a victim's system. For example, adversaries have used for AHK to execute payloads and other modular malware such as keyloggers. Adversaries have also used custom AHK files containing embedded malware as Phishing payloads.[3]
These scripts may also be compiled into self-contained executable payloads (.exe).[1][2]
| ID | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| G0087 | APT39 |
APT39 has utilized AutoIt malware scripts embedded in Microsoft Office documents or malicious links.[4] |
| S1111 | DarkGate |
DarkGate uses AutoIt scripts dropped to a hidden directory during initial installation phases, such as |
| S0530 | Melcoz |
Melcoz has been distributed through an AutoIt loader script.[6] |
| ID | Mitigation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| M1038 | Execution Prevention |
Use application control to prevent execution of |
| ID | Data Source | Data Component | Detects |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS0017 | Command | Command Execution |
Monitor executed commands and arguments for abnormal usage of utilities and command-line arguments that may be used in support of malicious execution. Compare recent invocations of |
| DS0009 | Process | Process Creation |
Monitor and analyze the execution and arguments of the |