A compiled HTML help file wrote a script file to the disk

Cortex XDR Analytics Alert Reference by data source

Product
Cortex XDR
Last date published
2024-12-03
Category
Analytics Alert Reference
Order
data source

Synopsis

Activation Period

14 Days

Training Period

30 Days

Test Period

N/A (single event)

Deduplication Period

1 Day

Required Data

  • Requires:
    • XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)

Detection Modules

Detector Tags

ATT&CK Tactic

Defense Evasion (TA0005)

ATT&CK Technique

System Binary Proxy Execution: Compiled HTML File (T1218.001)

Severity

Low

Description

A compiled HTML help file wrote a script file to the disk. Compiled HTLM help files usually don't write script files to the disk. This behavior is often employed by malware that leverage malicious CHM files to deliver a 2nd stage payload.

Attacker's Goals

Deliver a 2nd stage payload or to avoid detection.

Investigative actions

  • Check whether the initiator process is benign or normal for the host and/or user performing it.
  • Check the file that was written to the disk for malicious activities.