t1059-010-autohotkey-autoit

name	T1059.010_autohotkey-autoit
description	Adversaries may execute commands and perform malicious tasks using AutoIT and AutoHotKey automation scripts.
category	input-validation
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1059.010","execution","windows","sub-technique"]
technique_id	T1059.010
tactic	execution
all_tactics	["execution"]
platforms	["Windows"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/010
tech_stack	["windows"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-94"]
chains_with	["T1059","T1059.001","T1059.002","T1059.003","T1059.004","T1059.005","T1059.006","T1059.007","T1059.008","T1059.009","T1059.011","T1059.012","T1059.013"]
prerequisites	["T1059"]
severity_boost	{"T1059":"Chain with T1059 for deeper attack path","T1059.001":"Chain with T1059.001 for deeper attack path","T1059.002":"Chain with T1059.002 for deeper attack path"}

T1059.010 AutoHotKey & AutoIT

Sub-technique of: T1059

High-Level Description

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.

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.

These scripts may also be compiled into self-contained executable payloads (.exe).

Kill Chain Phase

• Execution (TA0002)

Platforms: Windows

What to Check

• Identify if AutoHotKey & AutoIT technique is applicable to target environment
• Check Windows systems for indicators of AutoHotKey & AutoIT
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (1 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Atomic Red Team Tests

The following tests are from Atomic Red Team and provide actionable ways to test this technique:

Atomic Test 1: AutoHotKey script execution

An adversary may attempt to execute malicious script using AutoHotKey software instead of regular terminal like powershell or cmd. A messagebox will be displayed and calculator will popup when the script is executed successfully

Supported Platforms: windows

Start-Process -FilePath "#{autohotkey_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"

Dependencies:

• AutoHotKey executable file must exist on disk at the specified location (#{autohotkey_path})

Manual Testing

If Atomic Red Team tests are not applicable, manually verify the technique by:

1. Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to AutoHotKey & AutoIT by examining the target platforms (Windows).