RunMRU Registry Key Deletion

experimentalhigh
log source: windows · process_creationauthor Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)date 2025-09-25
01

description

What this is, in brief.

Detects deletion of the RunMRU registry key, which stores the history of commands executed via the Run dialog. In the clickfix techniques, the phishing lures instruct users to open a run dialog through (Win + R) and execute malicious commands. Adversaries may delete this key to cover their tracks after executing commands.

02

tags

attack.stealthattack.t1070.003
03

rule source (YAML)

title: RunMRU Registry Key Deletion
id: c11aecef-9c37-45a6-9c07-bc0782f963fd
related:
    - id: 3a9b8c1e-5b2e-4f7a-9d1c-2a7f3b6e1c55
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects deletion of the RunMRU registry key, which stores the history of commands executed via the Run dialog.
    In the clickfix techniques, the phishing lures instruct users to open a run dialog through (Win + R) and execute malicious commands.
    Adversaries may delete this key to cover their tracks after executing commands.
references:
    - https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/coldriver-updates-arsenal-baitswitch-and-simplefix
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-09-25
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1070.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\reg.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'reg.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' del'
            - '\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
04

detects techniques (1)

ATT&CK techniques this enables or maps to.

05

references

External citations — patches, advisories, analysis.