DarkGate - Autoit3.EXE Execution Parameters

Detects execution of the legitimate Autoit3 utility from a suspicious parent process. AutoIt3.exe is used within the DarkGate infection chain to execute shellcode that performs process injection and connects to the DarkGate command-and-control server.

title: DarkGate - Autoit3.EXE Execution Parameters
id: f8e9aa1c-14f2-4dbd-aa59-b98968ed650d
status: test
description: |
    Detects execution of the legitimate Autoit3 utility from a suspicious parent process. AutoIt3.exe is used within
    the DarkGate infection chain to execute shellcode that performs process injection and connects to the DarkGate
    command-and-control server.
references:
    - https://github.security.telekom.com/2023/08/darkgate-loader.html
    - https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/cyber/microsoft-teams-used-as-initial-access-for-darkgate-malware
    - https://github.com/pr0xylife/DarkGate/tree/main
author: Micah Babinski
date: 2023-10-15
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_proc:
        - Image|endswith: '\Autoit3.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'AutoIt3.exe'
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\KeyScramblerLogon.exe'
            - '\msiexec.exe'
    filter_main_legit_autoit_location:
        Image|endswith:
            - ':\Program Files (x86)\AutoIt3\AutoIt3.exe'
            - ':\Program Files\AutoIt3\AutoIt3.exe'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

• T1059Command and Scripting Interpreter

• https://github.security.telekom.com/2023/08/darkgate-loader.html↗
• https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/cyber/microsoft-teams-used-as-initial-access-for-darkgate-malware↗
• https://github.com/pr0xylife/DarkGate/tree/main↗