Command and Scripting Interpreter: AutoHotKey & AutoIT (T1059.010)

Tactic: Execution · Platforms: Windows

The interactive view maps 1 detection strategy, 1 mitigation, 1 threat group, 5 software entries to this technique, alongside D3FEND countermeasures and data-component coverage.

Sub-technique of Command and Scripting Interpreter (T1059).

Overview

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`).

Explore

• Open T1059.010 in the interactive ATT&CK matrix
• ATT&CK Intelligence View guide
• Official MITRE ATT&CK entry for T1059.010
• Sigma detection rules for MITRE ATT&CK
• Built by Shahrukh Khan