> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/a-compiled-html-help-file-wrote-a-script-file-to-the-disk.md).

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

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                         |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                       |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                       |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                            |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                         |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)                  |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Stealth (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 leverages 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.


---

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