> 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/an-uncommon-file-added-to-startup-related-registry-keys.md).
# An uncommon file added to startup-related Registry keys
### 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 | Persistence (TA0003) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
An attacker may add a file to the Registry "Run Keys" or the "Winlogon\Userinit" key to cause it to be executed as the user logs in.
### Attacker's Goals
Gain persistence using the legitimate Windows registry run key mechanism, which executes files or scripts on user login or computer boot.
### Investigative actions
* Verify if the registered file is malicious.
* Check if the installing software is a malicious binary or script.
### Variations
An uncommon file added to startup-related Registry keys by an unsigned and unpopular CGO process
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Persistence (TA0003) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
An attacker may add a file to the Registry "Run Keys" or the "Winlogon\Userinit" key to cause it to be executed as the user logs in.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gain persistence using the legitimate Windows registry run key mechanism, which executes files or scripts on user login or computer boot.
**Investigative actions**
* Verify if the registered file is malicious.
* Check if the installing software is a malicious binary or script.
An uncommon script added to startup-related Registry keys
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Persistence (TA0003) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
An attacker may add a script to the Registry "Run Keys" or the "Winlogon\Userinit" key to cause it to be executed as the user logs in.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gain persistence using the legitimate Windows registry run key mechanism, which executes files or scripts on user login or computer boot.
**Investigative actions**
* Verify if the registered file is malicious.
* Check if the installing software is a malicious binary or script.
An uncommon file added to startup-related Registry keys by a commonly known and signed application
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Persistence (TA0003) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
An attacker may add a file to the Registry "Run Keys" or the "Winlogon\Userinit" key to cause it to be executed as the user logs in.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gain persistence using the legitimate Windows registry run key mechanism, which executes files or scripts on user login or computer boot.
**Investigative actions**
* Verify if the registered file is malicious.
* Check if the installing software is a malicious binary or script.
An uncommon LOLBIN added to startup-related Registry keys
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Persistence (TA0003) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
An attacker may add a LOLBIN to the Registry "Run Keys" or the "Winlogon\Userinit" key to cause it to be executed as the user logs in.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gain persistence using the legitimate Windows registry run key mechanism, which executes files or scripts on user login or computer boot.
**Investigative actions**
* Verify if the registered file is malicious.
* Check if the installing software is a malicious binary or script.
An uncommon file added to startup-related Registry keys by a remote actor
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Persistence (TA0003) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
A remote attacker may add a file to the Registry "Run Keys" or the "Winlogon\Userinit" key to cause it to be executed as the user logs in.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gain persistence using the legitimate Windows registry run key mechanism, which executes files or scripts on user login or computer boot.
**Investigative actions**
* Verify if the registered file is malicious.
* Check if the installing software is a malicious binary or script.
---
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