> 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/commonly-abused-autoit-script-connects-to-an-external-domain.md).

# Commonly abused AutoIT script connects to an external domain

### 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                                                                                          |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Exfiltration (TA0010), Execution (TA0002)                                                          |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Command and Scripting Interpreter: AutoHotKey & AutoIT (T1059.010), Automated Exfiltration (T1020) |
| Severity             | Medium                                                                                             |

### Description

AutoIT scripts have legitimate uses, but are often abused by malware to execute in a signed process context.

### Attacker's Goals

Communicate with malware running on your network to control malware activities, perform software updates on the malware, or to take inventory of infected machines.

### Investigative actions

* AutoIT scripts have legitimate uses, but are often abused by malware to execute in a signed process context.
* Identify the process contacting the remote domain and determine whether the traffic is malicious.


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