> 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-drops-an-executable-file-to-disk.md).

# Commonly abused AutoIT script drops an executable file to 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       | Execution (TA0002)                                                                                                                       |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Command and Scripting Interpreter: AutoHotKey & AutoIT (T1059.010), Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell (T1059.003) |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                                                                            |

### Description

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

### Attacker's Goals

Gain code execution on the host and evade security controls.

### Investigative actions

* Check whether the command line executed is benign or normal for the host and/or user performing it.
* Check whether the user from the command line is an administrator or other sensitive account.


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