{
  "title": "SystemHelpDesk Detection - Apocalypse_rat (Rat) Execution & Triage",
  "id": "151f4532-7337-567c-8811-7d883812d647",
  "status": "production",
  "description": "Detects execution, defense evasion, and persistence behaviors associated with the Apocalypse_rat malware family. Detects unauthorized persistence creation via Windows Registry Run keys, scheduled tasks, and privilege escalation indicative of RAT installations.",
  "references": [
    "https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/families/apocalypse_rat",
    "https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/defensive/backdoor-rat-protection",
    "https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/"
  ],
  "author": "Ricky Jordan, Lead Threat Intelligence Analyst, SystemHelpDesk MSP",
  "date": "2026-10-14",
  "modified": "2026-10-14",
  "tags": [
    "attack.rat",
    "author.ricky-jordan",
    "source.systemhelpdesk-mfc",
    "attack.t1056",
    "attack.t1113",
    "attack.t1059",
    "attack.t1055",
    "attack.t1071"
  ],
  "logsource": {
    "category": "process_creation",
    "product": "windows"
  },
  "detection": {
    "selection_process": {
      "Image|endswith": [
        "\\reg.exe",
        "\\schtasks.exe",
        "\\cmd.exe",
        "\\powershell.exe"
      ],
      "CommandLine|contains": [
        "\\CurrentVersion\\Run",
        "/create /tn",
        "bypass -enc",
        "net user /add",
        "net localgroup administrators"
      ]
    },
    "condition": "selection_process"
  },
  "falsepositives": [
    "Legitimate enterprise administrative scripts during approved change windows",
    "Authorized IT software deployment utilities and backup management agents"
  ],
  "level": "high"
}