title: SystemHelpDesk Detection - Tdss (Rootkit) Execution & Triage
id: ba0400ce-9e81-58ed-9d1c-4e0faec6a928
status: production
description: Detects execution, defense evasion, and persistence behaviors associated
  with the Tdss malware family. Detects suspicious execution from temporary user directories
  with hidden window flags and background transfer utilities.
references:
- https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/families/tdss
- https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/defensive/ransomware-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.rootkit
- author.ricky-jordan
- source.systemhelpdesk-mfc
- attack.t1542_003
- attack.t1014
- attack.t1547_006
- attack.t1071_001
- attack.t1562_001
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection_process:
    Image|endswith:
    - \cmd.exe
    - \powershell.exe
    - \cscript.exe
    - \wscript.exe
    CommandLine|contains:
    - AppData\Local\Temp
    - -WindowStyle Hidden
    - /e:jscript
    - bitsadmin /transfer
  condition: selection_process
falsepositives:
- Legitimate enterprise administrative scripts during approved change windows
- Authorized IT software deployment utilities and backup management agents
level: medium