Command Line
schtasks /create /sc minute /mo 1 /tn "Reverse shell" /tr c:\some\directory\revshell.exe
Description
Use schtasks to create a new task named 'Reverse shell' which will execute revshell.exe every minute.
Risk
Medium
Risk Reason
Scheduled Task creation is a commonly abused tactic by cyber-threats.
Fidelity
Low
Fidelity Reason
Creation of scheduled tasks is typically performed on a frequent basis by installed software, IT operators, etc - alerting on non-standard names or binary locations may yield good results.
Operating Systems
Killchain Phases
References
MITRE ATT&CK TECHNIQUES
URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/005
Description: Adversaries may abuse the Windows Task Scheduler to perform task scheduling for initial or recurring execution of malicious code. There are multiple ways to access the Task Scheduler in Windows. The [schtasks](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0111) utility can be run directly on the command line, or the Task Scheduler can be opened through the GUI within the Administrator Tools section of the Control Panel. In some cases, adversaries have used a .NET wrapper for the Windows Task Scheduler, and alternatively, adversaries have used the Windows netapi32 library to create a scheduled task.
The deprecated [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) utility could also be abused by adversaries (ex: [At](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/002)), though at.exe can not access tasks created with schtasks or the Control Panel.
An adversary may use Windows Task Scheduler to execute programs at system startup or on a scheduled basis for persistence. The Windows Task Scheduler can also be abused to conduct remote Execution as part of Lateral Movement and/or to run a process under the context of a specified account (such as SYSTEM). Similar to [System Binary Proxy Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218), adversaries have also abused the Windows Task Scheduler to potentially mask one-time execution under signed/trusted system processes.(Citation: ProofPoint Serpent)
Tactics:
- Execution
- Persistence
- Privilege Escalation