# T1037.001_logon-script-windows

> Adversaries may use Windows logon scripts automatically executed at logon initialization to establish persistence.

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/t1037-001-logon-script-windows` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/t1037-001-logon-script-windows`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/t1037-001-logon-script-windows/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/t1037-001-logon-script-windows

---


# T1037.001 Logon Script (Windows)

> **Sub-technique of:** T1037

## High-Level Description

Adversaries may use Windows logon scripts automatically executed at logon initialization to establish persistence. Windows allows logon scripts to be run whenever a specific user or group of users log into a system. This is done via adding a path to a script to the <code>HKCU\Environment\UserInitMprLogonScript</code> Registry key.

Adversaries may use these scripts to maintain persistence on a single system. Depending on the access configuration of the logon scripts, either local credentials or an administrator account may be necessary.

## Kill Chain Phase

- Persistence (TA0003)
- Privilege Escalation (TA0004)

**Platforms:** Windows

## What to Check

- [ ] Identify if Logon Script (Windows) technique is applicable to target environment
- [ ] Check Windows systems for indicators of Logon Script (Windows)
- [ ] Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (1 known mitigations)
- [ ] Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

## How to Test

### Atomic Red Team Tests

The following tests are from [Atomic Red Team](https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team) and provide actionable ways to test this technique:

### Atomic Test 1: Logon Scripts

Adds a registry value to run batch script created in the %temp% directory. Upon execution, there will be a new environment variable in the HKCU\Environment key
that can be viewed in the Registry Editor.

**Supported Platforms:** windows

```cmd
echo "#{script_command}" > #{script_path}
REG.exe ADD HKCU\Environment /v UserInitMprLogonScript /t REG_SZ /d "#{script_path}" /f
```

### Manual Testing

If Atomic Red Team tests are not applicable, manually verify the technique by:

1. **Identify Attack Surface**: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Logon Script (Windows) by examining the target platforms (Windows).

2. **Assess Existing Defenses**: Review whether mitigations for T1037.001 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

3. **Execute Test**: Use tools and methods described in the MITRE ATT&CK page and external references below.

## Remediation Guide

### M1024 Restrict Registry Permissions

Ensure proper permissions are set for Registry hives to prevent users from modifying keys for logon scripts that may lead to persistence.

## Detection

### Detect Logon Script Modifications and Execution

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                     | Severity | Impact      |
| ------------------------------------------- | -------- | ----------- |
| Logon Script (Windows) technique applicable | High     | Persistence |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID  | Title                         |
| ------- | ----------------------------- |
| CWE-276 | Incorrect Default Permissions |

## References

- [Hexacorn Logon Scripts](http://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2014/11/14/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-18/)
- [TechNet Logon Scripts](<https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc758918(v=ws.10).aspx>)
- [Atomic Red Team - T1037.001](https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/tree/master/atomics/T1037.001)
- [MITRE ATT&CK - T1037.001](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037/001)