Threat Actors Achieve Persistence After SQL Injection

Threat actors gaining initial access through SQL injection exploited a web application vulnerability in a technology sector organization. After compromising an MSSQL instance via inadequate input validation, the attackers deployed base64-encoded PowerShell scripts to conduct reconnaissance using tasklist commands and exfiltrated results to an external server. They established persistence by enabling Remote Desktop Services, creating an administratively privileged user account named adminweb2$, and disabling Windows Defender. The attackers installed BadIIS modules for SEO fraud, deployed XMRig cryptocurrency miner with hidden file attributes, and utilized service creation tools. Multiple PowerShell scripts and batch files were downloaded throughout the attack to facilitate various malicious operations and maintain access.

Jul 13, 2026 · unknown severity · unattributed attribution