AutExec

AutExec is a term often used in the context of malware and system administration to refer to a specific method of automatically executing programs or scripts on a Windows operating system. It typically involves leveraging the Windows Registry or specific folders that the operating system checks for executable files at startup or login.

One common mechanism associated with AutExec is the use of the Windows Registry's Run keys. These keys, located in both the Current User and Local Machine hives, allow administrators and applications to specify programs that should launch automatically when a user logs in. Malware can exploit these keys to ensure its persistent execution.

Another method involves placing executable files within special startup folders. For instance, the "Startup" folder, accessible through the Start Menu, contains shortcuts or executables that run when a user logs in. Similar startup locations exist for all users. Malware can also be placed in these locations to achieve persistence.

The term AutExec itself is not a formal Windows component but rather a descriptive term for this behavior. Understanding how AutExec mechanisms work is crucial for both system security professionals to identify and remove persistent malware and for system administrators to manage software deployment and startup processes effectively. Detecting unauthorized entries in the Run keys or the Startup folders is a standard practice in malware analysis and system hardening.