{
  "node_id": "mitre-attack-t1204-002-malicious-file",
  "title": "MITRE ATT&CK T1204.002: Malicious File (Enterprise Tactic TA0002 - Execution)",
  "domain": "Cybersecurity",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "last_updated": "2026-05-25",
  "bluf": "MITRE ATT&CK T1204.002 (Malicious File) is an Enterprise Execution sub-technique of T1204 (User Execution). An adversary may rely upon a user opening a malicious file in order to gain execution. Users may be subjected to social engineering to get them to open a file that will lead to code execution. This user action will typically be observed as follow-on behavior from Spearphishing Attachment. Adversaries may use several types of files that require a user to execute them, including .doc, .pdf, .xls, .rtf, .scr, .exe, .lnk, .pif, .cpl, and .reg. Affected platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows. MITRE-documented mitigations include M1038 Execution Prevention, M1040 Behavior Prevention on Endpoint, M1017 User Training. The Center for Threat-Informed Defense maps this technique to NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls AC-04, CA-07, CM-02, CM-06, CM-07, SC-07, SC-44, SI-02.",
  "paywall": {
    "status": "LOCKED",
    "unlock_cost_usd": "0.01",
    "skyfire_id": "41779894-ece2-4163-9761-b3b1b76e19b0"
  },
  "crosswalks": {
    "_available_keys": [
      "nist_framework",
      "iso_standard",
      "industry_mapping",
      "mitre_d3fend"
    ],
    "_note": "Full crosswalk values included in vault response"
  },
  "dependencies": [
    "nist-cybersecurity-framework-2-0",
    "iso-27001-2022",
    "nist-sp-800-53-r5",
    "cis-controls-v8",
    "mitre-attack-t1204-user-execution"
  ],
  "primary_citations_count": 7
}