Detection rules › Sigma

Sigma rules: 0o

RuleSeverity
Account accessed to attributes related to DCshadowhigh
AWS Route 53 Domain Transfer Lock Disabledlow
AWS Suspicious SAML Activitymedium
BITS Transfer Job Download From File Sharing Domainshigh
Bitsadmin to Uncommon IP Server Addresshigh
Cab File Extraction Via Wusa.EXE From Potentially Suspicious Pathshigh
Credential Manager Access By Uncommon Applicationsmedium
CVE-2023-22518 Exploitation Attempt - Suspicious Confluence Child Process (Windows)medium
Execution Of Script Located In Potentially Suspicious Directorymedium
Gpscript Executionmedium
HackTool - Impersonate Executionmedium
Invoke-Obfuscation CLIP+ Launcher - Securityhigh
LSASS Access From Program In Potentially Suspicious Foldermedium
Okta Admin Role Assigned to an User or Groupmedium
Potential OWASSRF Exploitation Attempt - Webserverhigh
Potential Persistence Via VMwareToolBoxCmd.EXE VM State Change Scriptmedium
Potential Remote PowerShell Session Initiatedhigh
Potential Suspicious Browser Launch From Document Reader Processmedium
Potential Unquoted Service Path Reconnaissance Via Wmic.EXEmedium
Potentially Suspicious Inline JavaScript Execution via NodeJS Binarymedium
PUA - NirCmd Execution As LOCAL SYSTEMhigh
Python Inline Command Executionmedium
Remote Access Tool - ScreenConnect Command Executionlow
Remote Access Tool - Team Viewer Session Started On Windows Hostlow
Renamed Jusched.EXE Executionhigh
Renamed Vmnat.exe Executionhigh
Restore Public AWS RDS Instancehigh
Rundll32 UNC Path Executionhigh
Script Interpreter Execution From Suspicious Folderhigh
SNAKE Malware Installer Name Indicatorslow
Suspect Svchost Activityhigh
Suspicious Advpack Call Via Rundll32.EXEhigh
Suspicious Msbuild Execution By Uncommon Parent Processmedium
Suspicious Obfuscated PowerShell Codehigh
Suspicious Start-Process PassThrumedium
Suspicious Windows Update Agent Empty Cmdlinehigh
Windows Defender Disabled Via SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXEhigh

Account accessed to attributes related to DCshadow

#
Status
experimental
Severity
high
Author
mdecrevoisier
Source
github.com/mdecrevoisier/SIGMA-detection-rules

Detects scenarios where an attacker accessed attributes related to DCshadow attack in order to create a fake domain controller.

Known False Positives

  • new domain controller registration

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Defense Impairment

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Account accessed to attributes related to DCshadow
description: Detects scenarios where an attacker accessed attributes related to DCshadow attack in order to create a fake domain controller.
correlation: correlate TargetLogonId from ID 4624 with SubjectLogonId from ID 4661 to identify the source of the enumeration.
requirements: extended rights auditing enabled (https://www.manageengine.com/products/active-directory-audit/active-directory-auditing-configuration-guide-configure-object-level-auditing-manually.html)
references:
- https://github.com/mdecrevoisier/EVTX-to-MITRE-Attack/tree/master/TA0005-Defense%20Evasion/T1207-Rogue%20domain%20controller
- https://www.ired.team/offensive-security-experiments/active-directory-kerberos-abuse/t1207-creating-rogue-domain-controllers-with-dcshadow
- https://medium.com/@maarten.goet/dcshadow-detecting-a-rogue-domain-controller-replicating-malicious-changes-to-your-active-1e22440df9ad
- https://github.com/AlsidOfficial/UncoverDCShadow
- https://github.com/shellster/DCSYNCMonitor
- https://blog.alsid.eu/dcshadow-explained-4510f52fc19d
- https://stealthbits.com/blog/detecting-dcshadow-with-event-logs/
- https://www.labofapenetrationtester.com/2018/05/dcshadow-sacl.html
- https://blog.stealthbits.com/creating-persistence-with-dcshadow/
- https://book.hacktricks.xyz/windows/active-directory-methodology/dcshadow
tags:
  - attack.defense_evasion
  - attack.t1207
author: mdecrevoisier
status: experimental
logsource:
  product: windows
  service: security
detection:
  selection:
    EventID: 4662
    Properties|contains:
      - 1131f6ac-9c07-11d1-f79f-00c04fc2dcd2 # DS-Replication-Manage-Topology
      - 9923a32a-3607-11d2-b9be-0000f87a36b2 # DS-Install-Replicaextendedright
      #- f0f8ffab-1191-11d0-a060-00aa006c33ed # NTDS-DSA
  filter:
    SubjectUserName|endswith: '$'
  condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- new domain controller registration
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not filter

Stage 1: selection

selection:
  EventID: 4662
  Properties|contains:
    - 1131f6ac-9c07-11d1-f79f-00c04fc2dcd2
    - 9923a32a-3607-11d2-b9be-0000f87a36b2

Stage 2: not filter

filter:
  SubjectUserName|endswith: '$'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
Propertiesmatch
  • 1131f6ac-9c07-11d1-f79f-00c04fc2dcd2
  • 9923a32a-3607-11d2-b9be-0000f87a36b2 corpus 3 (sigma 3)
field:"Properties" kind:match

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
SubjectUserNameends_with$excludes:SubjectUserName field:"SubjectUserName" value:"$"

AWS Route 53 Domain Transfer Lock Disabled

#
Status
test
Severity
low
Author
Elastic, Austin Songer @austinsonger
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects when a transfer lock was removed from a Route 53 domain. It is recommended to refrain from performing this action unless intending to transfer the domain to a different registrar.

Known False Positives

  • A domain transfer lock may be disabled by a system or network administrator. Verify whether the user identity, user agent, and/or hostname should be making changes in your environment. Activity from unfamiliar users or hosts should be investigated. If known behavior is causing false positives, it can be exempted from the rule.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Persistence
Privilege Escalation

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: AWS Route 53 Domain Transfer Lock Disabled
id: 3940b5f1-3f46-44aa-b746-ebe615b879e0
status: test
description: Detects when a transfer lock was removed from a Route 53 domain. It is recommended to refrain from performing this action unless intending to transfer the domain to a different registrar.
references:
    - https://github.com/elastic/detection-rules/blob/c76a39796972ecde44cb1da6df47f1b6562c9770/rules/integrations/aws/persistence_route_53_domain_transfer_lock_disabled.toml
    - https://docs.aws.amazon.com/Route53/latest/APIReference/API_Operations_Amazon_Route_53.html
    - https://docs.aws.amazon.com/Route53/latest/APIReference/API_domains_DisableDomainTransferLock.html
author: Elastic, Austin Songer @austinsonger
date: 2021-07-22
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1098
logsource:
    product: aws
    service: cloudtrail
detection:
    selection:
        eventSource: route53.amazonaws.com
        eventName: DisableDomainTransferLock
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - A domain transfer lock may be disabled by a system or network administrator. Verify whether the user identity, user agent, and/or hostname should be making changes in your environment. Activity from unfamiliar users or hosts should be investigated. If known behavior is causing false positives, it can be exempted from the rule.
level: low

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    eventSource: route53.amazonaws.com
    eventName: DisableDomainTransferLock

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

AWS Suspicious SAML Activity

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Austin Songer
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Identifies when suspicious SAML activity has occurred in AWS. An adversary could gain backdoor access via SAML.

Known False Positives

  • Automated processes that uses Terraform may lead to false positives.
  • SAML Provider could be updated by a system administrator. Verify whether the user identity, user agent, and/or hostname should be making changes in your environment.
  • SAML Provider being updated from unfamiliar users should be investigated. If known behavior is causing false positives, it can be exempted from the rule.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

Rules Detecting the Same Action

These rules filter on the same operation.

Rule Body

title: AWS Suspicious SAML Activity
id: f43f5d2f-3f2a-4cc8-b1af-81fde7dbaf0e
status: test
description: Identifies when suspicious SAML activity has occurred in AWS. An adversary could gain backdoor access via SAML.
references:
    - https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/APIReference/API_UpdateSAMLProvider.html
    - https://docs.aws.amazon.com/STS/latest/APIReference/API_AssumeRoleWithSAML.html
author: Austin Songer
date: 2021-09-22
modified: 2022-12-18
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1078
    - attack.t1548
    - attack.t1550
    - attack.t1550.001
logsource:
    product: aws
    service: cloudtrail
detection:
    selection_sts:
        eventSource: 'sts.amazonaws.com'
        eventName: 'AssumeRoleWithSAML'
    selection_iam:
        eventSource: 'iam.amazonaws.com'
        eventName: 'UpdateSAMLProvider'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Automated processes that uses Terraform may lead to false positives.
    - SAML Provider could be updated by a system administrator. Verify whether the user identity, user agent, and/or hostname should be making changes in your environment.
    - SAML Provider being updated from unfamiliar users should be investigated. If known behavior is causing false positives, it can be exempted from the rule.
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

1 of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_sts

selection_sts:
    eventSource: 'sts.amazonaws.com'
    eventName: 'AssumeRoleWithSAML'

Stage 2: selection_iam

selection_iam:
    eventSource: 'iam.amazonaws.com'
    eventName: 'UpdateSAMLProvider'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
eventNameeq
  • AssumeRoleWithSAML
  • UpdateSAMLProvider corpus 3 (splunk 2, sigma 1)
field:"aws::eventName" kind:eq
eventSourceeq
  • iam.amazonaws.com corpus 22 (sigma 18, splunk 4)
  • sts.amazonaws.com corpus 4 (sigma 3, panther 1)
field:"aws::eventSource" kind:eq

BITS Transfer Job Download From File Sharing Domains

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects BITS transfer job downloading files from a file sharing domain.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Execution
Persistence
Stealth

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
Bits-ClientEvent ID 16403: task_016403

Rule Body

title: BITS Transfer Job Download From File Sharing Domains
id: d635249d-86b5-4dad-a8c7-d7272b788586
related:
    - id: 8b48ad89-10d8-4382-a546-50588c410f0d
      type: similar
    - id: 52182dfb-afb7-41db-b4bc-5336cb29b464
      type: similar
    - id: ae02ed70-11aa-4a22-b397-c0d0e8f6ea99
      type: similar
    - id: e0f8ab85-0ac9-423b-a73a-81b3c7b1aa97
      type: similar
    - id: 7b434893-c57d-4f41-908d-6a17bf1ae98f
      type: similar
    - id: 8518ed3d-f7c9-4601-a26c-f361a4256a0c
      type: similar
    - id: 42a5f1e7-9603-4f6d-97ae-3f37d130d794
      type: similar
    - id: 56454143-524f-49fb-b1c6-3fb8b1ad41fb
      type: similar
    - id: b6e04788-29e1-4557-bb14-77f761848ab8
      type: similar
    - id: a0d7e4d2-bede-4141-8896-bc6e237e977c
      type: similar
    - id: 297ae038-edc2-4b2e-bb3e-7c5fc94dd5c7
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects BITS transfer job downloading files from a file sharing domain.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1197/T1197.md
    - https://twitter.com/malmoeb/status/1535142803075960832
    - https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/ransomware-hive-conti-avoslocker
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/01/17/new-ttps-observed-in-mint-sandstorm-campaign-targeting-high-profile-individuals-at-universities-and-research-orgs/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-28
modified: 2026-03-29
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1197
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: bits-client
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 16403
        RemoteName|contains:
            - '.githubusercontent.com'       # Includes both gists and github repositories / Michael Haag (idea)
            - '0x0.st'
            - 'anonfiles.com'
            - 'bashupload.com'
            - 'cdn.discordapp.com'
            - 'chunk.io'
            - 'ddns.net'
            - 'dl.dropboxusercontent.com'
            - 'ghostbin.co'
            - 'github.com'
            - 'glitch.me'
            - 'gofile.io'
            - 'hastebin.com'
            - 'mediafire.com'
            - 'mega.nz'
            - 'onrender.com'
            - 'pages.dev'
            - 'paste.ee'
            - 'pastebin.com'
            - 'pastebin.pl'
            - 'pastetext.net'
            - 'pixeldrain.com'
            - 'privatlab.com'
            - 'privatlab.net'
            - 'send.exploit.in'
            - 'sendspace.com'
            - 'storage.googleapis.com'
            - 'storjshare.io'
            - 'supabase.co'
            - 'temp.sh'
            - 'transfer.sh'
            - 'trycloudflare.com'
            - 'ufile.io'
            - 'w3spaces.com'
            - 'workers.dev'
            - 'x0.at'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    EventID: 16403
    RemoteName|contains:
        - '.githubusercontent.com'
        - '0x0.st'
        - 'anonfiles.com'
        - 'bashupload.com'
        - 'cdn.discordapp.com'
        - 'chunk.io'
        - 'ddns.net'
        - 'dl.dropboxusercontent.com'
        - 'ghostbin.co'
        - 'github.com'
        - 'glitch.me'
        - 'gofile.io'
        - 'hastebin.com'
        - 'mediafire.com'
        - 'mega.nz'
        - 'onrender.com'
        - 'pages.dev'
        - 'paste.ee'
        - 'pastebin.com'
        - 'pastebin.pl'
        - 'pastetext.net'
        - 'pixeldrain.com'
        - 'privatlab.com'
        - 'privatlab.net'
        - 'send.exploit.in'
        - 'sendspace.com'
        - 'storage.googleapis.com'
        - 'storjshare.io'
        - 'supabase.co'
        - 'temp.sh'
        - 'transfer.sh'
        - 'trycloudflare.com'
        - 'ufile.io'
        - 'w3spaces.com'
        - 'workers.dev'
        - 'x0.at'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
RemoteNamematch
  • .githubusercontent.com
  • 0x0.st
  • anonfiles.com
  • bashupload.com
  • cdn.discordapp.com
  • chunk.io
  • ddns.net
  • dl.dropboxusercontent.com
  • ghostbin.co
  • github.com
  • glitch.me
  • gofile.io
  • hastebin.com
  • mediafire.com
  • mega.nz
  • onrender.com
  • pages.dev
  • paste.ee
  • pastebin.com
  • pastebin.pl
  • pastetext.net
  • pixeldrain.com
  • privatlab.com
  • privatlab.net
  • send.exploit.in
  • sendspace.com
  • storage.googleapis.com
  • storjshare.io
  • supabase.co
  • temp.sh
  • transfer.sh
  • trycloudflare.com
  • ufile.io
  • w3spaces.com
  • workers.dev
  • x0.at
field:"RemoteName" kind:match

Bitsadmin to Uncommon IP Server Address

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects Bitsadmin connections to IP addresses instead of FQDN names

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Rule Body

title: Bitsadmin to Uncommon IP Server Address
id: 8ccd35a2-1c7c-468b-b568-ac6cdf80eec3
status: test
description: Detects Bitsadmin connections to IP addresses instead of FQDN names
references:
    - https://isc.sans.edu/diary/Microsoft+BITS+Used+to+Download+Payloads/21027
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-10
modified: 2022-08-24
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1071.001
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1197
    - attack.s0190
logsource:
    category: proxy
detection:
    selection:
        c-useragent|startswith: 'Microsoft BITS/'
        cs-host|endswith:
            - '1'
            - '2'
            - '3'
            - '4'
            - '5'
            - '6'
            - '7'
            - '8'
            - '9'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    c-useragent|startswith: 'Microsoft BITS/'
    cs-host|endswith:
        - '1'
        - '2'
        - '3'
        - '4'
        - '5'
        - '6'
        - '7'
        - '8'
        - '9'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

Cab File Extraction Via Wusa.EXE From Potentially Suspicious Paths

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects the execution of the "wusa.exe" (Windows Update Standalone Installer) utility to extract ".cab" files using the "/extract" argument from potentially suspicious paths.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
ExecutionNo specific technique

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Cab File Extraction Via Wusa.EXE From Potentially Suspicious Paths
id: c74c0390-3e20-41fd-a69a-128f0275a5ea
related:
    - id: 59b39960-5f9d-4a49-9cef-1e4d2c1d0cb9
      type: derived
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of the "wusa.exe" (Windows Update Standalone Installer) utility to extract ".cab" files using the "/extract" argument from potentially suspicious paths.
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20180331144337/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2018/03/sanny-malware-delivery-method-updated-in-recently-observed-attacks.html
    - https://www.echotrail.io/insights/search/wusa.exe/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-05
modified: 2023-11-28
tags:
    - attack.execution
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_root:
        Image|endswith: '\wusa.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '/extract:'
    selection_paths:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ':\PerfLogs\'
            - ':\Users\Public\'
            - ':\Windows\Temp\'
            - '\Appdata\Local\Temp\'
            # - '\Desktop\'
            # - '\Downloads\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_root

selection_root:
    Image|endswith: '\wusa.exe'
    CommandLine|contains: '/extract:'

Stage 2: selection_paths

selection_paths:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - ':\PerfLogs\'
        - ':\Users\Public\'
        - ':\Windows\Temp\'
        - '\Appdata\Local\Temp\'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • /extract: corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • :\PerfLogs\ corpus 11 (sigma 11)
  • :\Users\Public\ corpus 20 (sigma 18, elastic 2)
  • :\Windows\Temp\ corpus 16 (sigma 16)
  • \Appdata\Local\Temp\ corpus 28 (sigma 26, elastic 2)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • \wusa.exe corpus 4 (sigma 4)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\wusa.exe"

Credential Manager Access By Uncommon Applications

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects suspicious processes based on name and location that access the windows credential manager and vault. Which can be a sign of credential stealing. Example case would be usage of mimikatz "dpapi::cred" function

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate software installed by the users for example in the "AppData" directory may access these files (for any reason).

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Credential Access

Rule Body

title: Credential Manager Access By Uncommon Applications
id: 407aecb1-e762-4acf-8c7b-d087bcff3bb6
status: test
description: |
    Detects suspicious processes based on name and location that access the windows credential manager and vault.
    Which can be a sign of credential stealing. Example case would be usage of mimikatz "dpapi::cred" function
references:
    - https://hunter2.gitbook.io/darthsidious/privilege-escalation/mimikatz
    - https://www.absolomb.com/2018-01-26-Windows-Privilege-Escalation-Guide/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-11
modified: 2026-07-28
tags:
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.credential-access
logsource:
    category: file_access
    product: windows
    definition: 'Requirements: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-File ETW provider'
detection:
    selection:
        FileName|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\'
            - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Vault\'
            - '\ProgramData\Microsoft\Vault\'
    filter_main_system_folders:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
            - 'C:\Windows\system32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
    filter_main_explorer:
        Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate software installed by the users for example in the "AppData" directory may access these files (for any reason).
# Increase level after false positives filters are good enough
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not 1 of filter_main_*

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    FileName|contains:
        - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\'
        - '\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\'
        - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Vault\'
        - '\ProgramData\Microsoft\Vault\'

Stage 2: not filter_main_*

filter_main_system_folders:
    Image|startswith:
        - 'C:\Program Files\'
        - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
        - 'C:\Windows\system32\'
        - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
filter_main_explorer:
    Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
FileNamematch
  • \AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
  • \AppData\Local\Microsoft\Vault\
  • \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
  • \ProgramData\Microsoft\Vault\
field:"file_name" kind:match

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
ImageeqC:\Windows\explorer.exeexcludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Windows\explorer.exe"
Imagestarts_withC:\Program Files (x86)\excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Program Files (x86)\"
Imagestarts_withC:\Program Files\excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Program Files\"
Imagestarts_withC:\Windows\SysWOW64\excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Windows\SysWOW64\"
Imagestarts_withC:\Windows\system32\excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Windows\system32\"

CVE-2023-22518 Exploitation Attempt - Suspicious Confluence Child Process (Windows)

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Andreas Braathen (mnemonic.io)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects exploitation attempt of CVE-2023-22518 (Confluence Data Center / Confluence Server), where an attacker can exploit vulnerable endpoints to e.g. create admin accounts and execute arbitrary commands.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: CVE-2023-22518 Exploitation Attempt - Suspicious Confluence Child Process (Windows)
id: 1ddaa9a4-eb0b-4398-a9fe-7b018f9e23db
related:
    - id: f8987c03-4290-4c96-870f-55e75ee377f4
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects exploitation attempt of CVE-2023-22518 (Confluence Data Center / Confluence Server), where an attacker can exploit vulnerable endpoints to e.g. create admin accounts and execute arbitrary commands.
references:
    - https://confluence.atlassian.com/security/cve-2023-22518-improper-authorization-vulnerability-in-confluence-data-center-and-server-1311473907.html
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/confluence-to-cerber-exploitation-of-cve-2023-22518-for-ransomware-deployment
    - https://github.com/ForceFledgling/CVE-2023-22518
author: Andreas Braathen (mnemonic.io)
date: 2023-11-14
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1190
    - cve.2023-22518
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\tomcat8.exe'
            - '\tomcat9.exe'
            - '\tomcat10.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains: 'confluence'
    selection_child:
        # Note: Only children associated with known campaigns
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\cmd.exe'
              - '\powershell.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'Cmd.Exe'
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_parent

selection_parent:
    ParentImage|endswith:
        - '\tomcat8.exe'
        - '\tomcat9.exe'
        - '\tomcat10.exe'
    ParentCommandLine|contains: 'confluence'

Stage 2: selection_child

selection_child:
    - Image|endswith:
          - '\cmd.exe'
          - '\powershell.exe'
    - OriginalFileName:
          - 'Cmd.Exe'
          - 'PowerShell.EXE'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
Imageends_with
  • \cmd.exe corpus 132 (sigma 130, splunk 2)
  • \powershell.exe corpus 181 (sigma 180, splunk 1)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with
OriginalFileNameeq
  • Cmd.Exe corpus 75 (sigma 43, splunk 17, elastic 15)
  • PowerShell.EXE corpus 134 (sigma 86, splunk 30, elastic 18)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq
ParentCommandLinematch
  • confluence corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"ParentCommandLine" kind:match value:"confluence"
ParentImageends_with
  • \tomcat10.exe
  • \tomcat8.exe
  • \tomcat9.exe
field:"ParentImage" kind:ends_with

Execution Of Script Located In Potentially Suspicious Directory

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Joseliyo Sanchez, @Joseliyo_Jstnk
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects executions of scripts located in potentially suspicious locations such as "/tmp" via a shell such as "bash", "sh", etc.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
ExecutionNo specific technique

Telemetry Coverage

PlatformRecord / event type
LinuxEvent ID 1: Process Create

Rule Body

title: Execution Of Script Located In Potentially Suspicious Directory
id: 30bcce26-51c5-49f2-99c8-7b59e3af36c7
status: test
description: Detects executions of scripts located in potentially suspicious locations such as "/tmp" via a shell such as "bash", "sh", etc.
references:
    - https://blogs.jpcert.or.jp/en/2023/05/gobrat.html
    - https://jstnk9.github.io/jstnk9/research/GobRAT-Malware/
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/60bcd645450e4c846238cf0e7226dc40c84c96eba99f6b2cffcd0ab4a391c8b3/detection
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/3e44c807a25a56f4068b5b8186eee5002eed6f26d665a8b791c472ad154585d1/detection
author: Joseliyo Sanchez, @Joseliyo_Jstnk
date: 2023-06-02
tags:
    - attack.execution
logsource:
    product: linux
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '/bash'
            - '/csh'
            - '/dash'
            - '/fish'
            - '/ksh'
            - '/sh'
            - '/zsh'
    selection_flag:
        CommandLine|contains: ' -c '
    selection_paths:
        # Note: Add more suspicious paths
        CommandLine|contains: '/tmp/'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    Image|endswith:
        - '/bash'
        - '/csh'
        - '/dash'
        - '/fish'
        - '/ksh'
        - '/sh'
        - '/zsh'

Stage 2: selection_flag

selection_flag:
    CommandLine|contains: ' -c '

Stage 3: selection_paths

selection_paths:
    CommandLine|contains: '/tmp/'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • -c corpus 13 (sigma 13)
  • /tmp/ corpus 10 (sigma 8, elastic 2)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • /bash corpus 13 (sigma 13)
  • /csh corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • /dash corpus 9 (sigma 9)
  • /fish corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • /ksh corpus 5 (sigma 5)
  • /sh corpus 12 (sigma 12)
  • /zsh corpus 7 (sigma 7)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with

Gpscript Execution

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
frack113
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects the execution of the LOLBIN gpscript, which executes logon or startup scripts configured in Group Policy

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate uses of logon scripts distributed via group policy

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Gpscript Execution
id: 1e59c230-6670-45bf-83b0-98903780607e
status: test
description: Detects the execution of the LOLBIN gpscript, which executes logon or startup scripts configured in Group Policy
references:
    - https://oddvar.moe/2018/04/27/gpscript-exe-another-lolbin-to-the-list/
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Gpscript/
author: frack113
date: 2022-05-16
modified: 2023-06-14
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\gpscript.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'GPSCRIPT.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' /logon'
            - ' /startup'
    filter_main_svchost:
        ParentCommandLine: 'C:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p -s gpsvc'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate uses of logon scripts distributed via group policy
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: '\gpscript.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'GPSCRIPT.EXE'

Stage 2: selection_cli

selection_cli:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - ' /logon'
        - ' /startup'

Stage 3: not filter_main_svchost

filter_main_svchost:
    ParentCommandLine: 'C:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p -s gpsvc'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
ParentCommandLineeqC:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p -s gpsvcexcludes:ParentCommandLine field:"ParentCommandLine" value:"C:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p -s gpsvc"

HackTool - Impersonate Execution

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Sai Prashanth Pulisetti @pulisettis
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects execution of the Impersonate tool. Which can be used to manipulate tokens on a Windows computers remotely (PsExec/WmiExec) or interactively

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: HackTool - Impersonate Execution
id: cf0c254b-22f1-4b2b-8221-e137b3c0af94
status: test
description: Detects execution of the Impersonate tool. Which can be used to manipulate tokens on a Windows computers remotely (PsExec/WmiExec) or interactively
references:
    - https://sensepost.com/blog/2022/abusing-windows-tokens-to-compromise-active-directory-without-touching-lsass/
    - https://github.com/sensepost/impersonate
author: Sai Prashanth Pulisetti @pulisettis
date: 2022-12-21
modified: 2024-11-23
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1134.001
    - attack.t1134.003
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_commandline_exe:
        CommandLine|contains: 'impersonate.exe'
    selection_commandline_opt:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' list '
            - ' exec '
            - ' adduser '
    selection_hash:
        Hashes|contains:
            - 'MD5=9520714AB576B0ED01D1513691377D01'
            - 'SHA256=E81CC96E2118DC4FBFE5BAD1604E0AC7681960143E2101E1A024D52264BB0A8A'
            - 'IMPHASH=0A358FFC1697B7A07D0E817AC740DF62'
    condition: all of selection_commandline_* or selection_hash
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_commandline_* or selection_hash

Stage 1: selection_commandline_exe

selection_commandline_exe:
    CommandLine|contains: 'impersonate.exe'

Stage 2: selection_commandline_opt

selection_commandline_opt:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - ' list '
        - ' exec '
        - ' adduser '

Stage 3: selection_hash

selection_hash:
    Hashes|contains:
        - 'MD5=9520714AB576B0ED01D1513691377D01'
        - 'SHA256=E81CC96E2118DC4FBFE5BAD1604E0AC7681960143E2101E1A024D52264BB0A8A'
        - 'IMPHASH=0A358FFC1697B7A07D0E817AC740DF62'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • adduser
  • exec corpus 3 (sigma 2, splunk 1)
  • list corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • impersonate.exe
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Hashesmatch
  • IMPHASH=0A358FFC1697B7A07D0E817AC740DF62
  • MD5=9520714AB576B0ED01D1513691377D01
  • SHA256=E81CC96E2118DC4FBFE5BAD1604E0AC7681960143E2101E1A024D52264BB0A8A
field:"Hashes" kind:match

Invoke-Obfuscation CLIP+ Launcher - Security

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Jonathan Cheong, oscd.community
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects Obfuscated use of Clip.exe to execute PowerShell

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Invoke-Obfuscation CLIP+ Launcher - Security
id: 4edf51e1-cb83-4e1a-bc39-800e396068e3
related:
    - id: f7385ee2-0e0c-11eb-adc1-0242ac120002
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated use of Clip.exe to execute PowerShell
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009  # (Task 26)
author: Jonathan Cheong, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-13
modified: 2022-11-27
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: The 'System Security Extension' audit subcategory need to be enabled to log the EID 4697
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4697
        ServiceFileName|contains|all:
            - 'cmd'
            - '&&'
            - 'clipboard]::'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    EventID: 4697
    ServiceFileName|contains|all:
        - 'cmd'
        - '&&'
        - 'clipboard]::'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
ServiceFileNamematch
  • && corpus 3 (sigma 3)
  • clipboard]::
  • cmd corpus 5 (sigma 5)
field:"ServiceFileName" kind:match

LSASS Access From Program In Potentially Suspicious Folder

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects process access to LSASS memory with suspicious access flags and from a potentially suspicious folder

Known False Positives

  • Updaters and installers are typical false positives. Apply custom filters depending on your environment

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Credential Access

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 10: ProcessAccess

Rule Body

title: LSASS Access From Program In Potentially Suspicious Folder
id: fa34b441-961a-42fa-a100-ecc28c886725
status: test
description: Detects process access to LSASS memory with suspicious access flags and from a potentially suspicious folder
references:
    - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/procthread/process-security-and-access-rights
    - https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=D026B4699190F1E6!2843&ithint=file%2cpptx&app=PowerPoint&authkey=!AMvCRTKB_V1J5ow
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20230208123920/https://cyberwardog.blogspot.com/2017/03/chronicles-of-threat-hunter-hunting-for_22.html
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20230420013146/http://security-research.dyndns.org/pub/slides/FIRST2017/FIRST-2017_Tom-Ueltschi_Sysmon_FINAL_notes.pdf
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-11-27
modified: 2023-12-06
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.s0002
    - detection.threat-hunting
logsource:
    category: process_access
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetImage|endswith: '\lsass.exe'
        GrantedAccess|endswith:
            - '10'
            - '30'
            - '50'
            - '70'
            - '90'
            - 'B0'
            - 'D0'
            - 'F0'
            - '18'
            - '38'
            - '58'
            - '78'
            - '98'
            - 'B8'
            - 'D8'
            - 'F8'
            - '1A'
            - '3A'
            - '5A'
            - '7A'
            - '9A'
            - 'BA'
            - 'DA'
            - 'FA'
            - '0x14C2'  # https://github.com/b4rtik/ATPMiniDump/blob/76304f93b390af3bb66e4f451ca16562a479bdc9/ATPMiniDump/ATPMiniDump.c
            - 'FF'
        SourceImage|contains:
            - '\Temp\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - '\PerfLogs\'
            - '\AppData\'
            - '\Temporary'
    filter_optional_generic_appdata:
        SourceImage|contains|all:
            - ':\Users\'
            - '\AppData\Local\'
        SourceImage|endswith:
            - '\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
            - '\software_reporter_tool.exe'
            - '\DropboxUpdate.exe'
            - '\MBAMInstallerService.exe'
            - '\WebexMTA.exe'
            - '\Meetings\WebexMTAV2.exe'
            - '\WebEx\WebexHost.exe'
            - '\JetBrains\Toolbox\bin\jetbrains-toolbox.exe'
        GrantedAccess: '0x410'
    filter_optional_dropbox_1:
        SourceImage|contains: ':\Windows\Temp\'
        SourceImage|endswith: '.tmp\DropboxUpdate.exe'
        GrantedAccess:
            - '0x410'
            - '0x1410'
    filter_optional_dropbox_2:
        SourceImage|contains|all:
            - ':\Users\'
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
        SourceImage|endswith: '.tmp\DropboxUpdate.exe'
        GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
    filter_optional_dropbox_3:
        SourceImage|contains:
            - ':\Program Files (x86)\Dropbox\'
            - ':\Program Files\Dropbox\'
        SourceImage|endswith: '\DropboxUpdate.exe'
        GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
    filter_optional_nextron:
        SourceImage|contains:
            - ':\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent\'
            - ':\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent-sc\'
        SourceImage|endswith:
            - '\thor64.exe'
            - '\thor.exe'
            - '\aurora-agent-64.exe'
            - '\aurora-agent.exe'
        GrantedAccess:
            - '0x1fffff'
            - '0x1010'
            - '0x101010'
    filter_optional_ms_products:
        SourceImage|contains|all:
            - ':\Users\'
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - '\vs_bootstrapper_'
        GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
    filter_optional_chrome_update:
        SourceImage|contains: ':\Program Files (x86)\Google\Temp\'
        SourceImage|endswith: '.tmp\GoogleUpdate.exe'
        GrantedAccess:
            - '0x410'
            - '0x1410'
    filter_optional_keybase:
        SourceImage|contains: ':\Users\'
        SourceImage|endswith: \AppData\Local\Keybase\keybase.exe
        GrantedAccess: '0x1fffff'
    filter_optional_avira:
        SourceImage|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\is-'
        SourceImage|endswith: '.tmp\avira_system_speedup.tmp'
        GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
    filter_optional_viberpc_updater:
        SourceImage|contains: '\AppData\Roaming\ViberPC\'
        SourceImage|endswith: '\updater.exe'
        TargetImage|endswith: '\winlogon.exe'
        GrantedAccess: '0x1fffff'
    filter_optional_adobe_arm_helper:
        SourceImage|contains:  # Example path: 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\Temp\2092867405\AdobeARMHelper.exe'
            - ':\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\'
            - ':\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\'
        SourceImage|endswith: '\AdobeARMHelper.exe'
        GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Updaters and installers are typical false positives. Apply custom filters depending on your environment
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    TargetImage|endswith: '\lsass.exe'
    GrantedAccess|endswith:
        - '10'
        - '30'
        - '50'
        - '70'
        - '90'
        - 'B0'
        - 'D0'
        - 'F0'
        - '18'
        - '38'
        - '58'
        - '78'
        - '98'
        - 'B8'
        - 'D8'
        - 'F8'
        - '1A'
        - '3A'
        - '5A'
        - '7A'
        - '9A'
        - 'BA'
        - 'DA'
        - 'FA'
        - '0x14C2'
        - 'FF'
    SourceImage|contains:
        - '\Temp\'
        - '\Users\Public\'
        - '\PerfLogs\'
        - '\AppData\'
        - '\Temporary'

Stage 2: not filter_optional_*

filter_optional_generic_appdata:
    SourceImage|contains|all:
        - ':\Users\'
        - '\AppData\Local\'
    SourceImage|endswith:
        - '\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
        - '\software_reporter_tool.exe'
        - '\DropboxUpdate.exe'
        - '\MBAMInstallerService.exe'
        - '\WebexMTA.exe'
        - '\Meetings\WebexMTAV2.exe'
        - '\WebEx\WebexHost.exe'
        - '\JetBrains\Toolbox\bin\jetbrains-toolbox.exe'
    GrantedAccess: '0x410'
filter_optional_dropbox_1:
    SourceImage|contains: ':\Windows\Temp\'
    SourceImage|endswith: '.tmp\DropboxUpdate.exe'
    GrantedAccess:
        - '0x410'
        - '0x1410'
filter_optional_dropbox_2:
    SourceImage|contains|all:
        - ':\Users\'
        - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
    SourceImage|endswith: '.tmp\DropboxUpdate.exe'
    GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
filter_optional_dropbox_3:
    SourceImage|contains:
        - ':\Program Files (x86)\Dropbox\'
        - ':\Program Files\Dropbox\'
    SourceImage|endswith: '\DropboxUpdate.exe'
    GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
filter_optional_nextron:
    SourceImage|contains:
        - ':\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent\'
        - ':\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent-sc\'
    SourceImage|endswith:
        - '\thor64.exe'
        - '\thor.exe'
        - '\aurora-agent-64.exe'
        - '\aurora-agent.exe'
    GrantedAccess:
        - '0x1fffff'
        - '0x1010'
        - '0x101010'
filter_optional_ms_products:
    SourceImage|contains|all:
        - ':\Users\'
        - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
        - '\vs_bootstrapper_'
    GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
filter_optional_chrome_update:
    SourceImage|contains: ':\Program Files (x86)\Google\Temp\'
    SourceImage|endswith: '.tmp\GoogleUpdate.exe'
    GrantedAccess:
        - '0x410'
        - '0x1410'
filter_optional_keybase:
    SourceImage|contains: ':\Users\'
    SourceImage|endswith: \AppData\Local\Keybase\keybase.exe
    GrantedAccess: '0x1fffff'
filter_optional_avira:
    SourceImage|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\is-'
    SourceImage|endswith: '.tmp\avira_system_speedup.tmp'
    GrantedAccess: '0x1410'
filter_optional_viberpc_updater:
    SourceImage|contains: '\AppData\Roaming\ViberPC\'
    SourceImage|endswith: '\updater.exe'
    TargetImage|endswith: '\winlogon.exe'
    GrantedAccess: '0x1fffff'
filter_optional_adobe_arm_helper:
    SourceImage|contains:
        - ':\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\'
        - ':\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\'
    SourceImage|endswith: '\AdobeARMHelper.exe'
    GrantedAccess: '0x1410'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
GrantedAccessends_with
  • 0x14C2 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 10 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 18 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 1A corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 30 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 38 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 3A corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 50 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 58 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 5A corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 70 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 78 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 7A corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 90 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 98 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • 9A corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • B0 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • B8 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • BA corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • D0 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • D8 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • DA corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • F0 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • F8 corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • FA corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • FF corpus 3 (sigma 3)
field:"GrantedAccess" kind:ends_with
SourceImagematch
  • \AppData\
  • \PerfLogs\
  • \Temp\
  • \Temporary
  • \Users\Public\
field:"SourceImage" kind:match
TargetImageends_with
  • \lsass.exe corpus 17 (sigma 16, splunk 1)
field:"TargetImage" kind:ends_with value:"\lsass.exe"

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
GrantedAccesseq0x1010excludes:GrantedAccess field:"GrantedAccess" value:"0x1010"
GrantedAccesseq0x101010excludes:GrantedAccess field:"GrantedAccess" value:"0x101010"
GrantedAccesseq0x1fffffexcludes:GrantedAccess field:"GrantedAccess" value:"0x1fffff"
SourceImageends_with\aurora-agent-64.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\aurora-agent-64.exe"
SourceImageends_with\aurora-agent.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\aurora-agent.exe"
SourceImageends_with\thor.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\thor.exe"
SourceImageends_with\thor64.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\thor64.exe"
SourceImagematch:\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent-sc\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent-sc\"
SourceImagematch:\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent\"
GrantedAccesseq0x1410excludes:GrantedAccess field:"GrantedAccess" value:"0x1410"
GrantedAccesseq0x410excludes:GrantedAccess field:"GrantedAccess" value:"0x410"
SourceImageends_with.tmp\DropboxUpdate.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:".tmp\DropboxUpdate.exe"
SourceImagematch:\Windows\Temp\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Windows\Temp\"
SourceImageends_with.tmp\GoogleUpdate.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:".tmp\GoogleUpdate.exe"
SourceImagematch:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Temp\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Program Files (x86)\Google\Temp\"
SourceImageends_with\DropboxUpdate.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\DropboxUpdate.exe"
SourceImageends_with\JetBrains\Toolbox\bin\jetbrains-toolbox.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\JetBrains\Toolbox\bin\jetbrains-toolbox.exe"
SourceImageends_with\MBAMInstallerService.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\MBAMInstallerService.exe"
SourceImageends_with\Meetings\WebexMTAV2.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\Meetings\WebexMTAV2.exe"
SourceImageends_with\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe"
SourceImageends_with\WebEx\WebexHost.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\WebEx\WebexHost.exe"
SourceImageends_with\WebexMTA.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\WebexMTA.exe"
SourceImageends_with\software_reporter_tool.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\software_reporter_tool.exe"
SourceImagematch:\Users\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Users\"
SourceImagematch\AppData\Local\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\AppData\Local\"
SourceImagematch:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\"
SourceImagematch:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\"
SourceImageends_with\AdobeARMHelper.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\AdobeARMHelper.exe"
SourceImagematch:\Program Files (x86)\Dropbox\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Program Files (x86)\Dropbox\"
SourceImagematch:\Program Files\Dropbox\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:":\Program Files\Dropbox\"
SourceImagematch\AppData\Local\Temp\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\AppData\Local\Temp\"
SourceImageends_with.tmp\avira_system_speedup.tmpexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:".tmp\avira_system_speedup.tmp"
SourceImagematch\AppData\Local\Temp\is-excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\AppData\Local\Temp\is-"
SourceImagematch\vs_bootstrapper_excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\vs_bootstrapper_"
SourceImageends_with\AppData\Local\Keybase\keybase.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\AppData\Local\Keybase\keybase.exe"
SourceImageends_with\updater.exeexcludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\updater.exe"
SourceImagematch\AppData\Roaming\ViberPC\excludes:SourceImage field:"SourceImage" value:"\AppData\Roaming\ViberPC\"
TargetImageends_with\winlogon.exeexcludes:TargetImage field:"TargetImage" value:"\winlogon.exe"

Okta Admin Role Assigned to an User or Group

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Austin Songer @austinsonger
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects when an the Administrator role is assigned to an user or group.

Known False Positives

  • Administrator roles could be assigned to users or group by other admin users.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

Rules Detecting the Same Action

These rules filter on the same operation.

Rule Body

title: Okta Admin Role Assigned to an User or Group
id: 413d4a81-6c98-4479-9863-014785fd579c
status: test
description: Detects when an the Administrator role is assigned to an user or group.
references:
    - https://developer.okta.com/docs/reference/api/system-log/
    - https://developer.okta.com/docs/reference/api/event-types/
author: Austin Songer @austinsonger
date: 2021-09-12
modified: 2026-04-27
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1098.003
logsource:
    product: okta
    service: okta
detection:
    selection:
        eventType:
            - group.privilege.grant
            - user.account.privilege.grant
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Administrator roles could be assigned to users or group by other admin users.

level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    eventType:
        - group.privilege.grant
        - user.account.privilege.grant

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
eventTypeeq
  • group.privilege.grant corpus 2 (sigma 1, panther 1)
  • user.account.privilege.grant corpus 2 (sigma 1, panther 1)
field:"eventType" kind:eq

Potential OWASSRF Exploitation Attempt - Webserver

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects exploitation attempt of the OWASSRF variant targeting exchange servers It uses the OWA endpoint to access the powershell backend endpoint

Known False Positives

  • Web vulnerability scanners

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Initial Access

Rule Body

title: Potential OWASSRF Exploitation Attempt - Webserver
id: 181f49fa-0b21-4665-a98c-a57025ebb8c7
status: test
description: Detects exploitation attempt of the OWASSRF variant targeting exchange servers It uses the OWA endpoint to access the powershell backend endpoint
references:
    - https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/owassrf-exploit-analysis-and-recommendations/
    - https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/2022/12/21/cve-2022-41080-cve-2022-41082-rapid7-observed-exploitation-of-owassrf-in-exchange-for-rce/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-22
modified: 2023-01-02
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1190
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: webserver
detection:
    selection:
        cs-method: 'POST'
        sc-status: 200
        cs-uri-query|contains|all:
            - '/owa/'
            - '/powershell'
        cs-uri-query|contains:
            - '@'
            - '%40'
    filter_main_ua:
        cs-user-agent:
            - 'ClientInfo'
            - 'Microsoft WinRM Client'
            - 'Exchange BackEnd Probes'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Web vulnerability scanners
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not 1 of filter_main_*

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    cs-method: 'POST'
    sc-status: 200
    cs-uri-query|contains|all:
        - '/owa/'
        - '/powershell'
    cs-uri-query|contains:
        - '@'
        - '%40'

Stage 2: not filter_main_ua

filter_main_ua:
    cs-user-agent:
        - 'ClientInfo'
        - 'Microsoft WinRM Client'
        - 'Exchange BackEnd Probes'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

Potential Persistence Via VMwareToolBoxCmd.EXE VM State Change Script

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects execution of the "VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe" with the "script" and "set" flag to setup a specific script to run for a specific VM state

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Potential Persistence Via VMwareToolBoxCmd.EXE VM State Change Script
id: 7aa4e81a-a65c-4e10-9f81-b200eb229d7d
related:
    - id: 236d8e89-ed95-4789-a982-36f4643738ba
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects execution of the "VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe" with the "script" and "set" flag to setup a specific script to run for a specific VM state
references:
    - https://bohops.com/2021/10/08/analyzing-and-detecting-a-vmtools-persistence-technique/
    - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2017/01/14/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-53/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-06-14
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'toolbox-cmd.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' script '
            - ' set '
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: '\VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'toolbox-cmd.exe'

Stage 2: selection_cli

selection_cli:
    CommandLine|contains|all:
        - ' script '
        - ' set '

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • script corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • set corpus 4 (sigma 4)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • \VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe"
OriginalFileNameeq
  • toolbox-cmd.exe corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"toolbox-cmd.exe"

Potential Remote PowerShell Session Initiated

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects a process that initiated a network connection over ports 5985 or 5986 from a non-network service account. This could potentially indicates a remote PowerShell connection.

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate usage of remote PowerShell, e.g. remote administration and monitoring.
  • Network Service user name of a not-covered localization

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 3: Network connection

Rule Body

title: Potential Remote PowerShell Session Initiated
id: c539afac-c12a-46ed-b1bd-5a5567c9f045
status: test
description: |
    Detects a process that initiated a network connection over ports 5985 or 5986 from a non-network service account.
    This could potentially indicates a remote PowerShell connection.
references:
    - https://threathunterplaybook.com/hunts/windows/190511-RemotePwshExecution/notebook.html
author: Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g
date: 2019-09-12
modified: 2024-02-02
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.t1021.006
logsource:
    category: network_connection
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        DestinationPort:
            - 5985
            - 5986
        Initiated: 'true' # only matches of the initiating system can be evaluated
        SourceIsIpv6: 'false'
    filter_main_service_users:
        - User|contains: # covers many language settings for Network Service. Please expand
              - 'NETWORK SERVICE'
              - 'NETZWERKDIENST'
              - 'SERVICIO DE RED'
              - 'SERVIZIO DI RETE'
        - User|contains|all:
              - 'SERVICE R'
              - 'SEAU'
    filter_main_localhost:
        SourceIp:
            - '::1'
            - '127.0.0.1'
        DestinationIp:
            - '::1'
            - '127.0.0.1'
    filter_optional_avast:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Avast Software\Avast\AvastSvc.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Avast Software\Avast\AvastSvc.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate usage of remote PowerShell, e.g. remote administration and monitoring.
    - Network Service user name of a not-covered localization
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/network_connection/net_connection_win_susp_remote_powershell_session/info.yml

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    DestinationPort:
        - 5985
        - 5986
    Initiated: 'true'
    SourceIsIpv6: 'false'

Stage 2: not filter_main_*

filter_main_service_users:
    - User|contains:
          - 'NETWORK SERVICE'
          - 'NETZWERKDIENST'
          - 'SERVICIO DE RED'
          - 'SERVIZIO DI RETE'
    - User|contains|all:
          - 'SERVICE R'
          - 'SEAU'
filter_main_localhost:
    SourceIp:
        - '::1'
        - '127.0.0.1'
    DestinationIp:
        - '::1'
        - '127.0.0.1'

Stage 3: not filter_optional_avast

filter_optional_avast:
    Image:
        - 'C:\Program Files\Avast Software\Avast\AvastSvc.exe'
        - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Avast Software\Avast\AvastSvc.exe'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
DestinationPorteq
  • 5985 corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • 5986 corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"DestinationPort" kind:eq
Initiatedeq
  • true corpus 50 (sigma 50)
field:"Initiated" kind:eq value:"true"
SourceIsIpv6eq
  • false
field:"SourceIsIpv6" kind:eq value:"false"

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

Potential Suspicious Browser Launch From Document Reader Process

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Joseph Kamau
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects when a browser process or browser tab is launched from an application that handles document files such as Adobe, Microsoft Office, etc. And connects to a web application over http(s), this could indicate a possible phishing attempt.

Known False Positives

  • Unlikely in most cases, further investigation should be done in the commandline of the browser process to determine the context of the URL accessed.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Potential Suspicious Browser Launch From Document Reader Process
id: 1193d960-2369-499f-a158-7b50a31df682
status: test
description: |
    Detects when a browser process or browser tab is launched from an application that handles document files such as Adobe, Microsoft Office, etc. And connects to a web application over http(s), this could indicate a possible phishing attempt.
references:
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/69c5abaa-92ad-45ba-8c53-c11e23e05d04/ # PDF Document
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/64043a79-165f-4052-bcba-e6e49f847ec1/ # Office Document
author: Joseph Kamau
date: 2024-05-27
modified: 2025-10-07
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1204.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|contains:
            - 'Acrobat Reader'
            - 'Microsoft Office'
            - 'PDF Reader'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\brave.exe'
            - '\chrome.exe'
            - '\firefox.exe'
            - '\msedge.exe'
            - '\opera.exe'
            - '\maxthon.exe'
            - '\seamonkey.exe'
            - '\vivaldi.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: 'http'
    filter_main_microsoft_help:
        CommandLine|contains: 'https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/'
    filter_optional_foxit:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'http://ad.foxitsoftware.com/adlog.php?'
            - 'https://globe-map.foxitservice.com/go.php?do=redirect'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely in most cases, further investigation should be done in the commandline of the browser process to determine the context of the URL accessed.
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    ParentImage|contains:
        - 'Acrobat Reader'
        - 'Microsoft Office'
        - 'PDF Reader'
    Image|endswith:
        - '\brave.exe'
        - '\chrome.exe'
        - '\firefox.exe'
        - '\msedge.exe'
        - '\opera.exe'
        - '\maxthon.exe'
        - '\seamonkey.exe'
        - '\vivaldi.exe'
    CommandLine|contains: 'http'

Stage 2: not filter_main_microsoft_help

filter_main_microsoft_help:
    CommandLine|contains: 'https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/'

Stage 3: not filter_optional_foxit

filter_optional_foxit:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - 'http://ad.foxitsoftware.com/adlog.php?'
        - 'https://globe-map.foxitservice.com/go.php?do=redirect'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • http corpus 45 (sigma 34, elastic 10, splunk 1)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match value:"http"
Imageends_with
  • \brave.exe corpus 11 (sigma 11)
  • \chrome.exe corpus 13 (sigma 13)
  • \firefox.exe corpus 6 (sigma 6)
  • \maxthon.exe corpus 3 (sigma 3)
  • \msedge.exe corpus 14 (sigma 14)
  • \opera.exe corpus 11 (sigma 11)
  • \seamonkey.exe corpus 3 (sigma 3)
  • \vivaldi.exe corpus 11 (sigma 11)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with
ParentImagematch
  • Acrobat Reader
  • Microsoft Office
  • PDF Reader
field:"ParentImage" kind:match

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
CommandLinematchhttps://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/"
CommandLinematchhttp://ad.foxitsoftware.com/adlog.php?excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"http://ad.foxitsoftware.com/adlog.php?"
CommandLinematchhttps://globe-map.foxitservice.com/go.php?do=redirectexcludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"https://globe-map.foxitservice.com/go.php?do=redirect"

Potential Unquoted Service Path Reconnaissance Via Wmic.EXE

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects known WMI recon method to look for unquoted service paths using wmic. Often used by pentester and attacker enumeration scripts

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Potential Unquoted Service Path Reconnaissance Via Wmic.EXE
id: 68bcd73b-37ef-49cb-95fc-edc809730be6
related:
    - id: 09658312-bc27-4a3b-91c5-e49ab9046d1b # PowerShell Variant
      type: similar
    - id: 76f55eaa-d27f-4213-9d45-7b0e4b60bbae
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects known WMI recon method to look for unquoted service paths using wmic. Often used by pentester and attacker enumeration scripts
references:
    - https://github.com/nccgroup/redsnarf/blob/35949b30106ae543dc6f2bc3f1be10c6d9a8d40e/redsnarf.py
    - https://github.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/Creds/blob/eac23d67f7f90c7fc8e3130587d86158c22aa398/PowershellScripts/jaws-enum.ps1
    - https://www.absolomb.com/2018-01-26-Windows-Privilege-Escalation-Guide/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-20
modified: 2023-09-11
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1047
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - OriginalFileName: 'wmic.exe'
        - Image|endswith: '\WMIC.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' service get '
            - 'name,displayname,pathname,startmode'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_wmic_recon_unquoted_service_search/info.yml

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    - OriginalFileName: 'wmic.exe'
    - Image|endswith: '\WMIC.exe'

Stage 2: selection_cli

selection_cli:
    CommandLine|contains|all:
        - ' service get '
        - 'name,displayname,pathname,startmode'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • service get
  • name,displayname,pathname,startmode
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • \WMIC.exe corpus 62 (sigma 62)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\WMIC.exe"
OriginalFileNameeq
  • wmic.exe corpus 74 (sigma 38, elastic 18, splunk 18)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"wmic.exe"

Potentially Suspicious Inline JavaScript Execution via NodeJS Binary

#
Status
experimental
Severity
medium
Author
Microsoft (idea), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects potentially suspicious inline JavaScript execution using Node.js with specific keywords in the command line.

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate scripts using Node.js with these modules

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Potentially Suspicious Inline JavaScript Execution via NodeJS Binary
id: 8537c866-072e-460d-bfff-aaf39cbd73d3
status: experimental
description: Detects potentially suspicious inline JavaScript execution using Node.js with specific keywords in the command line.
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/04/15/threat-actors-misuse-node-js-to-deliver-malware-and-other-malicious-payloads/
author: Microsoft (idea), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-04-21
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.007
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\node.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'node.exe'
        - Product: 'Node.js'
    selection_cmd:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'http'
            - 'execSync'
            - 'spawn'
            - 'fs'
            - 'path'
            - 'zlib'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate scripts using Node.js with these modules
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: '\node.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'node.exe'
    - Product: 'Node.js'

Stage 2: selection_cmd

selection_cmd:
    CommandLine|contains|all:
        - 'http'
        - 'execSync'
        - 'spawn'
        - 'fs'
        - 'path'
        - 'zlib'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • execSync
  • fs
  • http corpus 45 (sigma 34, elastic 10, splunk 1)
  • path corpus 3 (sigma 3)
  • spawn corpus 4 (sigma 3, elastic 1)
  • zlib corpus 4 (elastic 3, sigma 1)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • \node.exe corpus 6 (sigma 6)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\node.exe"
OriginalFileNameeq
  • node.exe corpus 4 (sigma 3, elastic 1)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"node.exe"
Producteq
  • Node.js corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"Product" kind:eq value:"Node.js"

PUA - NirCmd Execution As LOCAL SYSTEM

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects the use of NirCmd tool for command execution as SYSTEM user

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate use by administrators

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: PUA - NirCmd Execution As LOCAL SYSTEM
id: d9047477-0359-48c9-b8c7-792cedcdc9c4
status: test
description: Detects the use of NirCmd tool for command execution as SYSTEM user
references:
    - https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd.html
    - https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/run-program-as-system-localsystem-account-windows/
    - https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd2.html#using
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-01-24
modified: 2023-02-13
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1569.002
    - attack.s0029
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains: ' runassystem '
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use by administrators
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    CommandLine|contains: ' runassystem '

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

Python Inline Command Execution

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects execution of python using the "-c" flag. This is could be used as a way to launch a reverse shell or execute live python code.

Known False Positives

  • Python libraries that use a flag starting with "-c". Filter according to your environment

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Python Inline Command Execution
id: 899133d5-4d7c-4a7f-94ee-27355c879d90
status: test
description: Detects execution of python using the "-c" flag. This is could be used as a way to launch a reverse shell or execute live python code.
references:
    - https://docs.python.org/3/using/cmdline.html#cmdoption-c
    - https://www.revshells.com/
    - https://pentestmonkey.net/cheat-sheet/shells/reverse-shell-cheat-sheet
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-01-02
modified: 2025-10-07
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - OriginalFileName: 'python.exe'
        - Image|endswith:
              - 'python.exe' # no \ bc of e.g. ipython.exe
              - 'python3.exe'
              - 'python2.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains: ' -c'
    filter_main_python_1: # Based on baseline
        ParentImage|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Python'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python'
        ParentImage|endswith: '\python.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains: '-E -s -m ensurepip -U --default-pip'
    filter_main_python_trace: # Based on baseline
        ParentImage|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Python'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            # CommandLine: \"C:\\Program Files\\Python312\\python.exe\" -W ignore::DeprecationWarning -c \"\nimport runpy\nimport sys\nsys.path = ['C:\\\\Users\\\\User\\\\AppData\\\\Local\\\\Temp\\\\tmpdakwn6aj\\\\pip-23.2.1-py3-none-any.whl'] + sys.path\nsys.argv[1:] = ['install', '--no-cache-dir', '--no-index', '--find-links', 'C:\\\\Users\\\\User\\\\AppData\\\\Local\\\\Temp\\\\tmpdakwn6aj', '--upgrade', 'pip']\nrunpy.run_module(\\\"pip\\\", run_name=\\\"__main__\\\", alter_sys=True)\n\
            - '-W ignore::DeprecationWarning'
            - "['install', '--no-cache-dir', '--no-index', '--find-links',"
            - "'--upgrade', 'pip'"
    filter_optional_vscode:
        - ParentImage|endswith: '\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
        - ParentImage:
              - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
              - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
    filter_optional_pip:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '<pip-setuptools-caller>'
            - 'exec(compile('
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Python libraries that use a flag starting with "-c". Filter according to your environment
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_python_inline_command_execution/info.yml

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    - OriginalFileName: 'python.exe'
    - Image|endswith:
          - 'python.exe'
          - 'python3.exe'
          - 'python2.exe'

Stage 2: selection_cli

selection_cli:
    CommandLine|contains: ' -c'

Stage 3: not filter_main_*

filter_main_python_1:
    ParentImage|startswith:
        - 'C:\Program Files\Python'
        - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python'
    ParentImage|endswith: '\python.exe'
    ParentCommandLine|contains: '-E -s -m ensurepip -U --default-pip'
filter_main_python_trace:
    ParentImage|startswith:
        - 'C:\Program Files\Python'
        - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python'
    CommandLine|contains|all:
        - '-W ignore::DeprecationWarning'
        - "['install', '--no-cache-dir', '--no-index', '--find-links',"
        - "'--upgrade', 'pip'"

Stage 4: not filter_optional_*

filter_optional_vscode:
    - ParentImage|endswith: '\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
    - ParentImage:
          - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
          - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
filter_optional_pip:
    CommandLine|contains|all:
        - '<pip-setuptools-caller>'
        - 'exec(compile('

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • -c corpus 5 (sigma 5)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match value:" -c"
Imageends_with
  • python.exe corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • python2.exe corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • python3.exe corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with
OriginalFileNameeq
  • python.exe
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"python.exe"

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
ParentImagestarts_withC:\Program Files (x86)\Pythonexcludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"C:\Program Files (x86)\Python"
ParentImagestarts_withC:\Program Files\Pythonexcludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"C:\Program Files\Python"
CommandLinematch'--upgrade', 'pip'excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"'--upgrade', 'pip'"
CommandLinematch-W ignore::DeprecationWarningexcludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"-W ignore::DeprecationWarning"
CommandLinematch['install', '--no-cache-dir', '--no-index', '--find-links',excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"['install', '--no-cache-dir', '--no-index', '--find-links',"
ParentCommandLinematch-E -s -m ensurepip -U --default-pipexcludes:ParentCommandLine field:"ParentCommandLine" value:"-E -s -m ensurepip -U --default-pip"
ParentImageends_with\python.exeexcludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\python.exe"
CommandLinematch<pip-setuptools-caller>excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"<pip-setuptools-caller>"
CommandLinematchexec(compile(excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"exec(compile("
ParentImageends_with\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exeexcludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe"
ParentImageeqC:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exeexcludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe"
ParentImageeqC:\Program Files\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exeexcludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"C:\Program Files\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe"

Remote Access Tool - ScreenConnect Command Execution

#
Status
test
Severity
low
Author
Ali Alwashali
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects command execution via ScreenConnect RMM

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate use of ScreenConnect

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Remote Access Tool - ScreenConnect Command Execution
id: 076ebe48-cc05-4d8f-9d41-89245cd93a14
related:
    - id: b1f73849-6329-4069-bc8f-78a604bb8b23
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects command execution via ScreenConnect RMM
references:
    - https://www.huntandhackett.com/blog/revil-the-usage-of-legitimate-remote-admin-tooling
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/pull/4467
author: Ali Alwashali
date: 2023-10-10
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.003
logsource:
    service: application
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Provider_Name: 'ScreenConnect'
        EventID: 200
        Data|contains: 'Executed command of length'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of ScreenConnect
level: low

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    Provider_Name: 'ScreenConnect'
    EventID: 200
    Data|contains: 'Executed command of length'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
Datamatch
  • Executed command of length
field:"Data" kind:match value:"Executed command of length"
Provider_Nameeq
  • ScreenConnect corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"Provider_Name" kind:eq value:"ScreenConnect"

Remote Access Tool - Team Viewer Session Started On Windows Host

#
Status
test
Severity
low
Author
Josh Nickels, Qi Nan
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects the command line executed when TeamViewer starts a session started by a remote host. Once a connection has been started, an investigator can verify the connection details by viewing the "incoming_connections.txt" log file in the TeamViewer folder.

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate usage of TeamViewer

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Initial Access
Persistence

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Remote Access Tool - Team Viewer Session Started On Windows Host
id: ab70c354-d9ac-4e11-bbb6-ec8e3b153357
related:
    - id: 1f6b8cd4-3e60-47cc-b282-5aa1cbc9182d
      type: similar
    - id: f459ccb4-9805-41ea-b5b2-55e279e2424a
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects the command line executed when TeamViewer starts a session started by a remote host.
    Once a connection has been started, an investigator can verify the connection details by viewing the "incoming_connections.txt" log file in the TeamViewer folder.
references:
    - Internal Research
author: Josh Nickels, Qi Nan
date: 2024-03-11
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1133
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image: 'TeamViewer_Desktop.exe'
        ParentImage: 'TeamViewer_Service.exe'
        CommandLine|endswith: 'TeamViewer_Desktop.exe --IPCport 5939 --Module 1'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate usage of TeamViewer
level: low

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    Image: 'TeamViewer_Desktop.exe'
    ParentImage: 'TeamViewer_Service.exe'
    CommandLine|endswith: 'TeamViewer_Desktop.exe --IPCport 5939 --Module 1'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

Renamed Jusched.EXE Execution

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Markus Neis, Swisscom
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects the execution of a renamed "jusched.exe" as seen used by the cobalt group

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Renamed Jusched.EXE Execution
id: edd8a48c-1b9f-4ba1-83aa-490338cd1ccb
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed "jusched.exe" as seen used by the cobalt group
references:
    - https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/262/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-An-APT-Blueprint-Gaining-New-Visibility-into-Financial-Threats-interactive.pdf
author: Markus Neis, Swisscom
date: 2019-06-04
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Description:
            - Java Update Scheduler
            - Java(TM) Update Scheduler
    filter:
        Image|endswith: '\jusched.exe'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not filter

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    Description:
        - Java Update Scheduler
        - Java(TM) Update Scheduler

Stage 2: not filter

filter:
    Image|endswith: '\jusched.exe'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
Descriptioneq
  • Java Update Scheduler
  • Java(TM) Update Scheduler
field:"Description" kind:eq

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
Imageends_with\jusched.exeexcludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\jusched.exe"

Renamed Vmnat.exe Execution

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
elhoim
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects renamed vmnat.exe or portable version that can be used for DLL side-loading

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Renamed Vmnat.exe Execution
id: 7b4f794b-590a-4ad4-ba18-7964a2832205
status: test
description: Detects renamed vmnat.exe or portable version that can be used for DLL side-loading
references:
    - https://twitter.com/malmoeb/status/1525901219247845376
author: elhoim
date: 2022-09-09
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        OriginalFileName: 'vmnat.exe'
    filter_rename:
        Image|endswith: 'vmnat.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not 1 of filter_*

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    OriginalFileName: 'vmnat.exe'

Stage 2: not filter_rename

filter_rename:
    Image|endswith: 'vmnat.exe'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
Imageends_withvmnat.exeexcludes:Image field:"Image" value:"vmnat.exe"

Restore Public AWS RDS Instance

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
faloker
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects the recovery of a new public database instance from a snapshot. It may be a part of data exfiltration.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Exfiltration

Telemetry Coverage

Rules Detecting the Same Action

These rules filter on the same operation.

Rule Body

title: Restore Public AWS RDS Instance
id: c3f265c7-ff03-4056-8ab2-d486227b4599
status: test
description: Detects the recovery of a new public database instance from a snapshot. It may be a part of data exfiltration.
references:
    - https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu/blob/866376cd711666c775bbfcde0524c817f2c5b181/pacu/modules/rds__explore_snapshots/main.py
author: faloker
date: 2020-02-12
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.exfiltration
    - attack.t1020
logsource:
    product: aws
    service: cloudtrail
detection:
    selection_source:
        eventSource: rds.amazonaws.com
        responseElements.publiclyAccessible: 'true'
        eventName: RestoreDBInstanceFromDBSnapshot
    condition: selection_source
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection_source

Stage 1: selection_source

selection_source:
    eventSource: rds.amazonaws.com
    responseElements.publiclyAccessible: 'true'
    eventName: RestoreDBInstanceFromDBSnapshot

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

Rundll32 UNC Path Execution

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects rundll32 execution where the DLL is located on a remote location (share). Threat actors can abuse the rundll32.exe binary to execute remote DLLs from a UNC pathh.

Known False Positives

  • Unlikely

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Rundll32 UNC Path Execution
id: 5cdb711b-5740-4fb2-ba88-f7945027afac
status: test
description: |
    Detects rundll32 execution where the DLL is located on a remote location (share).
    Threat actors can abuse the rundll32.exe binary to execute remote DLLs from a UNC pathh.
references:
    - https://www.cybereason.com/blog/rundll32-the-infamous-proxy-for-executing-malicious-code
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/07/16/acr-stealer-two-observed-intrusion-chains-amid-increased-threat-activity/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-10
modified: 2026-07-20
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1021.002
    - attack.t1218.011
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
        - CommandLine|contains: 'rundll32'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' \\\\'
            - ' ''\\\\'
            - ' "\\\\'
    filter_main_cli_pipe:
        CommandLine|contains: '\\\\.\\pipe'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_rundll32_unc_path/info.yml

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
    - CommandLine|contains: 'rundll32'

Stage 2: selection_cli

selection_cli:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - ' \\\\'
        - ' ''\\\\'
        - ' "\\\\'

Stage 3: not filter_main_cli_pipe

filter_main_cli_pipe:
    CommandLine|contains: '\\\\.\\pipe'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • "\\\\
  • '\\\\
  • \\\\ corpus 8 (sigma 8)
  • rundll32 corpus 23 (sigma 23)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • \rundll32.exe corpus 94 (sigma 94)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\rundll32.exe"
OriginalFileNameeq
  • RUNDLL32.EXE corpus 72 (sigma 35, splunk 21, elastic 16)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"RUNDLL32.EXE"

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
CommandLinematch\\\\.\\pipeexcludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"\\\\.\\pipe"

Script Interpreter Execution From Suspicious Folder

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects suspicious script execution from suspicious directories or folders accessible by environment variables that may indicate malware activity. Script interpreters (cscript, wscript, mshta, powershell) executing from folders like Temp, Public, or user profile directories may suggest attempts to evade detection or execute malicious scripts.

Known False Positives

  • Various legitimate software have been observed to use similar techniques for installation or update purposes;thus, it is recommended to review and tune filters for your environment to reduce false positives before deploying to production.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Script Interpreter Execution From Suspicious Folder
id: 1228c958-e64e-4e71-92ad-7d429f4138ba
status: test
description: |
    Detects suspicious script execution from suspicious directories or folders accessible by environment variables that may indicate malware activity.
    Script interpreters (cscript, wscript, mshta, powershell) executing from folders like Temp, Public, or user profile directories may suggest attempts to evade detection or execute malicious scripts.
references:
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/91ba814a86ddedc7a9d546e26f912c541205b47a853d227756ab1334ade92c3f
    - https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/shuckworm-russia-ukraine-military
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/csidl
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-08
modified: 2026-02-17
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_proc_image:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
    selection_proc_flags:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -ep bypass '
            - ' -ExecutionPolicy bypass '
            - ' -w hidden '
            - '/e:javascript '
            - '/e:Jscript '
            - '/e:vbscript '
    selection_proc_original:
        OriginalFileName:
            - 'cscript.exe'
            - 'mshta.exe'
            - 'wscript.exe'
    selection_folders_1:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ':\Perflogs\'
            - ':\Users\Public\'
            - '\%Public%'
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\Temp'
            - '\Temporary Internet'
            - '\Windows\Temp'
            - '\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\'
            - '%TEMP%'
            - '%TMP%'
            - '%LocalAppData%\Temp'
    selection_folders_2:
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Favorites\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Favourites\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Contacts\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Documents\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Music\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Pictures\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Videos\'
    filter_optional_chocolatey_installer:
        ParentImage:
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\Msiexec.exe'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Msiexec.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\powershell.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '-NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command'
            - 'AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - 'Install-Chocolatey.ps1'
    condition: 1 of selection_proc_* and 1 of selection_folders_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Various legitimate software have been observed to use similar techniques for installation or update purposes;thus, it is recommended to review and tune filters for your environment to reduce false positives before deploying to production.
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_susp_script_exec_from_env_folder/info.yml

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

1 of selection_proc_* and 1 of selection_folders_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*

Stage 1: selection_proc_image

selection_proc_image:
    Image|endswith:
        - '\cscript.exe'
        - '\mshta.exe'
        - '\wscript.exe'

Stage 2: selection_proc_flags

selection_proc_flags:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - ' -ep bypass '
        - ' -ExecutionPolicy bypass '
        - ' -w hidden '
        - '/e:javascript '
        - '/e:Jscript '
        - '/e:vbscript '

Stage 3: selection_proc_original

selection_proc_original:
    OriginalFileName:
        - 'cscript.exe'
        - 'mshta.exe'
        - 'wscript.exe'

Stage 4: selection_folders_1

selection_folders_1:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - ':\Perflogs\'
        - ':\Users\Public\'
        - '\%Public%'
        - '\AppData\Local\Temp'
        - '\AppData\Roaming\Temp'
        - '\Temporary Internet'
        - '\Windows\Temp'
        - '\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\'
        - '%TEMP%'
        - '%TMP%'
        - '%LocalAppData%\Temp'

Stage 5: selection_folders_2

selection_folders_2:
    - CommandLine|contains|all:
          - ':\Users\'
          - '\Favorites\'
    - CommandLine|contains|all:
          - ':\Users\'
          - '\Favourites\'
    - CommandLine|contains|all:
          - ':\Users\'
          - '\Contacts\'
    - CommandLine|contains|all:
          - ':\Users\'
          - '\Documents\'
    - CommandLine|contains|all:
          - ':\Users\'
          - '\Music\'
    - CommandLine|contains|all:
          - ':\Users\'
          - '\Pictures\'
    - CommandLine|contains|all:
          - ':\Users\'
          - '\Videos\'

Stage 6: not filter_optional_chocolatey_installer

filter_optional_chocolatey_installer:
    ParentImage:
        - 'C:\Windows\System32\Msiexec.exe'
        - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Msiexec.exe'
    Image|endswith: '\powershell.exe'
    CommandLine|contains|all:
        - '-NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command'
        - 'AppData\Local\Temp\'
        - 'Install-Chocolatey.ps1'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • -ExecutionPolicy bypass
  • -ep bypass
  • -w hidden corpus 5 (sigma 5)
  • %LocalAppData%\Temp corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • %TEMP% corpus 14 (sigma 13, kusto 1)
  • %TMP% corpus 13 (sigma 13)
  • /e:Jscript
  • /e:javascript
  • /e:vbscript
  • :\Perflogs\ corpus 11 (sigma 11)
  • :\Users\ corpus 6 (sigma 6)
  • :\Users\Public\ corpus 20 (sigma 18, elastic 2)
  • \%Public%
  • \AppData\Local\Temp corpus 8 (sigma 8)
  • \AppData\Roaming\Temp corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • \Contacts\ corpus 7 (sigma 7)
  • \Documents\ corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • \Favorites\ corpus 7 (sigma 7)
  • \Favourites\ corpus 7 (sigma 7)
  • \Music\ corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • \Pictures\ corpus 5 (sigma 5)
  • \Start Menu\Programs\Startup\ corpus 3 (sigma 3)
  • \Temporary Internet corpus 7 (sigma 7)
  • \Videos\ corpus 4 (sigma 4)
  • \Windows\Temp corpus 3 (sigma 3)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • \cscript.exe corpus 72 (sigma 72)
  • \mshta.exe corpus 67 (sigma 66, splunk 1)
  • \wscript.exe corpus 74 (sigma 74)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with
OriginalFileNameeq
  • cscript.exe corpus 32 (sigma 17, elastic 15)
  • mshta.exe corpus 40 (elastic 21, sigma 13, splunk 6)
  • wscript.exe corpus 37 (elastic 20, sigma 17)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

SNAKE Malware Installer Name Indicators

#
Status
test
Severity
low
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects filename indicators associated with the SNAKE malware as reported by CISA in their report

Known False Positives

  • Some legitimate software was also seen using these names. Apply additional filters and use this rule as a hunting basis.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
ExecutionNo specific technique

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 11: FileCreate

Rule Body

title: SNAKE Malware Installer Name Indicators
id: 99eccc2b-7182-442f-8806-b76cc36d866b
status: test
description: Detects filename indicators associated with the SNAKE malware as reported by CISA in their report
references:
    - https://media.defense.gov/2023/May/09/2003218554/-1/-1/0/JOINT_CSA_HUNTING_RU_INTEL_SNAKE_MALWARE_20230509.PDF
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-10
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '\jpsetup.exe'
            - '\jpinst.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Some legitimate software was also seen using these names. Apply additional filters and use this rule as a hunting basis.
level: low

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    TargetFilename|endswith:
        - '\jpsetup.exe'
        - '\jpinst.exe'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
TargetFilenameends_with
  • \jpinst.exe
  • \jpsetup.exe
field:"TargetFilename" kind:ends_with

Suspect Svchost Activity

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
David Burkett, @signalblur
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

It is extremely abnormal for svchost.exe to spawn without any CLI arguments and is normally observed when a malicious process spawns the process and injects code into the process memory space.

Known False Positives

  • Rpcnet.exe / rpcnetp.exe which is a lojack style software. https://www.blackhat.com/docs/us-14/materials/us-14-Kamlyuk-Kamluk-Computrace-Backdoor-Revisited.pdf

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Privilege Escalation
Stealth

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Suspect Svchost Activity
id: 16c37b52-b141-42a5-a3ea-bbe098444397
status: test
description: It is extremely abnormal for svchost.exe to spawn without any CLI arguments and is normally observed when a malicious process spawns the process and injects code into the process memory space.
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20180718061628/https://securitybytes.io/blue-team-fundamentals-part-two-windows-processes-759fe15965e2
author: David Burkett, @signalblur
date: 2019-12-28
modified: 2022-06-27
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|endswith: 'svchost.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\svchost.exe'
    filter:
        - ParentImage|endswith:
              - '\rpcnet.exe'
              - '\rpcnetp.exe'
        - CommandLine: null  # no CommandLine value available
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Rpcnet.exe / rpcnetp.exe which is a lojack style software. https://www.blackhat.com/docs/us-14/materials/us-14-Kamlyuk-Kamluk-Computrace-Backdoor-Revisited.pdf
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not filter

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    CommandLine|endswith: 'svchost.exe'
    Image|endswith: '\svchost.exe'

Stage 2: not filter

filter:
    - ParentImage|endswith:
          - '\rpcnet.exe'
          - '\rpcnetp.exe'
    - CommandLine: null

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLineends_with
  • svchost.exe
field:"CommandLine" kind:ends_with value:"svchost.exe"
Imageends_with
  • \svchost.exe corpus 22 (sigma 22)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\svchost.exe"

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

FieldKindExcluded valuesSearch
CommandLineis_null(no value, null check)excludes:CommandLine
ParentImageends_with\rpcnet.exeexcludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\rpcnet.exe"
ParentImageends_with\rpcnetp.exeexcludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\rpcnetp.exe"

Suspicious Advpack Call Via Rundll32.EXE

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects execution of "rundll32" calling "advpack.dll" with potential obfuscated ordinal calls in order to leverage the "RegisterOCX" function

Known False Positives

  • Unlikely

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
StealthNo specific technique

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Suspicious Advpack Call Via Rundll32.EXE
id: a1473adb-5338-4a20-b4c3-126763e2d3d3
status: test
description: Detects execution of "rundll32" calling "advpack.dll" with potential obfuscated ordinal calls in order to leverage the "RegisterOCX" function
references:
    - https://twitter.com/Hexacorn/status/1224848930795552769
    - http://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2020/02/05/stay-positive-lolbins-not/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-17
tags:
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
        - CommandLine|contains: 'rundll32'
    selection_cli_dll:
        CommandLine|contains: 'advpack'
    selection_cli_ordinal:
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - '#+'
              - '12'
        - CommandLine|contains: '#-'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
    - CommandLine|contains: 'rundll32'

Stage 2: selection_cli_dll

selection_cli_dll:
    CommandLine|contains: 'advpack'

Stage 3: selection_cli_ordinal

selection_cli_ordinal:
    - CommandLine|contains|all:
          - '#+'
          - '12'
    - CommandLine|contains: '#-'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • #+ corpus 3 (sigma 3)
  • #- corpus 3 (sigma 3)
  • 12
  • advpack
  • rundll32 corpus 23 (sigma 23)
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • \rundll32.exe corpus 94 (sigma 94)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\rundll32.exe"
OriginalFileNameeq
  • RUNDLL32.EXE corpus 72 (sigma 35, splunk 21, elastic 16)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"RUNDLL32.EXE"

Suspicious Msbuild Execution By Uncommon Parent Process

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
frack113
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects suspicious execution of 'Msbuild.exe' by a uncommon parent process

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
StealthNo specific technique

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Suspicious Msbuild Execution By Uncommon Parent Process
id: 33be4333-2c6b-44f4-ae28-102cdbde0a31
status: test
description: Detects suspicious execution of 'Msbuild.exe' by a uncommon parent process
references:
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/abdf586e-df0c-4d39-89a7-06bf24913401/
    - https://www.echotrail.io/insights/search/msbuild.exe
author: frack113
date: 2022-11-17
tags:
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - Image|endswith: '\MSBuild.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'MSBuild.exe'
    filter_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\devenv.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\msbuild.exe'
            - '\python.exe'
            - '\explorer.exe'
            - '\nuget.exe'
    condition: selection and not filter_parent
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection and not filter_parent

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    - Image|endswith: '\MSBuild.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'MSBuild.exe'

Stage 2: not filter_parent

filter_parent:
    ParentImage|endswith:
        - '\devenv.exe'
        - '\cmd.exe'
        - '\msbuild.exe'
        - '\python.exe'
        - '\explorer.exe'
        - '\nuget.exe'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
Imageends_with
  • \MSBuild.exe corpus 9 (sigma 9)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\MSBuild.exe"
OriginalFileNameeq
  • MSBuild.exe corpus 16 (elastic 11, splunk 4, sigma 1)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"MSBuild.exe"

Exclusions

The rule actively suppresses these predicates.

Suspicious Obfuscated PowerShell Code

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects suspicious UTF16 and base64 encoded and often obfuscated PowerShell code often used in command lines

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
StealthNo specific technique

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Suspicious Obfuscated PowerShell Code
id: 8d01b53f-456f-48ee-90f6-bc28e67d4e35
status: test
description: Detects suspicious UTF16 and base64 encoded and often obfuscated PowerShell code often used in command lines
references:
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/fcadca91-3580-4ede-aff4-4d2bf809bf99/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-11
modified: 2023-02-14
tags:
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains:
            #  -bxor 0x
            - 'IAAtAGIAeABvAHIAIAAwAHgA'
            - 'AALQBiAHgAbwByACAAMAB4A'
            - 'gAC0AYgB4AG8AcgAgADAAeA'
            # .Invoke() |
            - 'AC4ASQBuAHYAbwBrAGUAKAApACAAfAAg'
            - 'AuAEkAbgB2AG8AawBlACgAKQAgAHwAI'
            - 'ALgBJAG4AdgBvAGsAZQAoACkAIAB8AC'
            # {1}{0}" -f
            # {0}{3}" -f
            # {2}{0}" -f
            - 'AHsAMQB9AHsAMAB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI'
            - 'B7ADEAfQB7ADAAfQAiACAALQBmAC'
            - 'AewAxAH0AewAwAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg'
            - 'AHsAMAB9AHsAMwB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI'
            - 'B7ADAAfQB7ADMAfQAiACAALQBmAC'
            - 'AewAwAH0AewAzAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg'
            - 'AHsAMgB9AHsAMAB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI'
            - 'B7ADIAfQB7ADAAfQAiACAALQBmAC'
            - 'AewAyAH0AewAwAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg'
            # {1}{0}' -f
            # {0}{3}' -f
            # {2}{0}' -f
            - 'AHsAMQB9AHsAMAB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI'
            - 'B7ADEAfQB7ADAAfQAnACAALQBmAC'
            - 'AewAxAH0AewAwAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg'
            - 'AHsAMAB9AHsAMwB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI'
            - 'B7ADAAfQB7ADMAfQAnACAALQBmAC'
            - 'AewAwAH0AewAzAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg'
            - 'AHsAMgB9AHsAMAB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI'
            - 'B7ADIAfQB7ADAAfQAnACAALQBmAC'
            - 'AewAyAH0AewAwAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

selection

Stage 1: selection

selection:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - 'IAAtAGIAeABvAHIAIAAwAHgA'
        - 'AALQBiAHgAbwByACAAMAB4A'
        - 'gAC0AYgB4AG8AcgAgADAAeA'
        - 'AC4ASQBuAHYAbwBrAGUAKAApACAAfAAg'
        - 'AuAEkAbgB2AG8AawBlACgAKQAgAHwAI'
        - 'ALgBJAG4AdgBvAGsAZQAoACkAIAB8AC'
        - 'AHsAMQB9AHsAMAB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI'
        - 'B7ADEAfQB7ADAAfQAiACAALQBmAC'
        - 'AewAxAH0AewAwAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg'
        - 'AHsAMAB9AHsAMwB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI'
        - 'B7ADAAfQB7ADMAfQAiACAALQBmAC'
        - 'AewAwAH0AewAzAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg'
        - 'AHsAMgB9AHsAMAB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI'
        - 'B7ADIAfQB7ADAAfQAiACAALQBmAC'
        - 'AewAyAH0AewAwAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg'
        - 'AHsAMQB9AHsAMAB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI'
        - 'B7ADEAfQB7ADAAfQAnACAALQBmAC'
        - 'AewAxAH0AewAwAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg'
        - 'AHsAMAB9AHsAMwB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI'
        - 'B7ADAAfQB7ADMAfQAnACAALQBmAC'
        - 'AewAwAH0AewAzAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg'
        - 'AHsAMgB9AHsAMAB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI'
        - 'B7ADIAfQB7ADAAfQAnACAALQBmAC'
        - 'AewAyAH0AewAwAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • AALQBiAHgAbwByACAAMAB4A
  • AC4ASQBuAHYAbwBrAGUAKAApACAAfAAg
  • AHsAMAB9AHsAMwB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI
  • AHsAMAB9AHsAMwB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI
  • AHsAMQB9AHsAMAB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI
  • AHsAMQB9AHsAMAB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI
  • AHsAMgB9AHsAMAB9ACIAIAAtAGYAI
  • AHsAMgB9AHsAMAB9ACcAIAAtAGYAI
  • ALgBJAG4AdgBvAGsAZQAoACkAIAB8AC
  • AewAwAH0AewAzAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg
  • AewAwAH0AewAzAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg
  • AewAxAH0AewAwAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg
  • AewAxAH0AewAwAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg
  • AewAyAH0AewAwAH0AIgAgAC0AZgAg
  • AewAyAH0AewAwAH0AJwAgAC0AZgAg
  • AuAEkAbgB2AG8AawBlACgAKQAgAHwAI
  • B7ADAAfQB7ADMAfQAiACAALQBmAC
  • B7ADAAfQB7ADMAfQAnACAALQBmAC
  • B7ADEAfQB7ADAAfQAiACAALQBmAC
  • B7ADEAfQB7ADAAfQAnACAALQBmAC
  • B7ADIAfQB7ADAAfQAiACAALQBmAC
  • B7ADIAfQB7ADAAfQAnACAALQBmAC
  • IAAtAGIAeABvAHIAIAAwAHgA
  • gAC0AYgB4AG8AcgAgADAAeA
field:"CommandLine" kind:match

Suspicious Start-Process PassThru

#
Status
test
Severity
medium
Author
frack113
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Powershell use PassThru option to start in background

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate PowerShell scripts

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

Telemetry Coverage

Rule Body

title: Suspicious Start-Process PassThru
id: 0718cd72-f316-4aa2-988f-838ea8533277
status: test
description: Powershell use PassThru option to start in background
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1036.003/T1036.003.md
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.management/start-process?view=powershell-7.6
author: frack113
date: 2022-01-15
modified: 2026-05-18
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036.003
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection_cmdlet:
        ScriptBlockText|contains:
            - 'Start-Process '
            - 'saps '
    selection_param:
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - '-PassThru '
            - '-FilePath '
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate PowerShell scripts
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/powershell/powershell_script/posh_ps_susp_start_process/info.yml

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_*

Stage 1: selection_cmdlet

selection_cmdlet:
    ScriptBlockText|contains:
        - 'Start-Process '
        - 'saps '

Stage 2: selection_param

selection_param:
    ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
        - '-PassThru '
        - '-FilePath '

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
ScriptBlockTextmatch
  • -FilePath
  • -PassThru
  • Start-Process
  • saps
field:"ScriptBlockText" kind:match

Suspicious Windows Update Agent Empty Cmdline

#
Status
test
Severity
high
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects suspicious Windows Update Agent activity in which a wuauclt.exe process command line doesn't contain any command line flags

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Stealth

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Suspicious Windows Update Agent Empty Cmdline
id: 52d097e2-063e-4c9c-8fbb-855c8948d135
status: test
description: |
    Detects suspicious Windows Update Agent activity in which a wuauclt.exe process command line doesn't contain any command line flags
references:
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/blackbyte-ransomware/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-26
modified: 2023-11-11
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\Wuauclt.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'Wuauclt.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|endswith:
            - 'Wuauclt'
            - 'Wuauclt.exe'
    condition: all of selection*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection*

Stage 1: selection_img

selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: '\Wuauclt.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'Wuauclt.exe'

Stage 2: selection_cli

selection_cli:
    CommandLine|endswith:
        - 'Wuauclt'
        - 'Wuauclt.exe'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLineends_with
  • Wuauclt
  • Wuauclt.exe
field:"CommandLine" kind:ends_with
Imageends_with
  • \Wuauclt.exe corpus 3 (sigma 3)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\Wuauclt.exe"
OriginalFileNameeq
  • Wuauclt.exe corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"Wuauclt.exe"

Windows Defender Disabled Via SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXE

#
Status
experimental
Severity
high
Author
Chirag Damani (KPMG India), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
Source
github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma

Detects the usage of SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe to disable Windows Defender. SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe is a legitimate Windows component used for administrative configuration tasks. However, attackers may abuse it to disable Windows Defender as part of their attack chain, especially in the context of ransomware or other malware campaigns.

Known False Positives

  • Legitimate turn off of Windows Defender by the technical users or administrators for troubleshooting or other purposes.

MITRE ATT&CK Coverage

TacticTechniques
Defense Impairment

Telemetry Coverage

ProviderRecord / event type
SysmonEvent ID 1: Process creation

Rule Body

title: Windows Defender Disabled Via SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXE
id: da92713f-ca2d-4fab-8320-098013d3f43a
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the usage of SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe to disable Windows Defender.
    SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe is a legitimate Windows component used for administrative configuration tasks.
    However, attackers may abuse it to disable Windows Defender as part of their attack chain, especially in the context of ransomware or other malware campaigns.
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2026/02/23/apache-activemq-exploit-leads-to-lockbit-ransomware/
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/lolbin-to-inc-ransomware
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685
author: Chirag Damani (KPMG India), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-07-01
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_ssaf_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXE'
    selection_ssaf_cli:
        CommandLine|contains: 'defender'
    selection_cli_enable_opt:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'RTP '
            - 'RealTimeProtection '
            - 'DisableEnhancedNotifications '
    selection_cli_enable_value:
        CommandLine|contains: '1'
    selection_cli_disable_opt:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'SubmitSamplesConsent '
            - 'SpyNetReporting '
            - 'DisableCDPUserAuthPolicy '
    selection_cli_disable_value:
        CommandLine|contains: '0'
    # In Enterprise environments, if defender was disabled via GUI, it would be expected to see the following parent-child process relationship:
    # Thus, uncomment the below filter to exclude such cases because of high false positives:
    # filter_main_gui_options:
    #     ParentImage|endswith:
    #         - '\SystemSettings.exe'
    #         - '\Explorer.exe'
    condition: all of selection_ssaf_* and (all of selection_cli_enable_* or all of selection_cli_disable_*)
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate turn off of Windows Defender by the technical users or administrators for troubleshooting or other purposes.
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_lolbin_systemsettingsadminflows_defender_disable/info.yml

Stages and Predicates

Stage 0: condition

all of selection_ssaf_* and (all of selection_cli_enable_* or all of selection_cli_disable_*)

Stage 1: selection_ssaf_img

selection_ssaf_img:
    - Image|endswith: '\SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXE'

Stage 2: selection_ssaf_cli

selection_ssaf_cli:
    CommandLine|contains: 'defender'

Stage 3: selection_cli_enable_opt

selection_cli_enable_opt:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - 'RTP '
        - 'RealTimeProtection '
        - 'DisableEnhancedNotifications '

Stage 4: selection_cli_enable_value

selection_cli_enable_value:
    CommandLine|contains: '1'

Stage 5: selection_cli_disable_opt

selection_cli_disable_opt:
    CommandLine|contains:
        - 'SubmitSamplesConsent '
        - 'SpyNetReporting '
        - 'DisableCDPUserAuthPolicy '

Stage 6: selection_cli_disable_value

selection_cli_disable_value:
    CommandLine|contains: '0'

Indicators

These rows show field, operator, and value matches.

FieldKindValuesSearch
CommandLinematch
  • 0 corpus 6 (sigma 6)
  • 1 corpus 2 (sigma 2)
  • DisableCDPUserAuthPolicy
  • DisableEnhancedNotifications
  • RTP
  • RealTimeProtection
  • SpyNetReporting
  • SubmitSamplesConsent
  • defender
field:"CommandLine" kind:match
Imageends_with
  • \SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe"
OriginalFileNameeq
  • SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXE corpus 2 (sigma 2)
field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXE"

Back to all Sigma rules