Detection rules › Sigma
Sigma rules: 0o
Account accessed to attributes related to DCshadow
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4662: An operation was performed on an object. |
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: '$'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- new domain controller registration
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not filterStage 1: selection
selection:
EventID: 4662
Properties|contains:
- 1131f6ac-9c07-11d1-f79f-00c04fc2dcd2
- 9923a32a-3607-11d2-b9be-0000f87a36b2
Stage 2: not filter
filter:
SubjectUserName|endswith: '$'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Properties | match |
| field:"Properties" kind:match |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
SubjectUserName | ends_with | $ | excludes:SubjectUserName field:"SubjectUserName" value:"$" |
AWS Route 53 Domain Transfer Lock Disabled
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| 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
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
eventSource: route53.amazonaws.com
eventName: DisableDomainTransferLock
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
eventName | eq |
| field:"aws::eventName" kind:eq value:"DisableDomainTransferLock" |
eventSource | eq |
| field:"aws::eventSource" kind:eq value:"route53.amazonaws.com" |
AWS Suspicious SAML Activity
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Initial Access | |
| Persistence | |
| Privilege Escalation | |
| Stealth | |
| Lateral Movement |
Telemetry Coverage
Rules Detecting the Same Action
These rules filter on the same operation.
- AWS IAM SAML Provider Updated (Elastic)
- AWS SAML Activity (Panther)
- AWS STS AssumeRole with New MFA Device (Elastic)
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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
eventName | eq |
| field:"aws::eventName" kind:eq |
eventSource | eq |
| field:"aws::eventSource" kind:eq |
BITS Transfer Job Download From File Sharing Domains
#Detects BITS transfer job downloading files from a file sharing domain.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Persistence | |
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Bits-Client | Event 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
selectionStage 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
RemoteName | match |
| field:"RemoteName" kind:match |
Bitsadmin to Uncommon IP Server Address
#Detects Bitsadmin connections to IP addresses instead of FQDN names
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Persistence | |
| Stealth | |
| Command & Control |
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
selectionStage 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
c-useragent | starts_with |
| field:"c-useragent" kind:starts_with value:"Microsoft BITS/" |
cs-host | ends_with |
| field:"cs-host" kind:ends_with |
Cab File Extraction Via Wusa.EXE From Potentially Suspicious Paths
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4688: A new process has been created. |
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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\wusa.exe" |
Credential Manager Access By Uncommon Applications
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
FileName | match |
| field:"file_name" kind:match |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | eq | C:\Windows\explorer.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Windows\explorer.exe" |
Image | starts_with | C:\Program Files (x86)\ | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Program Files (x86)\" |
Image | starts_with | C:\Program Files\ | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Program Files\" |
Image | starts_with | C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Windows\SysWOW64\" |
Image | starts_with | C:\Windows\system32\ | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"C:\Windows\system32\" |
CVE-2023-22518 Exploitation Attempt - Suspicious Confluence Child Process (Windows)
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Initial Access | |
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq |
ParentCommandLine | match |
| field:"ParentCommandLine" kind:match value:"confluence" |
ParentImage | ends_with |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:ends_with |
Execution Of Script Located In Potentially Suspicious Directory
#Detects executions of scripts located in potentially suspicious locations such as "/tmp" via a shell such as "bash", "sh", etc.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Platform | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Linux | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with |
Gpscript Execution
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\gpscript.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"GPSCRIPT.EXE" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ParentCommandLine | eq | C:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p -s gpsvc | excludes:ParentCommandLine field:"ParentCommandLine" value:"C:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p -s gpsvc" |
HackTool - Impersonate Execution
#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
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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_hashStage 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Hashes | match |
| field:"Hashes" kind:match |
Invoke-Obfuscation CLIP+ Launcher - Security
#Detects Obfuscated use of Clip.exe to execute PowerShell
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4697: A service was installed in the system. |
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
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
EventID: 4697
ServiceFileName|contains|all:
- 'cmd'
- '&&'
- 'clipboard]::'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ServiceFileName | match |
| field:"ServiceFileName" kind:match |
LSASS Access From Program In Potentially Suspicious Folder
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Credential Access |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
GrantedAccess | ends_with |
| field:"GrantedAccess" kind:ends_with |
SourceImage | match |
| field:"SourceImage" kind:match |
TargetImage | ends_with |
| field:"TargetImage" kind:ends_with value:"\lsass.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
Okta Admin Role Assigned to an User or Group
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Persistence | |
| Privilege Escalation |
Telemetry Coverage
Rules Detecting the Same Action
These rules filter on the same operation.
- Administrator Privileges Assigned to an Okta Group (Elastic)
- High-Risk Admin Activity (Kusto)
- Okta Admin Access Granted (Panther)
- Okta Admin Role Assigned (Panther)
- Okta Group Admin Role Assigned (Panther)
- Okta User Assigned Administrator Role (Elastic)
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
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
eventType:
- group.privilege.grant
- user.account.privilege.grant
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
eventType | eq |
| field:"eventType" kind:eq |
Potential OWASSRF Exploitation Attempt - Webserver
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
cs-method | eq |
| field:"cs-method" kind:eq value:"POST" |
cs-uri-query | match |
| field:"cs-uri-query" kind:match |
sc-status | eq |
| field:"sc-status" kind:eq value:"200" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
cs-user-agent | eq | ClientInfo | excludes:cs-user-agent field:"cs-user-agent" value:"ClientInfo" |
cs-user-agent | eq | Exchange BackEnd Probes | excludes:cs-user-agent field:"cs-user-agent" value:"Exchange BackEnd Probes" |
cs-user-agent | eq | Microsoft WinRM Client | excludes:cs-user-agent field:"cs-user-agent" value:"Microsoft WinRM Client" |
Potential Persistence Via VMwareToolBoxCmd.EXE VM State Change Script
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"toolbox-cmd.exe" |
Potential Remote PowerShell Session Initiated
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Lateral Movement |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
DestinationPort | eq |
| field:"DestinationPort" kind:eq |
Initiated | eq |
| field:"Initiated" kind:eq value:"true" |
SourceIsIpv6 | eq |
| field:"SourceIsIpv6" kind:eq value:"false" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
Potential Suspicious Browser Launch From Document Reader Process
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4688: A new process has been created. |
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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match value:"http" |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with |
ParentImage | match |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:match |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match | https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/ | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/" |
CommandLine | match | http://ad.foxitsoftware.com/adlog.php? | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"http://ad.foxitsoftware.com/adlog.php?" |
CommandLine | match | https://globe-map.foxitservice.com/go.php?do=redirect | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"https://globe-map.foxitservice.com/go.php?do=redirect" |
Potential Unquoted Service Path Reconnaissance Via Wmic.EXE
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\WMIC.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"wmic.exe" |
Potentially Suspicious Inline JavaScript Execution via NodeJS Binary
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\node.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"node.exe" |
Product | eq |
| field:"Product" kind:eq value:"Node.js" |
PUA - NirCmd Execution As LOCAL SYSTEM
#Detects the use of NirCmd tool for command execution as SYSTEM user
Known False Positives
- Legitimate use by administrators
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4688: A new process has been created. |
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
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
CommandLine|contains: ' runassystem '
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match value:" runassystem " |
Python Inline Command Execution
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match value:" -c" |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"python.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
Remote Access Tool - ScreenConnect Command Execution
#Detects command execution via ScreenConnect RMM
Known False Positives
- Legitimate use of ScreenConnect
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| ScreenConnect | Event ID 200: Executed command of length. |
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
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
Provider_Name: 'ScreenConnect'
EventID: 200
Data|contains: 'Executed command of length'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Data | match |
| field:"Data" kind:match value:"Executed command of length" |
Provider_Name | eq |
| field:"Provider_Name" kind:eq value:"ScreenConnect" |
Remote Access Tool - Team Viewer Session Started On Windows Host
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Initial Access | |
| Persistence |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4688: A new process has been created. |
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
selectionStage 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | ends_with |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:ends_with value:"TeamViewer_Desktop.exe --IPCport 5939 --Module 1" |
Image | eq |
| field:"Image" kind:eq value:"TeamViewer_Desktop.exe" |
ParentImage | eq |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:eq value:"TeamViewer_Service.exe" |
Renamed Jusched.EXE Execution
#Detects the execution of a renamed "jusched.exe" as seen used by the cobalt group
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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 filterStage 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Description | eq |
| field:"Description" kind:eq |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with | \jusched.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\jusched.exe" |
Renamed Vmnat.exe Execution
#Detects renamed vmnat.exe or portable version that can be used for DLL side-loading
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"vmnat.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with | vmnat.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"vmnat.exe" |
Restore Public AWS RDS Instance
#Detects the recovery of a new public database instance from a snapshot. It may be a part of data exfiltration.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Exfiltration |
Telemetry Coverage
| Platform | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| AWS | CloudTrail event RestoreDBInstanceFromDBSnapshot: Creates a new DB instance from a DB snapshot. |
Rules Detecting the Same Action
These rules filter on the same operation.
- AWS Public RDS Restore (Panther)
- AWS RDS DB Instance Restored (Elastic)
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_sourceStage 1: selection_source
selection_source:
eventSource: rds.amazonaws.com
responseElements.publiclyAccessible: 'true'
eventName: RestoreDBInstanceFromDBSnapshot
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
eventName | eq |
| field:"aws::eventName" kind:eq value:"RestoreDBInstanceFromDBSnapshot" |
eventSource | eq |
| field:"aws::eventSource" kind:eq value:"rds.amazonaws.com" |
responseElements.publiclyAccessible | eq |
| field:"responseElements.publiclyAccessible" kind:eq value:"true" |
Rundll32 UNC Path Execution
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth | |
| Lateral Movement |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\rundll32.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"RUNDLL32.EXE" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match | \\\\.\\pipe | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"\\\\.\\pipe" |
Script Interpreter Execution From Suspicious Folder
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ParentImage | eq | C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Msiexec.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Msiexec.exe" |
ParentImage | eq | C:\Windows\System32\Msiexec.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"C:\Windows\System32\Msiexec.exe" |
CommandLine | match | -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"-NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command" |
CommandLine | match | AppData\Local\Temp\ | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"AppData\Local\Temp\" |
CommandLine | match | Install-Chocolatey.ps1 | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"Install-Chocolatey.ps1" |
Image | ends_with | \powershell.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\powershell.exe" |
SNAKE Malware Installer Name Indicators
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
TargetFilename|endswith:
- '\jpsetup.exe'
- '\jpinst.exe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
TargetFilename | ends_with |
| field:"TargetFilename" kind:ends_with |
Suspect Svchost Activity
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Privilege Escalation | |
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4688: A new process has been created. |
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 filterStage 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | ends_with |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:ends_with value:"svchost.exe" |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\svchost.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | is_null | excludes:CommandLine | |
ParentImage | ends_with | \rpcnet.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\rpcnet.exe" |
ParentImage | ends_with | \rpcnetp.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\rpcnetp.exe" |
Suspicious Advpack Call Via Rundll32.EXE
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\rundll32.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"RUNDLL32.EXE" |
Suspicious Msbuild Execution By Uncommon Parent Process
#Detects suspicious execution of 'Msbuild.exe' by a uncommon parent process
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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_parentStage 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\MSBuild.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"MSBuild.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ParentImage | ends_with | \cmd.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\cmd.exe" |
ParentImage | ends_with | \devenv.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\devenv.exe" |
ParentImage | ends_with | \explorer.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\explorer.exe" |
ParentImage | ends_with | \msbuild.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\msbuild.exe" |
ParentImage | ends_with | \nuget.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\nuget.exe" |
ParentImage | ends_with | \python.exe | excludes:ParentImage field:"ParentImage" value:"\python.exe" |
Suspicious Obfuscated PowerShell Code
#Detects suspicious UTF16 and base64 encoded and often obfuscated PowerShell code often used in command lines
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4688: A new process has been created. |
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
selectionStage 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Suspicious Start-Process PassThru
#Powershell use PassThru option to start in background
Known False Positives
- Legitimate PowerShell scripts
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| PowerShell | Event ID 4104: Creating Scriptblock text (MessageNumber of MessageTotal). |
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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ScriptBlockText | match |
| field:"ScriptBlockText" kind:match |
Suspicious Windows Update Agent Empty Cmdline
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | ends_with |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:ends_with |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\Wuauclt.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"Wuauclt.exe" |
Windows Defender Disabled Via SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXE
#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
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event 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.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"SystemSettingsAdminFlows.EXE" |