Detection rules › Sigma
Sigma rules: 34
Abuse of Service Permissions to Hide Services Via Set-Service
#Detects usage of the "Set-Service" powershell cmdlet to configure a new SecurityDescriptor that allows a service to be hidden from other utilities such as "sc.exe", "Get-Service"...etc. (Works only in powershell 7)
Known False Positives
- Rare intended use of hidden services
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Abuse of Service Permissions to Hide Services Via Set-Service
id: 514e4c3a-c77d-4cde-a00f-046425e2301e
related:
- id: a537cfc3-4297-4789-92b5-345bfd845ad0
type: derived
- id: 953945c5-22fe-4a92-9f8a-a9edc1e522da
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects usage of the "Set-Service" powershell cmdlet to configure a new SecurityDescriptor that allows a service to be hidden from other utilities such as "sc.exe", "Get-Service"...etc. (Works only in powershell 7)
references:
- https://twitter.com/Alh4zr3d/status/1580925761996828672
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.management/set-service?view=powershell-7.2
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-17
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1574.011
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\pwsh.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'pwsh.dll'
selection_sddl:
# Example would be: "D:(D;;DCLCWPDTSD;;;IU)(D;;DCLCWPDTSD;;;SU)(D;;DCLCWPDTSD;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;IU)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;SU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)S:(AU;FA;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;WD)"
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'Set-Service '
- 'DCLCWPDTSD'
selection_cmdlet:
CommandLine|contains:
- '-SecurityDescriptorSddl '
- '-sd '
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Rare intended use of hidden services
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\pwsh.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'pwsh.dll'
Stage 2: selection_sddl
selection_sddl:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'Set-Service '
- 'DCLCWPDTSD'
Stage 3: selection_cmdlet
selection_cmdlet:
CommandLine|contains:
- '-SecurityDescriptorSddl '
- '-sd '
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:"\pwsh.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"pwsh.dll" |
Account renamed to admin (or likely) account to evade defense
#Detects scenarios where an attacker rename a non admin account in order to evade SOC & operations vigilance
Known False Positives
- builtin admin account renamed for obfuscation
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Persistence |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Security-Auditing | Event ID 4781: The name of an account was changed. |
Rule Body
title: Account renamed to admin (or likely) account to evade defense
description: Detects scenarios where an attacker rename a non admin account in order to evade SOC & operations vigilance
references:
- https://github.com/mdecrevoisier/EVTX-to-MITRE-Attack/tree/master/TA0003-Persistence/T1098.xxx-Account%20manipulation
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1078.002
author: mdecrevoisier
status: experimental
logsource:
product: windows
service: security
detection:
selection_event:
EventID: 4781 # Account name change
selection_pattern:
- NewTargetUserName|startswith:
- admin-
- adm-
- <customer pattern>
- NewTargetUserName|endswith:
- -admin
- -adm
- <customer pattern>
filter:
- OldTargetUserName|startswith: # Original target account name should not be already an admin account
- admin-
- adm-
- <customer pattern>
- OldTargetUserName|endswith:
- -admin
- -adm
- <customer pattern>
- TargetSid|endswith: '-500' # Exclude default builtin account
condition: selection_event and selection_pattern and not filter
falsepositives:
- builtin admin account renamed for obfuscation
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection_event and selection_pattern and not filterStage 1: selection_event
selection_event:
EventID: 4781
Stage 2: selection_pattern
selection_pattern:
- NewTargetUserName|startswith:
- admin-
- adm-
- <customer pattern>
- NewTargetUserName|endswith:
- -admin
- -adm
- <customer pattern>
Stage 3: not filter
filter:
- OldTargetUserName|startswith:
- admin-
- adm-
- <customer pattern>
- OldTargetUserName|endswith:
- -admin
- -adm
- <customer pattern>
- TargetSid|endswith: '-500'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
NewTargetUserName | ends_with |
| field:"NewTargetUserName" kind:ends_with |
NewTargetUserName | starts_with |
| field:"NewTargetUserName" kind:starts_with |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
OldTargetUserName | ends_with | -adm | excludes:OldTargetUserName field:"OldTargetUserName" value:"-adm" |
OldTargetUserName | ends_with | -admin | excludes:OldTargetUserName field:"OldTargetUserName" value:"-admin" |
OldTargetUserName | ends_with | <customer pattern> | excludes:OldTargetUserName field:"OldTargetUserName" value:"<customer pattern>" |
OldTargetUserName | starts_with | <customer pattern> | excludes:OldTargetUserName field:"OldTargetUserName" value:"<customer pattern>" |
OldTargetUserName | starts_with | adm- | excludes:OldTargetUserName field:"OldTargetUserName" value:"adm-" |
OldTargetUserName | starts_with | admin- | excludes:OldTargetUserName field:"OldTargetUserName" value:"admin-" |
TargetSid | ends_with | -500 | excludes:TargetSid field:"TargetSid" value:"-500" |
ADCS - Certighost Certificate Issued via CDC Chase (CVE-2026-54121)
#Detects successful issuance of an ADCS certificate where the request attributes include 'cdc' (Client DC) or 'rmd' (Remote Domain) pointing to a non-DC domain or IP, confirming the CA's chase fallback path was taken against an attacker-controlled target. 'cdc' directs the CA to an address for identity lookup; 'rmd' specifies the principal to look up there. In an attack (CVE-2026-54121, Certighost), cdc points to a rogue host that returns a forged DC identity. A successfully issued certificate at this stage means the attacker has obtained a cert carrying a Domain Controller's SID and DNS identity, enabling PKINIT authentication as that DC followed by DCSync replication.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Credential Access |
Telemetry Coverage
Rule Body
title: ADCS - Certighost Certificate Issued via CDC Chase (CVE-2026-54121)
id: 8b7e2c54-1f93-4a6d-b8e0-3c9d7f25a168
status: experimental
description: |
Detects successful issuance of an ADCS certificate where the request attributes include
'cdc' (Client DC) or 'rmd' (Remote Domain) pointing to a non-DC domain or IP, confirming the
CA's chase fallback path was taken against an attacker-controlled target.
'cdc' directs the CA to an address for identity lookup; 'rmd' specifies the principal to
look up there. In an attack (CVE-2026-54121, Certighost), cdc points to a rogue host that
returns a forged DC identity. A successfully issued certificate at this stage means the
attacker has obtained a cert carrying a Domain Controller's SID and DNS identity, enabling
PKINIT authentication as that DC followed by DCSync replication.
references:
- https://github.com/aniqfakhrul/CVE-2026-54121
- https://gist.github.com/H0j3n/a5ef2609b5f2944ac2390a191a534c26
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-07-27
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1649
- cve.2026-54121
- detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
product: windows
service: security
definition: |
This requires two independent controls on the CA server.
(1) CA\AuditFilter must have bit 0x04 (AUDIT_CERTSRV_REQUESTFLAGS) set
this instructs certsrv.exe to emit request/issuance events.
Without this bit the CA never calls ReportEvent() for certificate operations, regardless of OS policy.
- Set via: certutil -setreg CA\AuditFilter 127 then net stop CertSvc; net start CertSvc.
(2) The OS audit subcategory must be enabled to write those events into the Security log:
auditpol /set /subcategory:"Certification Services" /success:enable.
Note: GPO alone (without AuditFilter) is not sufficient.
detection:
selection:
EventID: 4887
Attributes|contains:
- 'cdc:'
- 'rmd:'
filter_main_known_cdc_ips:
Attributes|contains|expand: '%known_cdcs%' # should be populated with all known legitimate DC hostnames and IPs
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not 1 of filter_main_*Stage 1: selection
selection:
EventID: 4887
Attributes|contains:
- 'cdc:'
- 'rmd:'
Stage 2: not filter_main_known_cdc_ips
filter_main_known_cdc_ips:
Attributes|contains|expand: '%known_cdcs%'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Attributes | match |
| field:"Attributes" kind:match |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Attributes | match | %known_cdcs% | excludes:Attributes field:"Attributes" value:"%known_cdcs%" |
Antivirus - Ransomware Signature
#Detects a highly relevant Antivirus alert that reports ransomware. This event must not be ignored just because the AV has blocked the malware but investigate, how it came there in the first place.
Known False Positives
- Unlikely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Impact |
Rule Body
title: Antivirus - Ransomware Signature
id: 4c6ca276-d4d0-4a8c-9e4c-d69832f8671f
status: test
description: |
Detects a highly relevant Antivirus alert that reports ransomware.
This event must not be ignored just because the AV has blocked the malware but investigate, how it came there in the first place.
references:
- https://www.nextron-systems.com/?s=antivirus
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/43b0f7872900bd234975a0877744554f4f355dc57505517abd1ef611e1ce6916
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/c312c05ddbd227cbb08958876df2b69d0f7c1b09e5689eb9d93c5b357f63eff7
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/20179093c59bca3acc6ce9a4281e8462f577ffd29fd7bf51cf2a70d106062045
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/554db97ea82f17eba516e6a6fdb9dc04b1d25580a1eb8cb755eeb260ad0bd61d
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/69fe77dd558e281621418980040e2af89a2547d377d0f2875502005ce22bc95c
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/6f0f20da34396166df352bf301b3c59ef42b0bc67f52af3d541b0161c47ede05
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Arnim Rupp
date: 2022-05-12
modified: 2026-06-15
tags:
- attack.t1486
- attack.impact
logsource:
category: antivirus
detection:
selection:
Signature|contains:
- 'Babuk'
- 'Babyk'
- 'BlackWorm'
- 'Chaos'
- 'Cobra'
- 'ContiCrypt'
- 'Crypter'
- 'Cryptes'
- 'Cryptor'
- 'CylanCrypt'
- 'DelShad'
- 'Destructor'
- 'Filecoder'
- 'GandCrab'
- 'GrandCrab'
- 'Haperlock'
- 'Hiddentear'
- 'HydraCrypt'
- 'Krypt'
- 'Lockbit'
- 'Locker'
- 'Mallox'
- 'Medusa'
- 'Phobos'
- 'Ransom'
- 'Rook'
- 'Ryuk'
- 'Ryzerlo'
- 'Stopcrypt'
- 'Tescrypt'
- 'TeslaCrypt'
- 'WannaCry'
- 'Xorist'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: critical
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
Signature|contains:
- 'Babuk'
- 'Babyk'
- 'BlackWorm'
- 'Chaos'
- 'Cobra'
- 'ContiCrypt'
- 'Crypter'
- 'Cryptes'
- 'Cryptor'
- 'CylanCrypt'
- 'DelShad'
- 'Destructor'
- 'Filecoder'
- 'GandCrab'
- 'GrandCrab'
- 'Haperlock'
- 'Hiddentear'
- 'HydraCrypt'
- 'Krypt'
- 'Lockbit'
- 'Locker'
- 'Mallox'
- 'Medusa'
- 'Phobos'
- 'Ransom'
- 'Rook'
- 'Ryuk'
- 'Ryzerlo'
- 'Stopcrypt'
- 'Tescrypt'
- 'TeslaCrypt'
- 'WannaCry'
- 'Xorist'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Signature | match |
| field:"Signature" kind:match |
CloudTrail Log Deleted
#A user attempted to delete a CloudTrail log but it was denied due to a lack of permissions. Sample command line: aws cloudtrail delete-trail --name TrailName
Known False Positives
- Admin deleted unneeded logs.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
Rules Detecting the Same Action
These rules filter on the same operation.
- Attempt To Delete A CloudTrail Log (Sigma)
- AWS CloudTrail Important Change (Sigma)
- AWS CloudTrail Log Deleted (Elastic)
- AWS Defense Evasion Delete Cloudtrail (Splunk)
Rule Body
title: CloudTrail Log Deleted
id: fa5c25ee-9c78-4af4-916f-52a81d1d16e6
status: test
description: |
A user attempted to delete a CloudTrail log but it was denied due to a lack of permissions.
Sample command line: aws cloudtrail delete-trail --name TrailName
references:
- https://research.splunk.com/cloud/82092925-9ca1-4e06-98b8-85a2d3889552/
- https://expel.com/blog/following-cloudtrail-generating-aws-security-signals-sumo-logic/
- https://medium.com/daniel-grzelak/disrupting-aws-logging-a42e437d6594
- https://traildiscover.cloud/#CloudTrail-DeleteTrail
author: Zach Mathis (@yamatosecurity)
date: 2025-04-23
modified: 2025-04-23
tags:
- attack.defense-evasion
- attack.t1562.008 # Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Cloud Logs
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: 'cloudtrail.amazonaws.com'
eventName: 'DeleteTrail'
filter:
errorCode: 'AccessDenied'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Admin deleted unneeded logs.
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not filterStage 1: selection
selection:
eventSource: 'cloudtrail.amazonaws.com'
eventName: 'DeleteTrail'
Stage 2: not filter
filter:
errorCode: 'AccessDenied'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
eventName | eq |
| field:"aws::eventName" kind:eq value:"DeleteTrail" |
eventSource | eq |
| field:"aws::eventSource" kind:eq value:"cloudtrail.amazonaws.com" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
errorCode | eq | AccessDenied | excludes:errorCode field:"errorCode" value:"AccessDenied" |
COM Object Hijacking Via Modification Of Default System CLSID Default Value
#Detects potential COM object hijacking via modification of default system CLSID.
Known False Positives
- Unlikely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Persistence | |
| Privilege Escalation |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 13: RegistryEvent (Value Set) |
Rule Body
title: COM Object Hijacking Via Modification Of Default System CLSID Default Value
id: 790317c0-0a36-4a6a-a105-6e576bf99a14
related:
- id: 3d968d17-ffa4-4bc0-bfdc-f139de76ce77
type: obsolete
- id: a0ff33d8-79e4-4cef-b4f3-9dc4133ccd12
type: obsolete
status: experimental
description: Detects potential COM object hijacking via modification of default system CLSID.
references:
- https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/07/27/untangling-knotweed-european-private-sector-offensive-actor-using-0-day-exploits/ (idea)
- https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/snipbot-romcom-malware-variant/
- https://blog.talosintelligence.com/uat-5647-romcom/
- https://global.ptsecurity.com/analytics/pt-esc-threat-intelligence/darkhotel-a-cluster-of-groups-united-by-common-techniques
- https://threatbook.io/blog/Analysis-of-APT-C-60-Attack-on-South-Korea
- https://catalyst.prodaft.com/public/report/inside-the-latest-espionage-campaign-of-nebulous-mantis
- https://github.com/rtecCyberSec/BitlockMove
- https://cert.gov.ua/article/6284080
- https://securelist.com/forumtroll-apt-hacking-team-dante-spyware/117851/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-07-16
modified: 2025-11-10
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1546.015
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
detection:
selection_target_root:
TargetObject|contains: '\CLSID\'
TargetObject|endswith:
- '\InprocServer32\(Default)'
- '\LocalServer32\(Default)'
selection_target_builtin_clsid:
TargetObject|contains:
# Note: Add other legitimate CLSID
- '\{1f486a52-3cb1-48fd-8f50-b8dc300d9f9d}\'
- '\{2155fee3-2419-4373-b102-6843707eb41f}\'
- '\{4590f811-1d3a-11d0-891f-00aa004b2e24}\'
- '\{4de225bf-cf59-4cfc-85f7-68b90f185355}\'
- '\{ddc05a5a-351a-4e06-8eaf-54ec1bc2dcea}\'
- '\{F56F6FDD-AA9D-4618-A949-C1B91AF43B1A}\'
- '\{F82B4EF1-93A9-4DDE-8015-F7950A1A6E31}\'
- '\{7849596a-48ea-486e-8937-a2a3009f31a9}\'
- '\{0b91a74b-ad7c-4a9d-b563-29eef9167172}\'
- '\{603D3801-BD81-11d0-A3A5-00C04FD706EC}\'
- '\{30D49246-D217-465F-B00B-AC9DDD652EB7}\'
- '\{A7A63E5C-3877-4840-8727-C1EA9D7A4D50}\'
- '\{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}\'
- '\{2DEA658F-54C1-4227-AF9B-260AB5FC3543}\'
- '\{AA509086-5Ca9-4C25-8F95-589D3C07B48A}\'
selection_susp_location_1:
Details|contains:
# Note: Add more suspicious paths and locations
- ':\Perflogs\'
- '\AppData\Local\'
- '\Desktop\'
- '\Downloads\'
- '\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\'
- '\System32\spool\drivers\color\' # as seen in the knotweed blog
- '\Temporary Internet'
- '\Users\Public\'
- '\Windows\Temp\'
- '%appdata%'
- '%temp%'
- '%tmp%'
selection_susp_location_2:
- Details|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\Favorites\'
- Details|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\Favourites\'
- Details|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\Contacts\'
- Details|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\Pictures\'
condition: all of selection_target_* and 1 of selection_susp_location_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_target_* and 1 of selection_susp_location_*Stage 1: selection_target_root
selection_target_root:
TargetObject|contains: '\CLSID\'
TargetObject|endswith:
- '\InprocServer32\(Default)'
- '\LocalServer32\(Default)'
Stage 2: selection_target_builtin_clsid
selection_target_builtin_clsid:
TargetObject|contains:
- '\{1f486a52-3cb1-48fd-8f50-b8dc300d9f9d}\'
- '\{2155fee3-2419-4373-b102-6843707eb41f}\'
- '\{4590f811-1d3a-11d0-891f-00aa004b2e24}\'
- '\{4de225bf-cf59-4cfc-85f7-68b90f185355}\'
- '\{ddc05a5a-351a-4e06-8eaf-54ec1bc2dcea}\'
- '\{F56F6FDD-AA9D-4618-A949-C1B91AF43B1A}\'
- '\{F82B4EF1-93A9-4DDE-8015-F7950A1A6E31}\'
- '\{7849596a-48ea-486e-8937-a2a3009f31a9}\'
- '\{0b91a74b-ad7c-4a9d-b563-29eef9167172}\'
- '\{603D3801-BD81-11d0-A3A5-00C04FD706EC}\'
- '\{30D49246-D217-465F-B00B-AC9DDD652EB7}\'
- '\{A7A63E5C-3877-4840-8727-C1EA9D7A4D50}\'
- '\{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}\'
- '\{2DEA658F-54C1-4227-AF9B-260AB5FC3543}\'
- '\{AA509086-5Ca9-4C25-8F95-589D3C07B48A}\'
Stage 3: selection_susp_location_1
selection_susp_location_1:
Details|contains:
- ':\Perflogs\'
- '\AppData\Local\'
- '\Desktop\'
- '\Downloads\'
- '\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\'
- '\System32\spool\drivers\color\'
- '\Temporary Internet'
- '\Users\Public\'
- '\Windows\Temp\'
- '%appdata%'
- '%temp%'
- '%tmp%'
Stage 4: selection_susp_location_2
selection_susp_location_2:
- Details|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\Favorites\'
- Details|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\Favourites\'
- Details|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\Contacts\'
- Details|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\Pictures\'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Details | match |
| field:"Details" kind:match |
TargetObject | ends_with |
| field:"TargetObject" kind:ends_with |
TargetObject | match |
| field:"TargetObject" kind:match |
Disabling Windows Defender WMI Autologger Session via Reg.exe
#Detects the use of reg.exe to disable the Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) Autologger session for Windows Defender API and Audit events. By setting the 'Start' value to '0' for the 'DefenderApiLogger' or 'DefenderAuditLogger' session, an attacker can prevent these critical security events from being logged, effectively blinding monitoring tools that rely on this data. This is a powerful defense evasion technique.
Known False Positives
- Highly unlikely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Disabling Windows Defender WMI Autologger Session via Reg.exe
id: a1b2c3d4-e5f6-a7b8-c9d0-e1f2a3b4c5d6
related:
- id: f37b4bce-49d0-4087-9f5b-58bffda77316
type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the use of reg.exe to disable the Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) Autologger session for Windows Defender API and Audit events.
By setting the 'Start' value to '0' for the 'DefenderApiLogger' or 'DefenderAuditLogger' session, an attacker can prevent these critical security events
from being logged, effectively blinding monitoring tools that rely on this data. This is a powerful defense evasion technique.
references:
- https://research.splunk.com/endpoint/76406a0f-f5e0-4167-8e1f-337fdc0f1b0c/
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/etw/configuring-and-starting-an-autologger-session
- https://thedfirreport.com/2021/10/18/icedid-to-xinglocker-ransomware-in-24-hours/
- https://blog.malwarebytes.com/malwarebytes-news/2021/02/lazyscripter-from-empire-to-double-rat/
- https://www.binarly.io/blog/design-issues-of-modern-edrs-bypassing-etw-based-solutions
author: Matt Anderson (Huntress)
date: 2025-07-09
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1685
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\reg.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'reg.exe'
selection_reg_path:
CommandLine|contains:
- '\Control\WMI\Autologger\DefenderApiLogger\Start'
- '\Control\WMI\Autologger\DefenderAuditLogger\Start'
selection_reg_add:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'add'
- '0'
filter_main_enable:
CommandLine|contains: '0x00000001'
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Highly unlikely
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\reg.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'reg.exe'
Stage 2: selection_reg_path
selection_reg_path:
CommandLine|contains:
- '\Control\WMI\Autologger\DefenderApiLogger\Start'
- '\Control\WMI\Autologger\DefenderAuditLogger\Start'
Stage 3: selection_reg_add
selection_reg_add:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'add'
- '0'
Stage 4: not filter_main_enable
filter_main_enable:
CommandLine|contains: '0x00000001'
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:"\reg.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"reg.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match | 0x00000001 | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"0x00000001" |
Event log clear attempt (command)
#Detects scenarios where an attacker attempts to clear the event logs.
Known False Positives
- None
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth | |
| Defense Impairment |
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: Event log clear attempt (command)
description: Detects scenarios where an attacker attempts to clear the event logs.
references:
- https://github.com/mdecrevoisier/EVTX-to-MITRE-Attack/tree/master/TA0005-Defense%20Evasion/T1070.001-Clear%20Windows%20event%20logs
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/wevtutil
- https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/technical-analysis-crytox-ransomware
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/06/13/the-many-lives-of-blackcat-ransomware/
- https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/invisible-miners-unveiling-ghostengine
tags:
- attack.defense_evasion
- attack.t1070.001
author: mdecrevoisier
status: experimental
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection: # Full command: wevtutil el | Foreach-Object {Write-Host "Clearing $_"; wevtutil cl "$_"}
selection:
NewProcessName|endswith: '\wevtutil.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'clear-log'
- cl # reduced command
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- None
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
NewProcessName|endswith: '\wevtutil.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'clear-log'
- cl
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
NewProcessName | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\wevtutil.exe" |
Event log deactivation or size reduction (command)
#Detects scenarios where an attacker disable or reduce the size of an event log.
Known False Positives
- None
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
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: Event log deactivation or size reduction (command)
description: Detects scenarios where an attacker disable or reduce the size of an event log.
references:
- https://www.recordedfuture.com/five-common-ransomware-techniques
- https://www.cybereason.com/blog/research/cybereason-vs.-ransomexx-ransomware
- https://research.splunk.com/endpoint/236e7c8e-c9d9-11eb-a824-acde48001122/
tags:
- attack.defense_evasion
- attack.t1562.002 # Disable Windows Event Logging
author: mdecrevoisier
status: experimental
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection: # Full command: wevtutil.exe” sl Security /e:false
selection:
NewProcessName|endswith: '\wevtutil.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'set-log'
- sl # reduced command
CommandLine|contains:
- '/e:false' # <Enabled> - Does not work with all channel
- '/ms:' # <MaxSize> - suspicious if low value (min is 64Kb)
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- None
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
NewProcessName|endswith: '\wevtutil.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'set-log'
- sl
CommandLine|contains:
- '/e:false'
- '/ms:'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
NewProcessName | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\wevtutil.exe" |
GatherNetworkInfo.VBS Reconnaissance Script Output
#Detects creation of files which are the results of executing the built-in reconnaissance script "C:\Windows\System32\gatherNetworkInfo.vbs".
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Discovery | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 11: FileCreate |
Rule Body
title: GatherNetworkInfo.VBS Reconnaissance Script Output
id: f92a6f1e-a512-4a15-9735-da09e78d7273
related:
- id: 575dce0c-8139-4e30-9295-1ee75969f7fe # ProcCreation LOLBIN
type: similar
- id: 07aa184a-870d-413d-893a-157f317f6f58 # ProcCreation Susp
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects creation of files which are the results of executing the built-in reconnaissance script "C:\Windows\System32\gatherNetworkInfo.vbs".
references:
- https://posts.slayerlabs.com/living-off-the-land/#gathernetworkinfovbs
- https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/trojanized-windows-installers-ukrainian-government
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-08
tags:
- attack.discovery
logsource:
product: windows
category: file_event
detection:
selection:
TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\Windows\System32\config'
TargetFilename|endswith:
- '\Hotfixinfo.txt'
- '\netiostate.txt'
- '\sysportslog.txt'
- '\VmSwitchLog.evtx'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\Windows\System32\config'
TargetFilename|endswith:
- '\Hotfixinfo.txt'
- '\netiostate.txt'
- '\sysportslog.txt'
- '\VmSwitchLog.evtx'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
TargetFilename | ends_with |
| field:"TargetFilename" kind:ends_with |
TargetFilename | starts_with |
| field:"TargetFilename" kind:starts_with value:"C:\Windows\System32\config" |
HackTool - DiagTrackEoP Default Named Pipe
#Detects creation of default named pipe used by the DiagTrackEoP POC, a tool that abuses "SeImpersonate" privilege.
Known False Positives
- Unlikely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Privilege Escalation | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 17: PipeEvent (Pipe Created) |
| Sysmon | Event ID 18: PipeEvent (Pipe Connected) |
Rule Body
title: HackTool - DiagTrackEoP Default Named Pipe
id: 1f7025a6-e747-4130-aac4-961eb47015f1
status: test
description: Detects creation of default named pipe used by the DiagTrackEoP POC, a tool that abuses "SeImpersonate" privilege.
references:
- https://github.com/Wh04m1001/DiagTrackEoP/blob/3a2fc99c9700623eb7dc7d4b5f314fd9ce5ef51f/main.cpp#L22
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-03
modified: 2023-08-07
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
logsource:
product: windows
category: pipe_created
definition: 'Note that you have to configure logging for Named Pipe Events in Sysmon config (Event ID 17 and Event ID 18). The basic configuration is in popular sysmon configuration (https://github.com/SwiftOnSecurity/sysmon-config), but it is worth verifying. You can also use other repo, e.g. https://github.com/Neo23x0/sysmon-config, https://github.com/olafhartong/sysmon-modular. How to test detection? You can check powershell script from this site https://svch0st.medium.com/guide-to-named-pipes-and-hunting-for-cobalt-strike-pipes-dc46b2c5f575'
detection:
selection:
PipeName|contains: 'thisispipe' # Based on source code
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: critical
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
PipeName|contains: 'thisispipe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
PipeName | match |
| field:"PipeName" kind:match value:"thisispipe" |
HackTool - UACMe Akagi Execution
#Detects the execution of UACMe, a tool used for UAC bypasses, via default PE metadata
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Privilege Escalation |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: HackTool - UACMe Akagi Execution
id: d38d2fa4-98e6-4a24-aff1-410b0c9ad177
status: test
description: Detects the execution of UACMe, a tool used for UAC bypasses, via default PE metadata
references:
- https://github.com/hfiref0x/UACME
author: Christian Burkard (Nextron Systems), Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-08-30
modified: 2024-11-23
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.t1548.002
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_pe:
- Product: 'UACMe'
- Company:
- 'REvol Corp'
- 'APT 92'
- 'UG North'
- 'Hazardous Environments'
- 'CD Project Rekt'
- Description:
- 'UACMe main module'
- 'Pentesting utility'
- OriginalFileName:
- 'Akagi.exe'
- 'Akagi64.exe'
selection_img:
Image|endswith:
- '\Akagi64.exe'
- '\Akagi.exe'
selection_hashes_sysmon:
Hashes|contains:
- 'IMPHASH=767637C23BB42CD5D7397CF58B0BE688'
- 'IMPHASH=14C4E4C72BA075E9069EE67F39188AD8'
- 'IMPHASH=3C782813D4AFCE07BBFC5A9772ACDBDC'
- 'IMPHASH=7D010C6BB6A3726F327F7E239166D127'
- 'IMPHASH=89159BA4DD04E4CE5559F132A9964EB3'
- 'IMPHASH=6F33F4A5FC42B8CEC7314947BD13F30F'
- 'IMPHASH=5834ED4291BDEB928270428EBBAF7604'
- 'IMPHASH=5A8A8A43F25485E7EE1B201EDCBC7A38'
- 'IMPHASH=DC7D30B90B2D8ABF664FBED2B1B59894'
- 'IMPHASH=41923EA1F824FE63EA5BEB84DB7A3E74'
- 'IMPHASH=3DE09703C8E79ED2CA3F01074719906B'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
1 of selection_*Stage 1: selection_pe
selection_pe:
- Product: 'UACMe'
- Company:
- 'REvol Corp'
- 'APT 92'
- 'UG North'
- 'Hazardous Environments'
- 'CD Project Rekt'
- Description:
- 'UACMe main module'
- 'Pentesting utility'
- OriginalFileName:
- 'Akagi.exe'
- 'Akagi64.exe'
Stage 2: selection_img
selection_img:
Image|endswith:
- '\Akagi64.exe'
- '\Akagi.exe'
Stage 3: selection_hashes_sysmon
selection_hashes_sysmon:
Hashes|contains:
- 'IMPHASH=767637C23BB42CD5D7397CF58B0BE688'
- 'IMPHASH=14C4E4C72BA075E9069EE67F39188AD8'
- 'IMPHASH=3C782813D4AFCE07BBFC5A9772ACDBDC'
- 'IMPHASH=7D010C6BB6A3726F327F7E239166D127'
- 'IMPHASH=89159BA4DD04E4CE5559F132A9964EB3'
- 'IMPHASH=6F33F4A5FC42B8CEC7314947BD13F30F'
- 'IMPHASH=5834ED4291BDEB928270428EBBAF7604'
- 'IMPHASH=5A8A8A43F25485E7EE1B201EDCBC7A38'
- 'IMPHASH=DC7D30B90B2D8ABF664FBED2B1B59894'
- 'IMPHASH=41923EA1F824FE63EA5BEB84DB7A3E74'
- 'IMPHASH=3DE09703C8E79ED2CA3F01074719906B'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Company | eq |
| field:"Company" kind:eq |
Description | eq |
| field:"Description" kind:eq |
Hashes | match |
| field:"Hashes" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq |
Product | eq |
| field:"Product" kind:eq value:"UACMe" |
HackTool - winPEAS Execution
#WinPEAS is a script that search for possible paths to escalate privileges on Windows hosts. The checks are explained on book.hacktricks.xyz
Known False Positives
- Unlikely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Discovery |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: HackTool - winPEAS Execution
id: 98b53e78-ebaf-46f8-be06-421aafd176d9
status: test
description: WinPEAS is a script that search for possible paths to escalate privileges on Windows hosts. The checks are explained on book.hacktricks.xyz
references:
- https://github.com/carlospolop/PEASS-ng
- https://book.hacktricks.xyz/windows-hardening/windows-local-privilege-escalation
author: Georg Lauenstein (sure[secure])
date: 2022-09-19
modified: 2023-03-23
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1082
- attack.t1087
- attack.t1046
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- OriginalFileName: 'winPEAS.exe'
- Image|endswith:
- '\winPEASany_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASany.exe'
- '\winPEASx64_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASx64.exe'
- '\winPEASx86_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASx86.exe'
selection_cli_option:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' applicationsinfo' # Search installed applications information
- ' browserinfo' # Search browser information
- ' eventsinfo' # Display interesting events information
- ' fileanalysis' # Search specific files that can contains credentials and for regexes inside files
- ' filesinfo' # Search generic files that can contains credentials
- ' processinfo' # Search processes information
- ' servicesinfo' # Search services information
- ' windowscreds' # Search windows credentials
selection_cli_dl:
CommandLine|contains: 'https://github.com/carlospolop/PEASS-ng/releases/latest/download/'
selection_cli_specific:
- ParentCommandLine|endswith: ' -linpeas'
- CommandLine|endswith: ' -linpeas'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
1 of selection_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- OriginalFileName: 'winPEAS.exe'
- Image|endswith:
- '\winPEASany_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASany.exe'
- '\winPEASx64_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASx64.exe'
- '\winPEASx86_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASx86.exe'
Stage 2: selection_cli_option
selection_cli_option:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' applicationsinfo'
- ' browserinfo'
- ' eventsinfo'
- ' fileanalysis'
- ' filesinfo'
- ' processinfo'
- ' servicesinfo'
- ' windowscreds'
Stage 3: selection_cli_dl
selection_cli_dl:
CommandLine|contains: 'https://github.com/carlospolop/PEASS-ng/releases/latest/download/'
Stage 4: selection_cli_specific
selection_cli_specific:
- ParentCommandLine|endswith: ' -linpeas'
- CommandLine|endswith: ' -linpeas'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | ends_with |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:ends_with value:" -linpeas" |
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"winPEAS.exe" |
ParentCommandLine | ends_with |
| field:"ParentCommandLine" kind:ends_with value:" -linpeas" |
Impacket WMIexec process execution
#Detects scenarios where an attacker attempts to execute WMIexec in order to escalate privileges.
Known False Positives
- None
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Impacket WMIexec process execution
description: Detects scenarios where an attacker attempts to execute WMIexec in order to escalate privileges.
references:
- https://github.com/mdecrevoisier/EVTX-to-MITRE-Attack/tree/master/TA0002-Execution/T1047-Windows%20Management%20Instrumentation
- https://riccardoancarani.github.io/2020-05-10-hunting-for-impacket/#wmiexecpy
- https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/attack-detection-fundamentals-discovery-and-lateral-movement-lab-5
- https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/blob/master/examples/wmiexec.py
- https://www.darkoperator.com/blog/2017/10/14/basics-of-tracking-wmi-activity
- https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/how-to-detect-and-prevent-impackets-wmiexec/
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/10/18/defenders-beware-a-case-for-post-ransomware-investigations/
- https://blog.sekoia.io/lucky-mouse-incident-response-to-detection-engineering/
- https://thedfirreport.com/2023/01/09/unwrapping-ursnifs-gifts/
- https://thedfirreport.com/2023/10/30/netsupport-intrusion-results-in-domain-compromise/
- https://thedfirreport.com/2024/06/10/icedid-brings-screenconnect-and-csharp-streamer-to-alphv-ransomware-deployment
- https://www.security.com/threat-intelligence/us-china-espionage
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1047 # Windows Management Instrumentation
author: mdecrevoisier
status: experimental
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_baseline: #full command "C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe /Q /c echo cd ^> \\127.0.0.1\C$\__output 2^>^&1 > C:\Windows\TEMP\execute.bat & C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe /Q /c C:\Windows\TEMP\execute.bat & del C:\Windows\TEMP\execute.bat"
Image|endswith: \cmd.exe
selection_parent:
ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
- '\\127.0.0.1\'
- '/Q'
- '/C'
selection_process: # full command: "C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe /Q /c C:\Windows\TEMP\execute.bat"
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '\\127.0.0.1\'
- '/Q'
- '/C'
condition: selection_baseline and (selection_parent or selection_process)
falsepositives:
- None
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection_baseline and (selection_parent or selection_process)Stage 1: selection_baseline
selection_baseline:
Image|endswith: \cmd.exe
Stage 2: selection_parent
selection_parent:
ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
- '\\127.0.0.1\'
- '/Q'
- '/C'
Stage 3: selection_process
selection_process:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '\\127.0.0.1\'
- '/Q'
- '/C'
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:"\cmd.exe" |
ParentCommandLine | match |
| field:"ParentCommandLine" kind:match |
Invoke-Obfuscation RUNDLL LAUNCHER - System
#Detects Obfuscated Powershell via RUNDLL LAUNCHER
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Service-Control-Manager | Event ID 7045: A service was installed in the system. |
Rule Body
title: Invoke-Obfuscation RUNDLL LAUNCHER - System
id: 11b52f18-aaec-4d60-9143-5dd8cc4706b9
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via RUNDLL LAUNCHER
references:
- https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 23)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1027
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059.001
logsource:
product: windows
service: system
detection:
selection:
Provider_Name: 'Service Control Manager'
EventID: 7045
ImagePath|contains|all:
- 'rundll32.exe'
- 'shell32.dll'
- 'shellexec_rundll'
- 'powershell'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
Provider_Name: 'Service Control Manager'
EventID: 7045
ImagePath|contains|all:
- 'rundll32.exe'
- 'shell32.dll'
- 'shellexec_rundll'
- 'powershell'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ImagePath | match |
| field:"ImagePath" kind:match |
Provider_Name | eq |
| field:"Provider_Name" kind:eq value:"Service Control Manager" |
macOS Code Signature Invalidation
#Detects code signature invalidation events which may indicate tampering with signed binaries or attempts to bypass code signing requirements. This is a critical security event that should be investigated immediately.
Known False Positives
- Development and testing with unsigned binaries
- Software updates and installations
- Legitimate modifications to system files (rare)
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Rule Body
title: macOS Code Signature Invalidation
id: b0115e23-4ad1-4f98-82b3-9815cb826906
status: experimental
description: 'Detects code signature invalidation events which may indicate tampering
with
signed binaries or attempts to bypass code signing requirements. This is a
critical security event that should be investigated immediately.
'
author: Eric Brown - Nebulock, Inc.
date: 2025/10/31
modified: 2025/10/31
references:
- https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002/
- https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1222/
logsource:
product: macos
service: endpointsecurity
detection:
selection:
esf.event_type: 62
event.action: cs_invalidated
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Development and testing with unsigned binaries
- Software updates and installations
- Legitimate modifications to system files (rare)
fields:
- event_type
- event_name
- ProcessId
- Image
- User
tags:
- attack.defense_evasion
- attack.t1553.002
- attack.t1222
level: critical
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
esf.event_type: 62
event.action: cs_invalidated
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
esf.event_type | eq |
| field:"esf.event_type" kind:eq value:"62" |
event.action | eq |
| field:"EventType" kind:eq value:"cs_invalidated" |
Malicious PE Execution by Microsoft Visual Studio Debugger
#There is an option for a MS VS Just-In-Time Debugger "vsjitdebugger.exe" to launch specified executable and attach a debugger. This option may be used adversaries to execute malicious code by signed verified binary. The debugger is installed alongside with Microsoft Visual Studio package.
Known False Positives
- The process spawned by vsjitdebugger.exe is uncommon.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| 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: Malicious PE Execution by Microsoft Visual Studio Debugger
id: 15c7904e-6ad1-4a45-9b46-5fb25df37fd2
status: test
description: |
There is an option for a MS VS Just-In-Time Debugger "vsjitdebugger.exe" to launch specified executable and attach a debugger.
This option may be used adversaries to execute malicious code by signed verified binary.
The debugger is installed alongside with Microsoft Visual Studio package.
references:
- https://twitter.com/pabraeken/status/990758590020452353
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/OtherMSBinaries/Vsjitdebugger/
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/debugger/debug-using-the-just-in-time-debugger?view=vs-2019
author: Agro (@agro_sev), Ensar Şamil (@sblmsrsn), oscd.community
date: 2020-10-14
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1218
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\vsjitdebugger.exe'
reduction1:
Image|endswith: '\vsimmersiveactivatehelper*.exe'
reduction2:
Image|endswith: '\devenv.exe'
condition: selection and not (reduction1 or reduction2)
falsepositives:
- The process spawned by vsjitdebugger.exe is uncommon.
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not (reduction1 or reduction2)Stage 1: selection
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\vsjitdebugger.exe'
Stage 2: not reduction1
reduction1:
Image|endswith: '\vsimmersiveactivatehelper*.exe'
Stage 3: not reduction2
reduction2:
Image|endswith: '\devenv.exe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ParentImage | ends_with |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:ends_with value:"\vsjitdebugger.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with | \vsimmersiveactivatehelper*.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\vsimmersiveactivatehelper*.exe" |
Image | ends_with | \devenv.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\devenv.exe" |
Malicious Windows Script Components File Execution by TAEF Detection
#Windows Test Authoring and Execution Framework (TAEF) framework allows you to run automation by executing tests files written on different languages (C, C#, Microsoft COM Scripting interfaces Adversaries may execute malicious code (such as WSC file with VBScript, dll and so on) directly by running te.exe
Known False Positives
- It's not an uncommon to use te.exe directly to execute legal TAEF tests
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Malicious Windows Script Components File Execution by TAEF Detection
id: 634b00d5-ccc3-4a06-ae3b-0ec8444dd51b
status: test
description: |
Windows Test Authoring and Execution Framework (TAEF) framework allows you to run automation by executing tests files written on different languages (C, C#, Microsoft COM Scripting interfaces
Adversaries may execute malicious code (such as WSC file with VBScript, dll and so on) directly by running te.exe
references:
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/OtherMSBinaries/Te/
- https://twitter.com/pabraeken/status/993298228840992768
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/taef/
author: 'Agro (@agro_sev) oscd.community'
date: 2020-10-13
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1218
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\te.exe'
- ParentImage|endswith: '\te.exe'
- OriginalFileName: '\te.exe'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- It's not an uncommon to use te.exe directly to execute legal TAEF tests
level: low
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\te.exe'
- ParentImage|endswith: '\te.exe'
- OriginalFileName: '\te.exe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\te.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"\te.exe" |
ParentImage | ends_with |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:ends_with value:"\te.exe" |
Microsoft Defender service deactivation attempt (command)
#Detects scenarios where an attacker attempts to disable Defender security service. If tamper protection is enabled, this action may not work.
Known False Positives
- None
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
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: Microsoft Defender service deactivation attempt (command)
description: Detects scenarios where an attacker attempts to disable Defender security service. If tamper protection is enabled, this action may not work.
references:
- https://github.com/mdecrevoisier/EVTX-to-MITRE-Attack/tree/master/TA0005-Defense%20Evasion/T1562.001-Impair%20Defenses-Disable%20or%20Modify%20tool
- https://github.com/swagkarna/Defeat-Defender-V1.2
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-on-windows-server?view=o365-worldwide
tags:
- attack.defense_evasion
- attack.t1562.001
author: mdecrevoisier
status: experimental
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
NewProcessName|endswith: '\sc.exe'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- sc
- config
- disabled
CommandLine|contains: # Defender related services names
- WinDefend
- Sense
- MpsSvc
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- None
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
NewProcessName|endswith: '\sc.exe'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- sc
- config
- disabled
CommandLine|contains:
- WinDefend
- Sense
- MpsSvc
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
NewProcessName | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\sc.exe" |
Path To Screensaver Binary Modified
#Detects value modification of registry key containing path to binary used as screensaver.
Known False Positives
- Legitimate modification of screensaver
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Persistence | |
| Privilege Escalation |
Telemetry Coverage
Rule Body
title: Path To Screensaver Binary Modified
id: 67a6c006-3fbe-46a7-9074-2ba3b82c3000
status: test
description: Detects value modification of registry key containing path to binary used as screensaver.
references:
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1546.002/T1546.002.md
- https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/eset-gazer.pdf
author: Bartlomiej Czyz @bczyz1, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-11
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.t1546.002
logsource:
category: registry_event
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|endswith: '\Control Panel\Desktop\SCRNSAVE.EXE' # HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\SCRNSAVE.EXE
filter:
Image|endswith:
- '\rundll32.exe'
- '\explorer.exe'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Legitimate modification of screensaver
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not filterStage 1: selection
selection:
TargetObject|endswith: '\Control Panel\Desktop\SCRNSAVE.EXE'
Stage 2: not filter
filter:
Image|endswith:
- '\rundll32.exe'
- '\explorer.exe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
TargetObject | ends_with |
| field:"TargetObject" kind:ends_with value:"\Control Panel\Desktop\SCRNSAVE.EXE" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with | \explorer.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\explorer.exe" |
Image | ends_with | \rundll32.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\rundll32.exe" |
Potential CVE-2021-42287 Exploitation Attempt
#The attacker creates a computer object using those permissions with a password known to her. After that she clears the attribute ServicePrincipalName on the computer object. Because she created the object (CREATOR OWNER), she gets granted additional permissions and can do many changes to the object.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Credential Access |
Telemetry Coverage
Rule Body
title: Potential CVE-2021-42287 Exploitation Attempt
id: e80a0fee-1a62-4419-b31e-0d0db6e6013a
related:
- id: 44bbff3e-4ca3-452d-a49a-6efa4cafa06f
type: similar
status: test
description: |
The attacker creates a computer object using those permissions with a password known to her.
After that she clears the attribute ServicePrincipalName on the computer object.
Because she created the object (CREATOR OWNER), she gets granted additional permissions and can do many changes to the object.
references:
- https://cloudbrothers.info/en/exploit-kerberos-samaccountname-spoofing/
author: frack113
date: 2021-12-15
modified: 2023-04-14
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1558.003
- detection.emerging-threats
- cve.2021-42287
logsource:
product: windows
service: system
detection:
selection:
Provider_Name: Microsoft-Windows-Directory-Services-SAM # Active Directory
EventID:
- 16990 # Object class and UserAccountControl validation failure
- 16991 # SAM Account Name validation failure
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
Provider_Name: Microsoft-Windows-Directory-Services-SAM
EventID:
- 16990
- 16991
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Provider_Name | eq |
| field:"Provider_Name" kind:eq value:"Microsoft-Windows-Directory-Services-SAM" |
Potential Defense Evasion Via Raw Disk Access By Uncommon Tools
#Detects raw disk access using uncommon tools or tools that are located in suspicious locations (heavy filtering is required), which could indicate possible defense evasion attempts
Known False Positives
- Likely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 9: RawAccessRead |
Rule Body
title: Potential Defense Evasion Via Raw Disk Access By Uncommon Tools
id: db809f10-56ce-4420-8c86-d6a7d793c79c
status: test
description: Detects raw disk access using uncommon tools or tools that are located in suspicious locations (heavy filtering is required), which could indicate possible defense evasion attempts
references:
- https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, oscd.community
date: 2019-10-22
modified: 2025-12-03
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1006
logsource:
product: windows
category: raw_access_thread
detection:
filter_main_floppy:
Device|contains: floppy
filter_main_generic:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\'
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
- 'C:\Program Files\'
- 'C:\Windows\CCM\'
- 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
- 'C:\Windows\servicing\'
- 'C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\'
- 'C:\Windows\System32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SystemApps\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
- 'C:\Windows\uus\'
- 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
filter_main_system_images:
Image:
- 'Registry'
- 'System'
filter_main_windefender:
Image|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\'
Image|endswith:
- '\MsMpEng.exe'
- '\MpDefenderCoreService.exe'
filter_main_microsoft_appdata:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
Image|contains|all:
- '\AppData\'
- '\Microsoft\'
filter_main_ssd_nvme:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\Temp\'
Image|endswith:
- '\Executables\SSDUpdate.exe'
- '\HostMetadata\NVMEHostmetadata.exe'
filter_main_null:
Image: null
filter_main_systemsettings:
Image: 'C:\Windows\ImmersiveControlPanel\SystemSettings.exe'
filter_main_update:
Image|startswith: 'C:\$WinREAgent\Scratch\'
filter_optional_github_desktop:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\GitHubDesktop\app-'
Image|endswith: '\resources\app\git\mingw64\bin\git.exe'
filter_optional_nextron:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent\'
Image|endswith: '\thor.exe'
filter_optional_Keybase:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Keybase\upd.exe'
condition: not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Likely
level: low
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*Stage 1: not filter_main_*
filter_main_floppy:
Device|contains: floppy
filter_main_generic:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\'
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
- 'C:\Program Files\'
- 'C:\Windows\CCM\'
- 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
- 'C:\Windows\servicing\'
- 'C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\'
- 'C:\Windows\System32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SystemApps\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
- 'C:\Windows\uus\'
- 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
filter_main_system_images:
Image:
- 'Registry'
- 'System'
filter_main_windefender:
Image|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\'
Image|endswith:
- '\MsMpEng.exe'
- '\MpDefenderCoreService.exe'
filter_main_microsoft_appdata:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
Image|contains|all:
- '\AppData\'
- '\Microsoft\'
filter_main_ssd_nvme:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\Temp\'
Image|endswith:
- '\Executables\SSDUpdate.exe'
- '\HostMetadata\NVMEHostmetadata.exe'
filter_main_null:
Image: null
filter_main_systemsettings:
Image: 'C:\Windows\ImmersiveControlPanel\SystemSettings.exe'
filter_main_update:
Image|startswith: 'C:\$WinREAgent\Scratch\'
Stage 2: not filter_optional_*
filter_optional_github_desktop:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\GitHubDesktop\app-'
Image|endswith: '\resources\app\git\mingw64\bin\git.exe'
filter_optional_nextron:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\Temp\asgard2-agent\'
Image|endswith: '\thor.exe'
filter_optional_Keybase:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Keybase\upd.exe'
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
Potentially Suspicious Command Executed Via Run Dialog Box - Registry
#Detects execution of commands via the run dialog box on Windows by checking values of the "RunMRU" registry key. This technique was seen being abused by threat actors to deceive users into pasting and executing malicious commands, often disguised as CAPTCHA verification steps.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 13: RegistryEvent (Value Set) |
Rule Body
title: Potentially Suspicious Command Executed Via Run Dialog Box - Registry
id: a7df0e9e-91a5-459a-a003-4cde67c2ff5d
related:
- id: f9d091f6-f1c7-4873-a24f-050b4a02b4dd
type: derived
status: test
description: |
Detects execution of commands via the run dialog box on Windows by checking values of the "RunMRU" registry key.
This technique was seen being abused by threat actors to deceive users into pasting and executing malicious commands, often disguised as CAPTCHA verification steps.
references:
- https://medium.com/@ahmed.moh.farou2/fake-captcha-campaign-on-arabic-pirated-movie-sites-delivers-lumma-stealer-4f203f7adabf
- https://medium.com/@shaherzakaria8/downloading-trojan-lumma-infostealer-through-capatcha-1f25255a0e71
- https://www.forensafe.com/blogs/runmrukey.html
- https://redcanary.com/blog/threat-intelligence/intelligence-insights-october-2024/
author: Ahmed Farouk, Nasreddine Bencherchali
date: 2024-11-01
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059.001
logsource:
product: windows
category: registry_set
detection:
selection_key:
TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU'
selection_powershell_command:
Details|contains:
- 'powershell'
- 'pwsh'
selection_powershell_susp_keywords:
Details|contains:
- ' -e '
- ' -ec '
- ' -en '
- ' -enc '
- ' -enco'
- 'ftp'
- 'Hidden'
- 'http'
- 'iex'
- 'Invoke-'
selection_wmic_command:
Details|contains: 'wmic'
selection_wmic_susp_keywords:
Details|contains:
- 'shadowcopy'
- 'process call create'
condition: selection_key and (all of selection_powershell_* or all of selection_wmic_*)
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection_key and (all of selection_powershell_* or all of selection_wmic_*)Stage 1: selection_key
selection_key:
TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU'
Stage 2: selection_powershell_command
selection_powershell_command:
Details|contains:
- 'powershell'
- 'pwsh'
Stage 3: selection_powershell_susp_keywords
selection_powershell_susp_keywords:
Details|contains:
- ' -e '
- ' -ec '
- ' -en '
- ' -enc '
- ' -enco'
- 'ftp'
- 'Hidden'
- 'http'
- 'iex'
- 'Invoke-'
Stage 4: selection_wmic_command
selection_wmic_command:
Details|contains: 'wmic'
Stage 5: selection_wmic_susp_keywords
selection_wmic_susp_keywords:
Details|contains:
- 'shadowcopy'
- 'process call create'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Details | match |
| field:"Details" kind:match |
TargetObject | match |
| field:"TargetObject" kind:match value:"\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU" |
PUA - System Informer Execution
#Detects the execution of System Informer, a task manager tool to view and manipulate processes, kernel options and other low level operations
Known False Positives
- System Informer is regularly used legitimately by system administrators or developers. Apply additional filters accordingly
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Persistence | |
| Privilege Escalation | |
| Stealth | |
| Discovery |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: PUA - System Informer Execution
id: 5722dff1-4bdd-4949-86ab-fbaf707e767a
related:
- id: 811e0002-b13b-4a15-9d00-a613fce66e42
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects the execution of System Informer, a task manager tool to view and manipulate processes, kernel options and other low level operations
references:
- https://github.com/winsiderss/systeminformer
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-08
modified: 2024-11-23
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.discovery
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1082
- attack.t1564
- attack.t1543
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\SystemInformer.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'SystemInformer.exe'
- Description: 'System Informer'
- Product: 'System Informer'
- Hashes|contains:
# Note: add other hashes as needed
# 3.0.11077.6550
- 'MD5=19426363A37C03C3ED6FEDF57B6696EC'
- 'SHA1=8B12C6DA8FAC0D5E8AB999C31E5EA04AF32D53DC'
- 'SHA256=8EE9D84DE50803545937A63C686822388A3338497CDDB660D5D69CF68B68F287'
- 'IMPHASH=B68908ADAEB5D662F87F2528AF318F12'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- System Informer is regularly used legitimately by system administrators or developers. Apply additional filters accordingly
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\SystemInformer.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'SystemInformer.exe'
- Description: 'System Informer'
- Product: 'System Informer'
- Hashes|contains:
- 'MD5=19426363A37C03C3ED6FEDF57B6696EC'
- 'SHA1=8B12C6DA8FAC0D5E8AB999C31E5EA04AF32D53DC'
- 'SHA256=8EE9D84DE50803545937A63C686822388A3338497CDDB660D5D69CF68B68F287'
- 'IMPHASH=B68908ADAEB5D662F87F2528AF318F12'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Description | eq |
| field:"Description" kind:eq value:"System Informer" |
Hashes | match |
| field:"Hashes" kind:match |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\SystemInformer.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"SystemInformer.exe" |
Product | eq |
| field:"Product" kind:eq value:"System Informer" |
Registry Manipulation via WMI Stdregprov
#Detects the usage of wmic.exe to modify Windows registry via the WMI StdRegProv class write methods (CreateKey, DeleteKey, SetStringValue, etc.). This behaviour could be potentially suspicious because it uses an alternative method to modify registry keys instead of legitimate registry tools like reg.exe or regedit.exe. Attackers specifically choose this technique to evade detection and bypass security monitoring focused on traditional registry modification commands.
Known False Positives
- Legitimate administrative activity
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Persistence | |
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Registry Manipulation via WMI Stdregprov
id: c453ab7a-1f5c-4716-a3b4-dea8135fb43a
status: experimental
related:
- id: a0e417e2-2fa1-40da-b6d2-e094cd5e1191 # Registry Enumeration via WMI Stdregprov
type: similar
description: |
Detects the usage of wmic.exe to modify Windows registry via the WMI StdRegProv class write methods (CreateKey, DeleteKey, SetStringValue, etc.).
This behaviour could be potentially suspicious because it uses an alternative method to modify registry keys instead of legitimate registry tools like reg.exe or regedit.exe.
Attackers specifically choose this technique to evade detection and bypass security monitoring focused on traditional registry modification commands.
references:
- https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/businessinsights/shrinklocker-decryptor-from-friend-to-foe-and-back-again
- https://trustedsec.com/blog/command-line-underdog-wmic-in-action
- https://trustedsec.com/blog/wmi-for-script-kiddies
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/desktop/regprov/stdregprov
author: Daniel Koifman (KoifSec)
date: 2025-07-30
modified: 2026-06-19
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1047
- attack.persistence
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1112
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img: # Example command simulated: WMIC /NameSpace:\\root\default Class StdRegProv Call CreateKey sSubKeyName=""SOFTWARE\Policies\DeleteMe""
- Image|endswith: '\wmic.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'wmic.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'stdregprov'
- 'call'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'CreateKey'
- 'DeleteKey'
- 'DeleteValue'
- 'SetBinaryValue'
- 'SetDWORDValue'
- 'SetExpandedStringValue'
- 'SetMultiStringValue'
- 'SetQWORDValue'
- 'SetSecurityDescriptor'
- 'SetStringValue'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_wmic_stdregprov_reg_modification/info.yml
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\wmic.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'wmic.exe'
Stage 2: selection_cli
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'stdregprov'
- 'call'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'CreateKey'
- 'DeleteKey'
- 'DeleteValue'
- 'SetBinaryValue'
- 'SetDWORDValue'
- 'SetExpandedStringValue'
- 'SetMultiStringValue'
- 'SetQWORDValue'
- 'SetSecurityDescriptor'
- 'SetStringValue'
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" |
SNAKE Malware Service Persistence
#Detects the creation of a service named "WerFaultSvc" which seems to be used by the SNAKE malware as a persistence mechanism as described by CISA in their report
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Persistence | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Service-Control-Manager | Event ID 7045: A service was installed in the system. |
Rule Body
title: SNAKE Malware Service Persistence
id: b2e60816-96b2-45bd-ba91-b63578c03ef6
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a service named "WerFaultSvc" which seems to be used by the SNAKE malware as a persistence mechanism as described 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.persistence
- detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
product: windows
service: system
detection:
selection:
Provider_Name: 'Service Control Manager'
EventID: 7045
ServiceName|contains: 'WerFaultSvc' # Note: The report contains a "," in the name ("WerFaultSvc,"). Since we can't confirm if its a typo or not we don't use it
ImagePath|startswith: 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
ImagePath|endswith: '\WerFault.exe'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: critical
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
Provider_Name: 'Service Control Manager'
EventID: 7045
ServiceName|contains: 'WerFaultSvc'
ImagePath|startswith: 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
ImagePath|endswith: '\WerFault.exe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ImagePath | ends_with |
| field:"ImagePath" kind:ends_with value:"\WerFault.exe" |
ImagePath | starts_with |
| field:"ImagePath" kind:starts_with value:"C:\Windows\WinSxS\" |
Provider_Name | eq |
| field:"Provider_Name" kind:eq value:"Service Control Manager" |
ServiceName | match |
| field:"ServiceName" kind:match value:"WerFaultSvc" |
Suspicious Deno File Written from Remote Source
#Detects Deno writing a file from a direct HTTP(s) call and writing to the appdata folder or bringing it's own malicious DLL. This behavior may indicate an attempt to execute remotely hosted, potentially malicious files through deno.
Known False Positives
- Legitimate usage of deno to request a file or bring a DLL to a host
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Command & Control |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 11: FileCreate |
Rule Body
title: Suspicious Deno File Written from Remote Source
id: 6c0ce3b6-85e2-49d4-9c3f-6e008ce9796e
status: experimental
description: |
Detects Deno writing a file from a direct HTTP(s) call and writing to the appdata folder or bringing it's own malicious DLL.
This behavior may indicate an attempt to execute remotely hosted, potentially malicious files through deno.
references:
- https://taggart-tech.com/evildeno/
author: Josh Nickels, Michael Taggart
date: 2025-05-22
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1204
- attack.t1059.007
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1105
logsource:
category: file_event
product: windows
detection:
selection_path:
TargetFilename|contains:
- '\deno\gen\'
- '\deno\remote\https\'
TargetFilename|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\AppData\'
condition: selection_path
falsepositives:
- Legitimate usage of deno to request a file or bring a DLL to a host
level: low
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection_pathStage 1: selection_path
selection_path:
TargetFilename|contains:
- '\deno\gen\'
- '\deno\remote\https\'
TargetFilename|contains|all:
- ':\Users\'
- '\AppData\'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
TargetFilename | match |
| field:"TargetFilename" kind:match |
Suspicious Package Installed - Linux
#Detects installation of suspicious packages using system installation utilities
Known False Positives
- Legitimate administration activities
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Platform | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Linux | Event ID 1: Process Create |
Rule Body
title: Suspicious Package Installed - Linux
id: 700fb7e8-2981-401c-8430-be58e189e741
status: test
description: Detects installation of suspicious packages using system installation utilities
references:
- https://gist.githubusercontent.com/MichaelKoczwara/12faba9c061c12b5814b711166de8c2f/raw/e2068486692897b620c25fde1ea258c8218fe3d3/history.txt
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-01-03
modified: 2026-01-01
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1553.004
logsource:
product: linux
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_tool_apt:
Image|endswith:
- '/apt'
- '/apt-get'
CommandLine|contains: 'install'
selection_tool_yum:
Image|endswith: '/yum'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'localinstall'
- 'install'
selection_tool_rpm:
Image|endswith: '/rpm'
CommandLine|contains: '-i'
selection_tool_dpkg:
Image|endswith: '/dpkg'
CommandLine|contains:
- '--install'
- '-i'
selection_keyword:
CommandLine|contains:
# Add more suspicious packages
- 'nmap'
- ' nc'
- 'netcat'
- 'wireshark'
- 'tshark'
- 'openconnect'
- 'proxychains'
- 'socat'
condition: 1 of selection_tool_* and selection_keyword
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administration activities
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
1 of selection_tool_* and selection_keywordStage 1: selection_tool_apt
selection_tool_apt:
Image|endswith:
- '/apt'
- '/apt-get'
CommandLine|contains: 'install'
Stage 2: selection_tool_yum
selection_tool_yum:
Image|endswith: '/yum'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'localinstall'
- 'install'
Stage 3: selection_tool_rpm
selection_tool_rpm:
Image|endswith: '/rpm'
CommandLine|contains: '-i'
Stage 4: selection_tool_dpkg
selection_tool_dpkg:
Image|endswith: '/dpkg'
CommandLine|contains:
- '--install'
- '-i'
Stage 5: selection_keyword
selection_keyword:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'nmap'
- ' nc'
- 'netcat'
- 'wireshark'
- 'tshark'
- 'openconnect'
- 'proxychains'
- 'socat'
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 |
Syslog Clearing or Removal Via System Utilities
#Detects specific commands commonly used to remove or empty the syslog. Which is a technique often used by attacker as a method to hide their tracks
Known False Positives
- Log rotation.
- Maintenance.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Platform | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Linux | Event ID 1: Process Create |
Rule Body
title: Syslog Clearing or Removal Via System Utilities
id: 3fcc9b35-39e4-44c0-a2ad-9e82b6902b31
status: test
description: |
Detects specific commands commonly used to remove or empty the syslog. Which is a technique often used by attacker as a method to hide their tracks
references:
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1070.002/T1070.002.md
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/54d60fd58d7fa3475fa123985bfc1594df26da25c1f5fbc7dfdba15876dd8ac5/behavior
author: Max Altgelt (Nextron Systems), Roberto Rodriguez (Cyb3rWard0g), OTR (Open Threat Research), MSTIC
date: 2021-10-15
modified: 2025-10-15
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1685.006
logsource:
product: linux
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_file:
CommandLine|contains: '/var/log/syslog'
selection_command_rm:
# Examples:
# rm -f /var/log/syslog
Image|endswith: '/rm'
CommandLine|contains:
- ' -r '
- ' -f '
- ' -rf '
- '/var/log/syslog' # We use this to avoid re-writing a separate selection
selection_command_unlink:
# Examples:
# unlink /var/log/syslog
Image|endswith: '/unlink'
selection_command_mv:
# Examples:
# mv /var/log/syslog
Image|endswith: '/mv'
selection_command_truncate:
# Examples:
# truncate --size 0 /var/log/syslog
Image|endswith: '/truncate'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '0 '
- '/var/log/syslog' # We use this to avoid re-writing a separate selection
CommandLine|contains:
- '-s '
- '-c '
- '--size'
selection_command_ln:
# Examples:
# ln -sfn /dev/null /var/log/syslog
Image|endswith: '/ln'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '/dev/null '
- '/var/log/syslog' # We use this to avoid re-writing a separate selection
CommandLine|contains:
- '-sf '
- '-sfn '
- '-sfT '
selection_command_cp:
# Examples:
# cp /dev/null /var/log/syslog
Image|endswith: '/cp'
CommandLine|contains: '/dev/null'
selection_command_shred:
# Examples:
# shred -u /var/log/syslog
Image|endswith: '/shred'
CommandLine|contains: '-u '
selection_unique_other:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' > /var/log/syslog'
- ' >/var/log/syslog'
- ' >| /var/log/syslog' # redirection empties w spacing, noclobber
- ': > /var/log/syslog'
- ':> /var/log/syslog'
- ':>/var/log/syslog'
- '>|/var/log/syslog'
selection_unique_journalctl:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'journalctl --vacuum'
- 'journalctl --rotate' # archives current journal files and creates new empty ones
condition: (selection_file and 1 of selection_command_*) or 1 of selection_unique_*
falsepositives:
- Log rotation.
- Maintenance.
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
(selection_file and 1 of selection_command_*) or 1 of selection_unique_*Stage 1: selection_file
selection_file:
CommandLine|contains: '/var/log/syslog'
Stage 2: selection_command_rm
selection_command_rm:
Image|endswith: '/rm'
CommandLine|contains:
- ' -r '
- ' -f '
- ' -rf '
- '/var/log/syslog'
Stage 3: selection_command_unlink
selection_command_unlink:
Image|endswith: '/unlink'
Stage 4: selection_command_mv
selection_command_mv:
Image|endswith: '/mv'
Stage 5: selection_command_truncate
selection_command_truncate:
Image|endswith: '/truncate'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '0 '
- '/var/log/syslog'
CommandLine|contains:
- '-s '
- '-c '
- '--size'
Stage 6: selection_command_ln
selection_command_ln:
Image|endswith: '/ln'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '/dev/null '
- '/var/log/syslog'
CommandLine|contains:
- '-sf '
- '-sfn '
- '-sfT '
Stage 7: selection_command_cp
selection_command_cp:
Image|endswith: '/cp'
CommandLine|contains: '/dev/null'
Stage 8: selection_command_shred
selection_command_shred:
Image|endswith: '/shred'
CommandLine|contains: '-u '
Stage 9: selection_unique_other
selection_unique_other:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' > /var/log/syslog'
- ' >/var/log/syslog'
- ' >| /var/log/syslog'
- ': > /var/log/syslog'
- ':> /var/log/syslog'
- ':>/var/log/syslog'
- '>|/var/log/syslog'
Stage 10: selection_unique_journalctl
selection_unique_journalctl:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'journalctl --vacuum'
- 'journalctl --rotate'
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 |
Tamper With Sophos AV Registry Keys
#Detects tamper attempts to sophos av functionality via registry key modification
Known False Positives
- Some FP may occur when the feature is disabled by the AV itself, you should always investigate if the action was legitimate
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 13: RegistryEvent (Value Set) |
Rule Body
title: Tamper With Sophos AV Registry Keys
id: 9f4662ac-17ca-43aa-8f12-5d7b989d0101
status: test
description: Detects tamper attempts to sophos av functionality via registry key modification
references:
- https://redacted.com/blog/bianlian-ransomware-gang-gives-it-a-go/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-09-02
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1685
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|contains:
- '\Sophos Endpoint Defense\TamperProtection\Config\SAVEnabled'
- '\Sophos Endpoint Defense\TamperProtection\Config\SEDEnabled'
- '\Sophos\SAVService\TamperProtection\Enabled'
Details: DWORD (0x00000000)
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Some FP may occur when the feature is disabled by the AV itself, you should always investigate if the action was legitimate
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
TargetObject|contains:
- '\Sophos Endpoint Defense\TamperProtection\Config\SAVEnabled'
- '\Sophos Endpoint Defense\TamperProtection\Config\SEDEnabled'
- '\Sophos\SAVService\TamperProtection\Enabled'
Details: DWORD (0x00000000)
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Details | eq |
| field:"Details" kind:eq value:"DWORD (0x00000000)" |
TargetObject | match |
| field:"TargetObject" kind:match |
Telegram API Access
#Detects suspicious requests to Telegram API without the usual Telegram User-Agent
Known False Positives
- Legitimate use of Telegram bots in the company
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Command & Control |
Rule Body
title: Telegram API Access
id: b494b165-6634-483d-8c47-2026a6c52372
status: test
description: Detects suspicious requests to Telegram API without the usual Telegram User-Agent
references:
- https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2018/03/unit42-telerat-another-android-trojan-leveraging-telegrams-bot-api-to-target-iranian-users/
- https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2016/11/telecrypt-the-ransomware-abusing-telegram-api-defeated/
- https://www.welivesecurity.com/2016/12/13/rise-telebots-analyzing-disruptive-killdisk-attacks/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2018-06-05
modified: 2023-05-18
tags:
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1071.001
- attack.t1102.002
logsource:
category: proxy
detection:
selection:
cs-host: 'api.telegram.org' # Often used by Bots
filter:
c-useragent|contains:
# Used https://core.telegram.org/bots/samples for this list
- 'Telegram'
- 'Bot'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Legitimate use of Telegram bots in the company
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not filterStage 1: selection
selection:
cs-host: 'api.telegram.org'
Stage 2: not filter
filter:
c-useragent|contains:
- 'Telegram'
- 'Bot'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
cs-host | eq |
| field:"cs-host" kind:eq value:"api.telegram.org" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
c-useragent | match | Bot | excludes:c-useragent field:"c-useragent" value:"Bot" |
c-useragent | match | Telegram | excludes:c-useragent field:"c-useragent" value:"Telegram" |