Detection rules › Sigma
Sigma rules: 3a
Automated Collection Bookmarks Using Get-ChildItem PowerShell
#Adversaries may enumerate browser bookmarks to learn more about compromised hosts. Browser bookmarks may reveal personal information about users (ex: banking sites, interests, social media, etc.) as well as details about internal network resources such as servers, tools/dashboards, or other related infrastructure.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Discovery |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| PowerShell | Event ID 4104: Creating Scriptblock text (MessageNumber of MessageTotal). |
Rule Body
title: Automated Collection Bookmarks Using Get-ChildItem PowerShell
id: e0565f5d-d420-4e02-8a68-ac00d864f9cf
status: test
description: |
Adversaries may enumerate browser bookmarks to learn more about compromised hosts.
Browser bookmarks may reveal personal information about users (ex: banking sites, interests, social media, etc.) as well as details about
internal network resources such as servers, tools/dashboards, or other related infrastructure.
references:
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1217/T1217.md
author: frack113
date: 2021-12-13
modified: 2022-12-25
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1217
logsource:
product: windows
category: ps_script
definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
selection:
ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
- 'Get-ChildItem'
- ' -Recurse '
- ' -Path '
- ' -Filter Bookmarks'
- ' -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue'
- ' -Force'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: low
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
- 'Get-ChildItem'
- ' -Recurse '
- ' -Path '
- ' -Filter Bookmarks'
- ' -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue'
- ' -Force'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ScriptBlockText | match |
| field:"ScriptBlockText" kind:match |
Compressed File Extraction Via Tar.EXE
#Detects execution of "tar.exe" in order to extract compressed file. Adversaries may abuse various utilities in order to decompress data to avoid detection.
Known False Positives
- Likely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Collection |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Compressed File Extraction Via Tar.EXE
id: bf361876-6620-407a-812f-bfe11e51e924
status: test
description: |
Detects execution of "tar.exe" in order to extract compressed file.
Adversaries may abuse various utilities in order to decompress data to avoid detection.
references:
- https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chromeloader-malware/
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Tar/
- https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/cicada-apt10-japan-espionage
author: AdmU3
date: 2023-12-19
tags:
- attack.collection
- attack.exfiltration
- attack.t1560
- attack.t1560.001
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\tar.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'bsdtar'
selection_extract:
CommandLine|contains: '-x'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Likely
level: low
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\tar.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'bsdtar'
Stage 2: selection_extract
selection_extract:
CommandLine|contains: '-x'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match value:"-x" |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\tar.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"bsdtar" |
CVE-2022-31659 VMware Workspace ONE Access RCE
#Detects possible exploitation of VMware Workspace ONE Access Admin Remote Code Execution vulnerability as described in CVE-2022-31659
Known False Positives
- Vulnerability scanners
- Legitimate access to the URI
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Initial Access |
Rule Body
title: CVE-2022-31659 VMware Workspace ONE Access RCE
id: efdb2003-a922-48aa-8f37-8b80021a9706
status: test
description: Detects possible exploitation of VMware Workspace ONE Access Admin Remote Code Execution vulnerability as described in CVE-2022-31659
references:
- https://petrusviet.medium.com/dancing-on-the-architecture-of-vmware-workspace-one-access-eng-ad592ae1b6dd
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-12
modified: 2023-01-02
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.t1190
- cve.2022-31659
- detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
cs-method: 'POST'
cs-uri-query|contains: '/SAAS/jersey/manager/api/migrate/tenant' # Investigate the contents of the post body and look for any suspicious hosts that might be controlled by the attacker
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Vulnerability scanners
- Legitimate access to the URI
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
cs-method: 'POST'
cs-uri-query|contains: '/SAAS/jersey/manager/api/migrate/tenant'
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 value:"/SAAS/jersey/manager/api/migrate/tenant" |
Disk Image Creation Via Hdiutil - MacOS
#Detects the execution of the hdiutil utility in order to create a disk image.
Known False Positives
- Legitimate usage of hdiutil by administrators and users.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Exfiltration | No specific technique |
Telemetry Coverage
Rule Body
title: Disk Image Creation Via Hdiutil - MacOS
id: 1cf98dc2-fcb0-47c9-8aea-654c9284d1ae
status: test
description: Detects the execution of the hdiutil utility in order to create a disk image.
references:
- https://www.loobins.io/binaries/hdiutil/
- https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/from-the-front-linesunsigned-macos-orat-malware-gambles-for-the-win/
- https://ss64.com/mac/hdiutil.html
author: Omar Khaled (@beacon_exe)
date: 2024-08-10
tags:
- attack.exfiltration
logsource:
product: macos
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith: /hdiutil
CommandLine|contains: 'create'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate usage of hdiutil by administrators and users.
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
Image|endswith: /hdiutil
CommandLine|contains: 'create'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match value:"create" |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"/hdiutil" |
File Download Via Curl.EXE
#Detects file download using curl.exe
Known False Positives
- Scripts created by developers and admins
- Administrative activity
- The "\Git\usr\bin\sh.exe" process uses the "--output" flag to download a specific file in the temp directory with the pattern "gfw-httpget-xxxxxxxx.txt "
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Command & Control |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: File Download Via Curl.EXE
id: 9a517fca-4ba3-4629-9278-a68694697b81
related:
- id: bbeaed61-1990-4773-bf57-b81dbad7db2d # Basic curl execution
type: derived
- id: e218595b-bbe7-4ee5-8a96-f32a24ad3468 # Suspicious curl execution
type: derived
status: test
description: Detects file download using curl.exe
references:
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200128160046/https://twitter.com/reegun21/status/1222093798009790464
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-05
modified: 2023-02-21
tags:
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1105
- detection.threat-hunting
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\curl.exe'
- Product: 'The curl executable'
selection_remote:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' -O' # covers the alias for --remote-name and --output
- '--remote-name'
- '--output'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Scripts created by developers and admins
- Administrative activity
- The "\Git\usr\bin\sh.exe" process uses the "--output" flag to download a specific file in the temp directory with the pattern "gfw-httpget-xxxxxxxx.txt "
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\curl.exe'
- Product: 'The curl executable'
Stage 2: selection_remote
selection_remote:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' -O'
- '--remote-name'
- '--output'
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:"\curl.exe" |
Product | eq |
| field:"Product" kind:eq value:"The curl executable" |
File With Suspicious Extension Downloaded Via Bitsadmin
#Detects usage of bitsadmin downloading a file with a suspicious extension
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution | |
| Persistence | |
| Stealth | |
| Command & Control |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: File With Suspicious Extension Downloaded Via Bitsadmin
id: 5b80a791-ad9b-4b75-bcc1-ad4e1e89c200
status: test
description: Detects usage of bitsadmin downloading a file with a suspicious extension
references:
- https://blog.netspi.com/15-ways-to-download-a-file/#bitsadmin
- https://isc.sans.edu/diary/22264
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Bitsadmin/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-28
modified: 2023-05-30
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1197
- attack.s0190
- attack.t1036.003
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1105
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\bitsadmin.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'bitsadmin.exe'
selection_flags:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' /transfer '
- ' /create '
- ' /addfile '
selection_extension:
CommandLine|contains:
- '.7z'
- '.asax'
- '.ashx'
- '.asmx'
- '.asp'
- '.aspx'
- '.bat'
- '.cfm'
- '.cgi'
- '.chm'
- '.cmd'
- '.dll'
- '.gif'
- '.jpeg'
- '.jpg'
- '.jsp'
- '.jspx'
- '.log'
- '.png'
- '.ps1'
- '.psm1'
- '.rar'
- '.scf'
- '.sct'
- '.txt'
- '.vbe'
- '.vbs'
- '.war'
- '.wsf'
- '.wsh'
- '.xll'
- '.zip'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_bitsadmin_download_susp_extensions/info.yml
simulation:
- type: atomic-red-team
name: Windows - BITSAdmin BITS Download
technique: T1105
atomic_guid: a1921cd3-9a2d-47d5-a891-f1d0f2a7a31b
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\bitsadmin.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'bitsadmin.exe'
Stage 2: selection_flags
selection_flags:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' /transfer '
- ' /create '
- ' /addfile '
Stage 3: selection_extension
selection_extension:
CommandLine|contains:
- '.7z'
- '.asax'
- '.ashx'
- '.asmx'
- '.asp'
- '.aspx'
- '.bat'
- '.cfm'
- '.cgi'
- '.chm'
- '.cmd'
- '.dll'
- '.gif'
- '.jpeg'
- '.jpg'
- '.jsp'
- '.jspx'
- '.log'
- '.png'
- '.ps1'
- '.psm1'
- '.rar'
- '.scf'
- '.sct'
- '.txt'
- '.vbe'
- '.vbs'
- '.war'
- '.wsf'
- '.wsh'
- '.xll'
- '.zip'
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:"\bitsadmin.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"bitsadmin.exe" |
Hide Schedule Task Via Index Value Tamper
#Detects when the "index" value of a scheduled task is modified from the registry Which effectively hides it from any tooling such as "schtasks /query" (Read the referenced link for more information about the effects of this technique)
Known False Positives
- Unlikely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 13: RegistryEvent (Value Set) |
Rule Body
title: Hide Schedule Task Via Index Value Tamper
id: 5b16df71-8615-4f7f-ac9b-6c43c0509e61
related:
- id: acd74772-5f88-45c7-956b-6a7b36c294d2
type: similar
- id: 526cc8bc-1cdc-48ad-8b26-f19bff969cec
type: similar
status: test
description: |
Detects when the "index" value of a scheduled task is modified from the registry
Which effectively hides it from any tooling such as "schtasks /query" (Read the referenced link for more information about the effects of this technique)
references:
- https://blog.qualys.com/vulnerabilities-threat-research/2022/06/20/defending-against-scheduled-task-attacks-in-windows-environments
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-26
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1685
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|contains|all:
- '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\'
- 'Index'
Details: DWORD (0x00000000)
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
TargetObject|contains|all:
- '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\'
- 'Index'
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 |
HTTP Request to Low Reputation TLD or Suspicious File Extension
#Detects HTTP requests to low reputation TLDs (e.g. .xyz, .top, .ru) or ending in suspicious file extensions (.exe, .dll, .hta), which may indicate malicious activity.
Known False Positives
- Rare legitimate software downloads from low quality TLDs
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Initial Access | No specific technique |
| Command & Control | No specific technique |
Rule Body
title: HTTP Request to Low Reputation TLD or Suspicious File Extension
id: 68c2c604-92ad-468b-bf4a-aac49adad08c
status: experimental
description: |
Detects HTTP requests to low reputation TLDs (e.g. .xyz, .top, .ru) or ending in suspicious file extensions (.exe, .dll, .hta), which may indicate malicious activity.
references:
- https://www.howtogeek.com/137270/50-file-extensions-that-are-potentially-dangerous-on-windows
- https://www.spamhaus.org/reputation-statistics/cctlds/domains/
author: '@signalblur, Corelight'
date: 2025-02-26
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.command-and-control
logsource:
product: zeek
service: http
detection:
# Suspicious TLD in the 'host' field OR malicious file extension in the 'uri' field.
selection_suspicious_tld:
host|endswith:
- '.bid'
- '.by'
- '.cf'
- '.click'
- '.cm'
- '.ga'
- '.gq'
- '.ir'
- '.kp'
- '.loan'
- '.ml'
- '.mm'
- '.party'
- '.pw'
- '.ru'
- '.su'
- '.sy'
- '.tk'
- '.top'
- '.tv'
- '.ve'
- '.work'
- '.xyz'
selection_malicious_ext:
uri|endswith:
- '.bat'
- '.bin'
- '.cmd'
- '.cpl'
- '.dll'
- '.dylib'
- '.elf'
- '.exe'
- '.hta'
- '.iso'
- '.jar'
- '.js'
- '.lnk'
- '.msi'
- '.pif'
- '.ps1'
- '.py'
- '.reg'
- '.scr'
- '.sh'
- '.so'
- '.vbs'
- '.wsf'
selection_malicious_mime:
resp_mime_types:
- 'application/vnd.microsoft.portable-executable'
- 'application/x-bat'
- 'application/x-dosexec'
- 'application/x-elf'
- 'application/x-iso9660-image'
- 'application/x-java-archive'
- 'application/x-ms-shortcut'
- 'application/x-msdos-program'
- 'application/x-msdownload'
- 'application/x-python-code'
- 'application/x-sh'
condition: selection_suspicious_tld and 1 of selection_malicious_*
falsepositives:
- Rare legitimate software downloads from low quality TLDs
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection_suspicious_tld and 1 of selection_malicious_*Stage 1: selection_suspicious_tld
selection_suspicious_tld:
host|endswith:
- '.bid'
- '.by'
- '.cf'
- '.click'
- '.cm'
- '.ga'
- '.gq'
- '.ir'
- '.kp'
- '.loan'
- '.ml'
- '.mm'
- '.party'
- '.pw'
- '.ru'
- '.su'
- '.sy'
- '.tk'
- '.top'
- '.tv'
- '.ve'
- '.work'
- '.xyz'
Stage 2: selection_malicious_ext
selection_malicious_ext:
uri|endswith:
- '.bat'
- '.bin'
- '.cmd'
- '.cpl'
- '.dll'
- '.dylib'
- '.elf'
- '.exe'
- '.hta'
- '.iso'
- '.jar'
- '.js'
- '.lnk'
- '.msi'
- '.pif'
- '.ps1'
- '.py'
- '.reg'
- '.scr'
- '.sh'
- '.so'
- '.vbs'
- '.wsf'
Stage 3: selection_malicious_mime
selection_malicious_mime:
resp_mime_types:
- 'application/vnd.microsoft.portable-executable'
- 'application/x-bat'
- 'application/x-dosexec'
- 'application/x-elf'
- 'application/x-iso9660-image'
- 'application/x-java-archive'
- 'application/x-ms-shortcut'
- 'application/x-msdos-program'
- 'application/x-msdownload'
- 'application/x-python-code'
- 'application/x-sh'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
host | ends_with |
| field:"host" kind:ends_with |
resp_mime_types | eq |
| field:"resp_mime_types" kind:eq |
uri | ends_with |
| field:"uri" kind:ends_with |
LSASS Process Reconnaissance Via Findstr.EXE
#Detects findstring commands that include the keyword lsass, which indicates recon actviity for the LSASS process PID
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Credential Access |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: LSASS Process Reconnaissance Via Findstr.EXE
id: fe63010f-8823-4864-a96b-a7b4a0f7b929
status: test
description: Detects findstring commands that include the keyword lsass, which indicates recon actviity for the LSASS process PID
references:
- https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2022/08/recent-cyber-attack.html?m=1
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-12
modified: 2024-06-04
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1552.006
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_findstr_img:
- Image|endswith:
- '\find.exe'
- '\findstr.exe'
- OriginalFileName:
- 'FIND.EXE'
- 'FINDSTR.EXE'
selection_findstr_cli:
CommandLine|contains: 'lsass'
selection_special:
CommandLine|contains|windash:
- ' /i "lsass'
- ' /i lsass.exe'
- 'findstr "lsass'
- 'findstr lsass'
- 'findstr.exe "lsass'
- 'findstr.exe lsass'
condition: all of selection_findstr_* or selection_special
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_findstr_lsass/info.yml
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_findstr_* or selection_specialStage 1: selection_findstr_img
selection_findstr_img:
- Image|endswith:
- '\find.exe'
- '\findstr.exe'
- OriginalFileName:
- 'FIND.EXE'
- 'FINDSTR.EXE'
Stage 2: selection_findstr_cli
selection_findstr_cli:
CommandLine|contains: 'lsass'
Stage 3: selection_special
selection_special:
CommandLine|contains|windash:
- ' /i "lsass'
- ' /i lsass.exe'
- 'findstr "lsass'
- 'findstr lsass'
- 'findstr.exe "lsass'
- 'findstr.exe lsass'
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 |
MSSQL Server Failed Logon
#Detects failed logon attempts from clients to MSSQL server.
Known False Positives
- This event could stem from users changing an account's password that's used to authenticate via a job or an automated process. Investigate the source of such events and mitigate them
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Credential Access |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| MSSQLSERVER | Event ID 18456 |
Rule Body
title: MSSQL Server Failed Logon
id: 218d2855-2bba-4f61-9c85-81d0ea63ac71
related:
- id: ebfe73c2-5bc9-4ed9-aaa8-8b54b2b4777d
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects failed logon attempts from clients to MSSQL server.
references:
- https://cybersecthreat.com/2020/07/08/enable-mssql-authentication-log-to-eventlog/
- https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/27800944/EventID-18456-Failed-to-open-the-explicitly-specified-database.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), j4son
date: 2023-10-11
modified: 2024-06-26
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1110
logsource:
product: windows
service: application
definition: 'Requirements: Must enable MSSQL authentication.'
detection:
selection:
Provider_Name|contains: 'MSSQL' # Note: We use contains to account for other third party providers - See https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/4876
EventID: 18456
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- This event could stem from users changing an account's password that's used to authenticate via a job or an automated process. Investigate the source of such events and mitigate them
level: low
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
Provider_Name|contains: 'MSSQL'
EventID: 18456
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Provider_Name | match |
| field:"Provider_Name" kind:match value:"MSSQL" |
Mustang Panda Dropper
#Detects specific process parameters as used by Mustang Panda droppers
Known False Positives
- Unlikely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Resource Development |
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: Mustang Panda Dropper
id: 2d87d610-d760-45ee-a7e6-7a6f2a65de00
status: test
description: Detects specific process parameters as used by Mustang Panda droppers
references:
- https://app.any.run/tasks/7ca5661d-a67b-43ec-98c1-dd7a8103c256/
- https://app.any.run/tasks/b12cccf3-1c22-4e28-9d3e-c7a6062f3914/
- https://www.anomali.com/blog/china-based-apt-mustang-panda-targets-minority-groups-public-and-private-sector-organizations
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), oscd.community
date: 2019-10-30
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
- attack.t1587.001
- attack.resource-development
- detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_cli:
- CommandLine|contains:
- 'Temp\wtask.exe /create'
- '%windir:~-3,1%%PUBLIC:~-9,1%'
- '/tn "Security Script '
- '%windir:~-1,1%'
- CommandLine|contains|all:
- '/E:vbscript'
- 'C:\Users\'
- '.txt'
- '/F'
selection_img:
Image|endswith: 'Temp\winwsh.exe'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
1 of selection_*Stage 1: selection_cli
selection_cli:
- CommandLine|contains:
- 'Temp\wtask.exe /create'
- '%windir:~-3,1%%PUBLIC:~-9,1%'
- '/tn "Security Script '
- '%windir:~-1,1%'
- CommandLine|contains|all:
- '/E:vbscript'
- 'C:\Users\'
- '.txt'
- '/F'
Stage 2: selection_img
selection_img:
Image|endswith: 'Temp\winwsh.exe'
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:"Temp\winwsh.exe" |
Notepad Password Files Discovery
#Detects the execution of Notepad to open a file that has the string "password" which may indicate unauthorized access to credentials or suspicious activity.
Known False Positives
- Legitimate use of opening files from remote hosts by administrators or users. However, storing passwords in text readable format could potentially be a violation of the organization's policy. Any match should be investigated further.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Discovery |
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: Notepad Password Files Discovery
id: 3b4e950b-a3ea-44d3-877e-432071990709
status: experimental
description: Detects the execution of Notepad to open a file that has the string "password" which may indicate unauthorized access to credentials or suspicious activity.
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2025/02/24/confluence-exploit-leads-to-lockbit-ransomware/
- https://intel.thedfirreport.com/eventReports/view/57 # Private Report
author: 'The DFIR Report'
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1083
date: 2025-02-21
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
Image|endswith: '\notepad.exe'
CommandLine|endswith:
# Note: Commandline to contain a file with the string password and a specific extension
- 'password*.txt'
- 'password*.csv'
- 'password*.doc'
- 'password*.xls'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate use of opening files from remote hosts by administrators or users. However, storing passwords in text readable format could potentially be a violation of the organization's policy. Any match should be investigated further.
level: low
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
Image|endswith: '\notepad.exe'
CommandLine|endswith:
- 'password*.txt'
- 'password*.csv'
- 'password*.doc'
- 'password*.xls'
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:"\notepad.exe" |
ParentImage | ends_with |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:ends_with value:"\explorer.exe" |
Potential CVE-2023-25717 Exploitation Attempt
#Detects a potential exploitation attempt of CVE-2023-25717 a Remote Code Execution via an unauthenticated HTTP GET Request, in Ruckus Wireless Admin
Known False Positives
- Vulnerability scanners
- Some rare false positives may occur if the password contains the characters "$(". Apply addition indicators such as executed commands to remove FP
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Initial Access |
Rule Body
title: Potential CVE-2023-25717 Exploitation Attempt
id: 043c1609-0e32-4462-a6f2-5a0c2da3fafe
status: test
description: Detects a potential exploitation attempt of CVE-2023-25717 a Remote Code Execution via an unauthenticated HTTP GET Request, in Ruckus Wireless Admin
references:
- https://cybir.com/2023/cve/proof-of-concept-ruckus-wireless-admin-10-4-unauthenticated-remote-code-execution-csrf-ssrf/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-30
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.t1190
- cve.2023-25717
- detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
cs-method: 'GET'
cs-uri-query|contains|all:
- '/forms/doLogin'
- 'login_username'
- 'password'
cs-uri-query|contains:
- '$('
- '%24%28' # URL Encode version of "$("
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Vulnerability scanners
- Some rare false positives may occur if the password contains the characters "$(". Apply addition indicators such as executed commands to remove FP
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
cs-method: 'GET'
cs-uri-query|contains|all:
- '/forms/doLogin'
- 'login_username'
- 'password'
cs-uri-query|contains:
- '$('
- '%24%28'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
cs-method | eq |
| field:"cs-method" kind:eq value:"GET" |
cs-uri-query | match |
| field:"cs-uri-query" kind:match |
Proxy Execution Via Wuauclt.EXE
#Detects the use of the Windows Update Client binary (wuauclt.exe) for proxy execution.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Proxy Execution Via Wuauclt.EXE
id: af77cf95-c469-471c-b6a0-946c685c4798
related:
- id: ba1bb0cb-73da-42de-ad3a-de10c643a5d0
type: obsolete
- id: d7825193-b70a-48a4-b992-8b5b3015cc11
type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects the use of the Windows Update Client binary (wuauclt.exe) for proxy execution.
references:
- https://dtm.uk/wuauclt/
- https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-intelligence/2022/01/north-koreas-lazarus-apt-leverages-windows-update-client-github-in-latest-campaign/
author: Roberto Rodriguez (Cyb3rWard0g), OTR (Open Threat Research), Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Sreeman, FPT.EagleEye Team
date: 2020-10-12
modified: 2023-11-11
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1218
- attack.execution
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\wuauclt.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'wuauclt.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'UpdateDeploymentProvider'
- 'RunHandlerComServer'
filter_main_generic:
# Note: Please enhance this if you find the full path
CommandLine|contains: ' /UpdateDeploymentProvider UpdateDeploymentProvider.dll '
filter_main_wuaueng:
# Note: Please enhance this if you find the full path
CommandLine|contains: ' wuaueng.dll '
filter_main_uus:
CommandLine|contains:
- ':\Windows\UUS\Packages\Preview\amd64\updatedeploy.dll /ClassId'
- ':\Windows\UUS\amd64\UpdateDeploy.dll /ClassId'
filter_main_winsxs:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ':\Windows\WinSxS\'
- '\UpdateDeploy.dll /ClassId '
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
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: '\wuauclt.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'wuauclt.exe'
Stage 2: selection_cli
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'UpdateDeploymentProvider'
- 'RunHandlerComServer'
Stage 3: not filter_main_*
filter_main_generic:
CommandLine|contains: ' /UpdateDeploymentProvider UpdateDeploymentProvider.dll '
filter_main_wuaueng:
CommandLine|contains: ' wuaueng.dll '
filter_main_uus:
CommandLine|contains:
- ':\Windows\UUS\Packages\Preview\amd64\updatedeploy.dll /ClassId'
- ':\Windows\UUS\amd64\UpdateDeploy.dll /ClassId'
filter_main_winsxs:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ':\Windows\WinSxS\'
- '\UpdateDeploy.dll /ClassId '
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:"\wuauclt.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"wuauclt.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match | :\Windows\WinSxS\ | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:":\Windows\WinSxS\" |
CommandLine | match | \UpdateDeploy.dll /ClassId | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:"\UpdateDeploy.dll /ClassId " |
CommandLine | match | /UpdateDeploymentProvider UpdateDeploymentProvider.dll | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:" /UpdateDeploymentProvider UpdateDeploymentProvider.dll " |
CommandLine | match | wuaueng.dll | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:" wuaueng.dll " |
CommandLine | match | :\Windows\UUS\Packages\Preview\amd64\updatedeploy.dll /ClassId | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:":\Windows\UUS\Packages\Preview\amd64\updatedeploy.dll /ClassId" |
CommandLine | match | :\Windows\UUS\amd64\UpdateDeploy.dll /ClassId | excludes:CommandLine field:"CommandLine" value:":\Windows\UUS\amd64\UpdateDeploy.dll /ClassId" |
PUA - SoftPerfect Netscan Execution
#Detects usage of SoftPerfect's "netscan.exe". An application for scanning networks. It is actively used in-the-wild by threat actors to inspect and understand the network architecture of a victim.
Known False Positives
- Legitimate administrator activity
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Discovery |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: PUA - SoftPerfect Netscan Execution
id: ca387a8e-1c84-4da3-9993-028b45342d30
status: test
description: |
Detects usage of SoftPerfect's "netscan.exe". An application for scanning networks.
It is actively used in-the-wild by threat actors to inspect and understand the network architecture of a victim.
references:
- https://www.protect.airbus.com/blog/uncovering-cyber-intruders-netscan/
- https://secjoes-reports.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Sockbot%2Bin%2BGoLand.pdf
- https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/black-basta-ransomware-attacks-deploy-custom-edr-evasion-tools-tied-to-fin7-threat-actor/
- https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/yanluowang-ransomware-attacks-continue
- https://research.nccgroup.com/2022/07/13/climbing-mount-everest-black-byte-bytes-back/
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-exchange-servers-hacked-to-deploy-hive-ransomware/
- https://www.softperfect.com/products/networkscanner/
author: '@d4ns4n_ (Wuerth-Phoenix)'
date: 2024-04-25
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1046
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\netscan.exe'
- Product: 'Network Scanner'
- Description: 'Application for scanning networks'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrator activity
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\netscan.exe'
- Product: 'Network Scanner'
- Description: 'Application for scanning networks'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Description | eq |
| field:"Description" kind:eq value:"Application for scanning networks" |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\netscan.exe" |
Product | eq |
| field:"Product" kind:eq value:"Network Scanner" |
Run Once Task Configuration in Registry
#Rule to detect the configuration of Run Once registry key. Configured payload can be run by runonce.exe /AlternateShellStartup
Known False Positives
- Legitimate modification of the registry key by legitimate program
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Persistence | |
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
Rule Body
title: Run Once Task Configuration in Registry
id: c74d7efc-8826-45d9-b8bb-f04fac9e4eff
status: test
description: Rule to detect the configuration of Run Once registry key. Configured payload can be run by runonce.exe /AlternateShellStartup
references:
- https://twitter.com/pabraeken/status/990717080805789697
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Runonce/
author: 'Avneet Singh @v3t0_, oscd.community'
date: 2020-11-15
modified: 2024-03-25
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1112
logsource:
product: windows
category: registry_event
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components'
TargetObject|endswith: '\StubPath'
filter_optional_chrome:
Details|contains|all:
- 'C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\'
- '\Installer\chrmstp.exe" --configure-user-settings --verbose-logging --system-level' # In some cases the Details will contain an additional flag called "--channel=stable" at the end
filter_optional_edge:
Details|contains:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\'
- 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\'
Details|endswith: '\Installer\setup.exe" --configure-user-settings --verbose-logging --system-level --msedge --channel=stable'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Legitimate modification of the registry key by legitimate program
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*Stage 1: selection
selection:
TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components'
TargetObject|endswith: '\StubPath'
Stage 2: not filter_optional_*
filter_optional_chrome:
Details|contains|all:
- 'C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\'
- '\Installer\chrmstp.exe" --configure-user-settings --verbose-logging --system-level'
filter_optional_edge:
Details|contains:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\'
- 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\'
Details|endswith: '\Installer\setup.exe" --configure-user-settings --verbose-logging --system-level --msedge --channel=stable'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
TargetObject | ends_with |
| field:"TargetObject" kind:ends_with value:"\StubPath" |
TargetObject | match |
| field:"TargetObject" kind:match value:"\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Details | match | C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\ | excludes:Details field:"Details" value:"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\" |
Details | match | C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\ | excludes:Details field:"Details" value:"C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\" |
Details | ends_with | \Installer\setup.exe" --configure-user-settings --verbose-logging --system-level --msedge --channel=stable | excludes:Details |
Details | match | C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\ | excludes:Details field:"Details" value:"C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\" |
Details | match | \Installer\chrmstp.exe" --configure-user-settings --verbose-logging --system-level | excludes:Details |
Service StartupType Change Via Sc.EXE
#Detect the use of "sc.exe" to change the startup type of a service to "disabled" or "demand"
Known False Positives
- False positives may occur with troubleshooting scripts
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Service StartupType Change Via Sc.EXE
id: 85c312b7-f44d-4a51-a024-d671c40b49fc
status: test
description: Detect the use of "sc.exe" to change the startup type of a service to "disabled" or "demand"
references:
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/38283b775552da8981452941ea74191aa0d203edd3f61fb2dee7b0aea3514955
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-01
modified: 2023-03-04
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1685
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\sc.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'sc.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' config '
- 'start'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'disabled'
- 'demand'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- False positives may occur with troubleshooting scripts
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\sc.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'sc.exe'
Stage 2: selection_cli
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' config '
- 'start'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'disabled'
- 'demand'
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:"\sc.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"sc.exe" |
Stop Windows Service Via Sc.EXE
#Detects the stopping of a Windows service via the "sc.exe" utility
Known False Positives
- There are many legitimate reasons to stop a service. This rule isn't looking for any suspicious behavior in particular. Filter legitimate activity accordingly
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Impact |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Stop Windows Service Via Sc.EXE
id: 81bcb81b-5b1f-474b-b373-52c871aaa7b1
related:
- id: eb87818d-db5d-49cc-a987-d5da331fbd90
type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects the stopping of a Windows service via the "sc.exe" utility
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/cc742107(v=ws.11)
author: Jakob Weinzettl, oscd.community, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-03-05
modified: 2024-01-18
tags:
- attack.impact
- attack.t1489
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- OriginalFileName: 'sc.exe'
- Image|endswith: '\sc.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains: ' stop '
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- There are many legitimate reasons to stop a service. This rule isn't looking for any suspicious behavior in particular. Filter legitimate activity accordingly
level: low
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_sc_stop_service/info.yml
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_*Stage 1: selection_img
selection_img:
- OriginalFileName: 'sc.exe'
- Image|endswith: '\sc.exe'
Stage 2: selection_cli
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains: ' stop '
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match value:" stop " |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\sc.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"sc.exe" |
Suspicious Binary In User Directory Spawned From Office Application
#Detects an executable in the users directory started from one of the Microsoft Office suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Visio)
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: Suspicious Binary In User Directory Spawned From Office Application
id: aa3a6f94-890e-4e22-b634-ffdfd54792cc
status: test
description: Detects an executable in the users directory started from one of the Microsoft Office suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Visio)
references:
- https://blog.morphisec.com/fin7-not-finished-morphisec-spots-new-campaign
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/23160972c6ae07f740800fa28e421a81d7c0ca5d5cab95bc082b4a986fbac57
author: Jason Lynch
date: 2019-04-02
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1204.002
- attack.g0046
- car.2013-05-002
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\WINWORD.EXE'
- '\EXCEL.EXE'
- '\POWERPNT.exe'
- '\MSPUB.exe'
- '\VISIO.exe'
- '\MSACCESS.exe'
- '\EQNEDT32.exe'
# - '\OUTLOOK.EXE' too many FPs
Image|startswith: 'C:\users\'
Image|endswith: '.exe'
filter:
Image|endswith: '\Teams.exe'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not filterStage 1: selection
selection:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\WINWORD.EXE'
- '\EXCEL.EXE'
- '\POWERPNT.exe'
- '\MSPUB.exe'
- '\VISIO.exe'
- '\MSACCESS.exe'
- '\EQNEDT32.exe'
Image|startswith: 'C:\users\'
Image|endswith: '.exe'
Stage 2: not filter
filter:
Image|endswith: '\Teams.exe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:".exe" |
Image | starts_with |
| field:"Image" kind:starts_with value:"C:\users\" |
ParentImage | ends_with |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:ends_with |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | ends_with | \Teams.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\Teams.exe" |
Suspicious Child Process of Notepad++ Updater - GUP.Exe
#Detects suspicious child process creation by the Notepad++ updater process (gup.exe). This could indicate potential exploitation of the updater component to deliver unwanted malware.
Known False Positives
- Unlikely
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Initial Access | |
| Credential Access | |
| Collection |
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 Child Process of Notepad++ Updater - GUP.Exe
id: bb0e87ce-c89f-4857-84fa-095e4483e9cb
status: experimental
description: |
Detects suspicious child process creation by the Notepad++ updater process (gup.exe).
This could indicate potential exploitation of the updater component to deliver unwanted malware.
references:
- https://notepad-plus-plus.org/news/v889-released/
- https://www.heise.de/en/news/Notepad-updater-installed-malware-11109726.html
- https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/tr-chrysalis-backdoor-dive-into-lotus-blossoms-toolkit/
- https://www.validin.com/blog/exploring_notepad_plus_plus_network_indicators/
- https://securelist.com/notepad-supply-chain-attack/118708/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-02-03
tags:
- attack.collection
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1195.002
- attack.initial-access
- attack.t1557
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_parent:
ParentImage|endswith: '\gup.exe'
selection_child_img:
Image|endswith:
- '\cmd.exe'
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
selection_child_cli:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'bitsadmin'
- 'certutil'
- 'curl'
- 'finger'
- 'forfiles'
- 'regsvr32'
- 'rundll32'
- 'wget'
condition: selection_parent and 1 of selection_child_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection_parent and 1 of selection_child_*Stage 1: selection_parent
selection_parent:
ParentImage|endswith: '\gup.exe'
Stage 2: selection_child_img
selection_child_img:
Image|endswith:
- '\cmd.exe'
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
Stage 3: selection_child_cli
selection_child_cli:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'bitsadmin'
- 'certutil'
- 'curl'
- 'finger'
- 'forfiles'
- 'regsvr32'
- 'rundll32'
- 'wget'
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 |
ParentImage | ends_with |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:ends_with value:"\gup.exe" |
Suspicious CustomShellHost Execution
#Detects the execution of CustomShellHost.exe where the child isn't located in 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'. CustomShellHost is a known LOLBin that can be abused by attackers for defense evasion techniques.
Known False Positives
- False positives are unlikely, investigate matches carefully.
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: Suspicious CustomShellHost Execution
id: 84b14121-9d14-416e-800b-f3b829c5a14d
status: test
description: |
Detects the execution of CustomShellHost.exe where the child isn't located in 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'. CustomShellHost is a known LOLBin that can be abused by attackers for defense evasion techniques.
references:
- https://github.com/LOLBAS-Project/LOLBAS/pull/180
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/CustomShellHost/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-19
modified: 2025-10-29
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1216
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\CustomShellHost.exe'
filter_main_explorer:
Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- False positives are unlikely, investigate matches carefully.
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not 1 of filter_main_*Stage 1: selection
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\CustomShellHost.exe'
Stage 2: not filter_main_explorer
filter_main_explorer:
Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ParentImage | ends_with |
| field:"ParentImage" kind:ends_with value:"\CustomShellHost.exe" |
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" |
Suspicious File Characteristics Due to Missing Fields
#Detects Executables in the Downloads folder without FileVersion,Description,Product,Company likely created with py2exe
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Execution |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Suspicious File Characteristics Due to Missing Fields
id: 9637e8a5-7131-4f7f-bdc7-2b05d8670c43
status: test
description: Detects Executables in the Downloads folder without FileVersion,Description,Product,Company likely created with py2exe
references:
- https://securelist.com/muddywater/88059/
- https://www.virustotal.com/#/file/276a765a10f98cda1a38d3a31e7483585ca3722ecad19d784441293acf1b7beb/detection
author: Markus Neis, Sander Wiebing
date: 2018-11-22
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059.006
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection1:
Description: '\?'
FileVersion: '\?'
selection2:
Description: '\?'
Product: '\?'
selection3:
Description: '\?'
Company: '\?'
folder:
Image|contains: '\Downloads\'
condition: (selection1 or selection2 or selection3) and folder
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
(selection1 or selection2 or selection3) and folderStage 1: selection1
selection1:
Description: '\?'
FileVersion: '\?'
Stage 2: selection2
selection2:
Description: '\?'
Product: '\?'
Stage 3: selection3
selection3:
Description: '\?'
Company: '\?'
Stage 4: folder
folder:
Image|contains: '\Downloads\'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
Suspicious PROCEXP152.sys File Created In TMP
#Detects the creation of the PROCEXP152.sys file in the application-data local temporary folder. This driver is used by Sysinternals Process Explorer but also by KDU (https://github.com/hfiref0x/KDU) or Ghost-In-The-Logs (https://github.com/bats3c/Ghost-In-The-Logs), which uses KDU.
Known False Positives
- Other legimate tools using this driver and filename (like Sysinternals). Note - Clever attackers may easily bypass this detection by just renaming the driver filename. Therefore just Medium-level and don't rely on it.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 11: FileCreate |
Rule Body
title: Suspicious PROCEXP152.sys File Created In TMP
id: 3da70954-0f2c-4103-adff-b7440368f50e
status: test
description: |
Detects the creation of the PROCEXP152.sys file in the application-data local temporary folder.
This driver is used by Sysinternals Process Explorer but also by KDU (https://github.com/hfiref0x/KDU) or Ghost-In-The-Logs (https://github.com/bats3c/Ghost-In-The-Logs), which uses KDU.
references:
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230331181619/https://blog.dylan.codes/evading-sysmon-and-windows-event-logging/
author: xknow (@xknow_infosec), xorxes (@xor_xes)
date: 2019-04-08
modified: 2026-06-29
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1685
logsource:
product: windows
category: file_event
detection:
selection:
TargetFilename|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
TargetFilename|endswith: 'PROCEXP152.sys'
filter:
Image|contains:
- '\procexp64.exe'
- '\procexp64a.exe'
- '\procexp.exe'
- '\procmon64.exe'
- '\procmon64a.exe'
- '\procmon.exe'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Other legimate tools using this driver and filename (like Sysinternals). Note - Clever attackers may easily bypass this detection by just renaming the driver filename. Therefore just Medium-level and don't rely on it.
level: medium
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selection and not filterStage 1: selection
selection:
TargetFilename|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
TargetFilename|endswith: 'PROCEXP152.sys'
Stage 2: not filter
filter:
Image|contains:
- '\procexp64.exe'
- '\procexp64a.exe'
- '\procexp.exe'
- '\procmon64.exe'
- '\procmon64a.exe'
- '\procmon.exe'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
TargetFilename | ends_with |
| field:"TargetFilename" kind:ends_with value:"PROCEXP152.sys" |
TargetFilename | match |
| field:"TargetFilename" kind:match value:"\AppData\Local\Temp\" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
Image | match | \procexp.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\procexp.exe" |
Image | match | \procexp64.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\procexp64.exe" |
Image | match | \procexp64a.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\procexp64a.exe" |
Image | match | \procmon.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\procmon.exe" |
Image | match | \procmon64.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\procmon64.exe" |
Image | match | \procmon64a.exe | excludes:Image field:"Image" value:"\procmon64a.exe" |
Suspicious Registry Modification From ADS Via Regini.EXE
#Detects the import of an alternate data stream with regini.exe, regini.exe can be used to modify registry keys.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Persistence | |
| Defense Impairment |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: Suspicious Registry Modification From ADS Via Regini.EXE
id: 77946e79-97f1-45a2-84b4-f37b5c0d8682
related:
- id: 5f60740a-f57b-4e76-82a1-15b6ff2cb134
type: derived
status: test
description: Detects the import of an alternate data stream with regini.exe, regini.exe can be used to modify registry keys.
references:
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Regini/
- https://gist.github.com/api0cradle/cdd2d0d0ec9abb686f0e89306e277b8f
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/regini
author: Eli Salem, Sander Wiebing, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-12
modified: 2023-02-08
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1112
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\regini.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'REGINI.EXE'
selection_re:
CommandLine|re: ':[^ \\]'
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: '\regini.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'REGINI.EXE'
Stage 2: selection_re
selection_re:
CommandLine|re: ':[^ \\]'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | regex_match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:regex_match value:":[^ \]" |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\regini.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"REGINI.EXE" |
System Information Discovery Via Wmic.EXE
#Detects the use of the WMI command-line (WMIC) utility to identify and display various system information, including OS, CPU, GPU, disk drive names, memory capacity, display resolution, baseboard, BIOS, and GPU driver products/versions.
Known False Positives
- VMWare Tools serviceDiscovery scripts
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Discovery |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 1: Process creation |
Rule Body
title: System Information Discovery Via Wmic.EXE
id: d85ecdd7-b855-4e6e-af59-d9c78b5b861e
related:
- id: 9d5a1274-922a-49d0-87f3-8c653483b909
type: derived
status: test
description: |
Detects the use of the WMI command-line (WMIC) utility to identify and display various system information,
including OS, CPU, GPU, disk drive names, memory capacity, display resolution, baseboard, BIOS,
and GPU driver products/versions.
references:
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/a2ccd19c37d0278b4ffa8583add3cf52060a5418/atomics/T1082/T1082.md#atomic-test-25---system-information-discovery-with-wmic
- https://nwgat.ninja/getting-system-information-with-wmic-on-windows/
- https://blog.sekoia.io/aurora-a-rising-stealer-flying-under-the-radar
- https://blog.cyble.com/2023/01/18/aurora-a-stealer-using-shapeshifting-tactics/
- https://app.any.run/tasks/a6aa0057-82ec-451f-8f99-55650ca537da/
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/d6f6bc10ae0e634ed4301d584f61418cee18e5d58ad9af72f8aa552dc4aaeca3/behavior
author: Joseliyo Sanchez, @Joseliyo_Jstnk
date: 2023-12-19
modified: 2024-01-15
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1082
- detection.threat-hunting
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_wmic:
- Description: 'WMI Commandline Utility'
- OriginalFileName: 'wmic.exe'
- Image|endswith: '\WMIC.exe'
selection_get:
CommandLine|contains: 'get'
selection_classes:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'baseboard'
- 'bios'
- 'cpu'
- 'diskdrive'
- 'logicaldisk'
- 'memphysical'
- 'os'
- 'path'
- 'startup'
- 'win32_videocontroller'
selection_attributes:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'caption'
- 'command'
- 'driverversion'
- 'maxcapacity'
- 'name'
- 'osarchitecture'
- 'product'
- 'size'
- 'smbiosbiosversion'
- 'version'
- 'videomodedescription'
filter_optional_vmtools:
ParentCommandLine|contains: '\VMware\VMware Tools\serviceDiscovery\scripts\'
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- VMWare Tools serviceDiscovery scripts
# Note: Might be upgraded to a medium detection rules after some time
level: low
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*Stage 1: selection_wmic
selection_wmic:
- Description: 'WMI Commandline Utility'
- OriginalFileName: 'wmic.exe'
- Image|endswith: '\WMIC.exe'
Stage 2: selection_get
selection_get:
CommandLine|contains: 'get'
Stage 3: selection_classes
selection_classes:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'baseboard'
- 'bios'
- 'cpu'
- 'diskdrive'
- 'logicaldisk'
- 'memphysical'
- 'os'
- 'path'
- 'startup'
- 'win32_videocontroller'
Stage 4: selection_attributes
selection_attributes:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'caption'
- 'command'
- 'driverversion'
- 'maxcapacity'
- 'name'
- 'osarchitecture'
- 'product'
- 'size'
- 'smbiosbiosversion'
- 'version'
- 'videomodedescription'
Stage 5: not filter_optional_vmtools
filter_optional_vmtools:
ParentCommandLine|contains: '\VMware\VMware Tools\serviceDiscovery\scripts\'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
CommandLine | match |
| field:"CommandLine" kind:match |
Description | eq |
| field:"Description" kind:eq value:"WMI Commandline Utility" |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\WMIC.exe" |
OriginalFileName | eq |
| field:"OriginalFileName" kind:eq value:"wmic.exe" |
Exclusions
The rule actively suppresses these predicates.
| Field | Kind | Excluded values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ParentCommandLine | match | \VMware\VMware Tools\serviceDiscovery\scripts\ | excludes:ParentCommandLine field:"ParentCommandLine" value:"\VMware\VMware Tools\serviceDiscovery\scripts\" |
Time Travel Debugging Utility Usage - Image
#Detects usage of Time Travel Debugging Utility. Adversaries can execute malicious processes and dump processes, such as lsass.exe, via tttracer.exe.
Known False Positives
- Legitimate usage by software developers/testers
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Stealth | |
| Credential Access |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 7: Image loaded |
Rule Body
title: Time Travel Debugging Utility Usage - Image
id: e76c8240-d68f-4773-8880-5c6f63595aaf
status: test
description: Detects usage of Time Travel Debugging Utility. Adversaries can execute malicious processes and dump processes, such as lsass.exe, via tttracer.exe.
references:
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Tttracer/
- https://twitter.com/mattifestation/status/1196390321783025666
- https://twitter.com/oulusoyum/status/1191329746069655553
author: 'Ensar Şamil, @sblmsrsn, @oscd_initiative'
date: 2020-10-06
modified: 2022-12-02
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1218
- attack.t1003.001
logsource:
product: windows
category: image_load
detection:
selection:
ImageLoaded|endswith:
- '\ttdrecord.dll'
- '\ttdwriter.dll'
- '\ttdloader.dll'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate usage by software developers/testers
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
ImageLoaded|endswith:
- '\ttdrecord.dll'
- '\ttdwriter.dll'
- '\ttdloader.dll'
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
ImageLoaded | ends_with |
| field:"ImageLoaded" kind:ends_with |
Uncommon Network Connection Initiated By Certutil.EXE
#Detects a network connection initiated by the certutil.exe utility. Attackers can abuse the utility in order to download malware or additional payloads.
MITRE ATT&CK Coverage
| Tactic | Techniques |
|---|---|
| Command & Control |
Telemetry Coverage
| Provider | Record / event type |
|---|---|
| Sysmon | Event ID 3: Network connection |
Rule Body
title: Uncommon Network Connection Initiated By Certutil.EXE
id: 0dba975d-a193-4ed1-a067-424df57570d1
status: test
description: |
Detects a network connection initiated by the certutil.exe utility.
Attackers can abuse the utility in order to download malware or additional payloads.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/certutil
author: frack113, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-09-02
modified: 2024-05-31
tags:
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1105
logsource:
category: network_connection
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith: '\certutil.exe'
Initiated: 'true'
DestinationPort:
- 80
- 135
- 443
- 445
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
Stages and Predicates
Stage 0: condition
selectionStage 1: selection
selection:
Image|endswith: '\certutil.exe'
Initiated: 'true'
DestinationPort:
- 80
- 135
- 443
- 445
Indicators
These rows show field, operator, and value matches.
| Field | Kind | Values | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
DestinationPort | eq |
| field:"DestinationPort" kind:eq |
Image | ends_with |
| field:"Image" kind:ends_with value:"\certutil.exe" |
Initiated | eq |
| field:"Initiated" kind:eq value:"true" |