Sigma rules for Earth Lusca
506 rules · scoped to actor · back to Earth Lusca
Direct rules mention this entity in their title or description. Related rules cover the techniques this entity is known to use.
title: Renamed ZOHO Dctask64 Execution
id: 340a090b-c4e9-412e-bb36-b4b16fe96f9b
status: test
description: |
Detects a renamed "dctask64.exe" execution, a signed binary by ZOHO Corporation part of ManageEngine Endpoint Central.
This binary can be abused for DLL injection, arbitrary command and process execution.
references:
- https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222088214581825540
- https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222095963789111296
- https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222095371175911424
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-01-28
modified: 2025-01-22
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1055.001
- attack.t1202
- attack.t1218
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Hashes|contains:
- 'IMPHASH=6834B1B94E49701D77CCB3C0895E1AFD'
- 'IMPHASH=1BB6F93B129F398C7C4A76BB97450BBA'
- 'IMPHASH=FAA2AC19875FADE461C8D89DCF2710A3'
- 'IMPHASH=F1039CED4B91572AB7847D26032E6BBF'
filter_main_legit_name:
Image|endswith: '\dctask64.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Sdiagnhost Calling Suspicious Child Process
id: f3d39c45-de1a-4486-a687-ab126124f744
status: test
description: Detects sdiagnhost.exe calling a suspicious child process (e.g. used in exploits for Follina / CVE-2022-30190)
references:
- https://twitter.com/nao_sec/status/1530196847679401984
- https://doublepulsar.com/follina-a-microsoft-office-code-execution-vulnerability-1a47fce5629e
- https://app.any.run/tasks/713f05d2-fe78-4b9d-a744-f7c133e3fafb/
- https://app.any.run/tasks/f420d295-0457-4e9b-9b9e-6732be227583/
- https://app.any.run/tasks/c4117d9a-f463-461a-b90f-4cd258746798/
author: Nextron Systems, @Kostastsale
date: 2022-06-01
modified: 2024-08-23
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1218
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\sdiagnhost.exe'
Image|endswith:
# Add more suspicious LOLBins
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\cmd.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
- '\taskkill.exe'
- '\regsvr32.exe'
- '\rundll32.exe'
# - '\csc.exe' # https://app.any.run/tasks/f420d295-0457-4e9b-9b9e-6732be227583/
- '\calc.exe' # https://app.any.run/tasks/f420d295-0457-4e9b-9b9e-6732be227583/
filter_main_cmd_bits:
Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
CommandLine|contains: 'bits'
filter_main_powershell_noprofile:
Image|endswith: '\powershell.exe'
CommandLine|endswith:
- '-noprofile -'
- '-noprofile'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Process Parents
id: cbec226f-63d9-4eca-9f52-dfb6652f24df
status: test
description: Detects suspicious parent processes that should not have any children or should only have a single possible child program
references:
- https://twitter.com/x86matthew/status/1505476263464607744?s=12
- https://svch0st.medium.com/stats-from-hunting-cobalt-strike-beacons-c17e56255f9b
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-03-21
modified: 2022-09-08
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\minesweeper.exe'
- '\winver.exe'
- '\bitsadmin.exe'
selection_special:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\csrss.exe'
- '\certutil.exe'
# - '\schtasks.exe'
- '\eventvwr.exe'
- '\calc.exe'
- '\notepad.exe'
filter_special:
Image|endswith:
- '\WerFault.exe'
- '\wermgr.exe'
- '\conhost.exe' # csrss.exe, certutil.exe
- '\mmc.exe' # eventvwr.exe
- '\win32calc.exe' # calc.exe
- '\notepad.exe'
filter_null:
Image: null
condition: selection or ( selection_special and not 1 of filter_* )
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Renamed Plink Execution
id: 1c12727d-02bf-45ff-a9f3-d49806a3cf43
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed version of the Plink binary
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2022/06/06/will-the-real-msiexec-please-stand-up-exploit-leads-to-data-exfiltration/
- https://the.earth.li/~sgtatham/putty/0.58/htmldoc/Chapter7.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-06
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- OriginalFileName: 'Plink'
- CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' -l forward'
- ' -P '
- ' -R '
filter:
Image|endswith: '\plink.exe'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Scheduled Task Creation Masquerading as System Processes
id: 9f8573c9-22b4-40e3-89c1-72bc2b8d49ab
status: experimental
description: Detects the creation of scheduled tasks that involve system processes, which may indicate malicious actors masquerading as or abusing these processes to execute payloads or maintain persistence.
references:
- https://tria.ge/241015-l98snsyeje/behavioral2
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-02-05
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1053.005
- attack.t1036.004
- attack.t1036.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|windash: ' /create '
CommandLine|contains:
- ' audiodg'
- ' conhost'
- ' dwm.exe'
- ' explorer'
- ' lsass'
- ' lsm'
- ' mmc'
- ' msiexec'
- ' regsvr32'
- ' rundll32'
- ' services'
- ' spoolsv'
- ' svchost'
- ' taskeng'
- ' taskhost'
- ' wininit'
- ' winlogon'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Legitimate system administration tasks scheduling trusted system processes.
level: high
title: Suspicious Process Masquerading As SvcHost.EXE
id: be58d2e2-06c8-4f58-b666-b99f6dc3b6cd
related:
- id: 01d2e2a1-5f09-44f7-9fc1-24faa7479b6d
type: similar
- id: e4a6b256-3e47-40fc-89d2-7a477edd6915
type: similar
status: test
description: |
Detects a suspicious process that is masquerading as the legitimate "svchost.exe" by naming its binary "svchost.exe" and executing from an uncommon location.
Adversaries often disguise their malicious binaries by naming them after legitimate system processes like "svchost.exe" to evade detection.
references:
- https://tria.ge/240731-jh4crsycnb/behavioral2
- https://redcanary.com/blog/threat-detection/process-masquerading/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2024-08-07
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith: '\svchost.exe'
filter_main_img_location:
Image:
- 'C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\svchost.exe'
filter_main_ofn:
OriginalFileName: 'svchost.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_svchost_masqueraded_execution/info.yml
title: Uncommon Svchost Command Line Parameter
id: f17211f1-1f24-4d0c-829f-31e28dc93cdd
status: experimental
description: |
Detects instances of svchost.exe running with an unusual or uncommon command line parameter by excluding known legitimate or common patterns.
This could point at a file masquerading as svchost, a process injection, or hollowing of a legitimate svchost instance.
references:
- https://cardinalops.com/blog/the-art-of-anomaly-hunting-patterns-detection/
- https://www.security.com/threat-intelligence/blackbyte-exbyte-ransomware
- https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/apt41-initiates-global-intrusion-campaign-using-multiple-exploits/
- https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2018/03/08064518/Carbanak_APT_eng.pdf
author: Liran Ravich
date: 2025-11-14
modified: 2026-03-23
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.005
- attack.t1055
- attack.t1055.012
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
# Example of command to simulate: "C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe" calc.exe
Image|endswith: '\svchost.exe'
filter_main_flags:
CommandLine|re: '-k\s\w{1,64}(?:\s?(?:-p|-s))?'
filter_main_empty:
CommandLine: ''
filter_main_null:
CommandLine: null
filter_optional_defender:
ParentImage|endswith: '\MsMpEng.exe'
CommandLine|contains: 'svchost.exe'
filter_optional_mrt:
ParentImage|endswith: '\MRT.exe'
CommandLine: 'svchost.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Potential MsiExec Masquerading
id: e22a6eb2-f8a5-44b5-8b44-a2dbd47b1144
status: test
description: Detects the execution of msiexec.exe from an uncommon directory
references:
- https://twitter.com/200_okay_/status/1194765831911215104
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-11-14
modified: 2023-02-21
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\msiexec.exe'
- OriginalFileName: '\msiexec.exe'
filter:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\Windows\System32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
- 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Flash Player Update from Suspicious Location
id: 4922a5dd-6743-4fc2-8e81-144374280997
status: test
description: Detects a flashplayer update from an unofficial location
references:
- https://gist.github.com/roycewilliams/a723aaf8a6ac3ba4f817847610935cfb
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2017-10-25
modified: 2022-08-08
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1189
- attack.execution
- attack.t1204.002
- attack.t1036.005
logsource:
category: proxy
detection:
selection:
- c-uri|contains: '/flash_install.php'
- c-uri|endswith: '/install_flash_player.exe'
filter:
cs-host|endswith: '.adobe.com'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown flash download locations
level: high
title: OpenCanary - TFTP Request
id: b4e6b016-a2ac-4759-ad85-8000b300d61e
status: test
description: Detects instances where a TFTP service on an OpenCanary node has had a request.
references:
- https://opencanary.readthedocs.io/en/latest/starting/configuration.html#services-configuration
- https://github.com/thinkst/opencanary/blob/a0896adfcaf0328cfd5829fe10d2878c7445138e/opencanary/logger.py#L52
author: Security Onion Solutions
date: 2024-03-08
tags:
- attack.exfiltration
- attack.t1041
logsource:
category: application
product: opencanary
detection:
selection:
logtype: 10001
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Remote Schedule Task Lateral Movement via ATSvc
id: 0fcd1c79-4eeb-4746-aba9-1b458f7a79cb
status: test
description: Detects remote RPC calls to create or execute a scheduled task via ATSvc
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-tsch/d1058a28-7e02-4948-8b8d-4a347fa64931
- https://github.com/jsecurity101/MSRPC-to-ATTACK/blob/ddd4608fe8684fcf2fcf9b48c5f0b3c28097f8a3/documents/MS-TSCH.md
- https://github.com/zeronetworks/rpcfirewall
- https://zeronetworks.com/blog/stopping-lateral-movement-via-the-rpc-firewall/
author: Sagie Dulce, Dekel Paz
date: 2022-01-01
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.lateral-movement
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053
- attack.t1053.002
logsource:
product: rpc_firewall
category: application
definition: 'Requirements: install and apply the RPC Firewall to all processes with "audit:true action:block uuid:1ff70682-0a51-30e8-076d-740be8cee98b"'
detection:
selection:
EventLog: RPCFW
EventID: 3
InterfaceUuid: 1ff70682-0a51-30e8-076d-740be8cee98b
OpNum:
- 0
- 1
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Remote Schedule Task Lateral Movement via SASec
id: aff229ab-f8cd-447b-b215-084d11e79eb0
status: test
description: Detects remote RPC calls to create or execute a scheduled task via SASec
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-tsch/d1058a28-7e02-4948-8b8d-4a347fa64931
- https://github.com/jsecurity101/MSRPC-to-ATTACK/blob/ddd4608fe8684fcf2fcf9b48c5f0b3c28097f8a3/documents/MS-TSCH.md
- https://github.com/zeronetworks/rpcfirewall
- https://zeronetworks.com/blog/stopping-lateral-movement-via-the-rpc-firewall/
author: Sagie Dulce, Dekel Paz
date: 2022-01-01
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.lateral-movement
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053
- attack.t1053.002
logsource:
product: rpc_firewall
category: application
definition: 'Requirements: install and apply the RPC Firewall to all processes with "audit:true action:block uuid:378e52b0-c0a9-11cf-822d-00aa0051e40f"'
detection:
selection:
EventLog: RPCFW
EventID: 3
InterfaceUuid: 378e52b0-c0a9-11cf-822d-00aa0051e40f
OpNum:
- 0
- 1
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Remote Schedule Task Lateral Movement via ITaskSchedulerService
id: ace3ff54-e7fd-46bd-8ea0-74b49a0aca1d
status: test
description: Detects remote RPC calls to create or execute a scheduled task
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-tsch/d1058a28-7e02-4948-8b8d-4a347fa64931
- https://github.com/jsecurity101/MSRPC-to-ATTACK/blob/ddd4608fe8684fcf2fcf9b48c5f0b3c28097f8a3/documents/MS-TSCH.md
- https://github.com/zeronetworks/rpcfirewall
- https://zeronetworks.com/blog/stopping-lateral-movement-via-the-rpc-firewall/
author: Sagie Dulce, Dekel Paz
date: 2022-01-01
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.lateral-movement
- attack.t1053
- attack.t1053.002
logsource:
product: rpc_firewall
category: application
definition: 'Requirements: install and apply the RPC Firewall to all processes with "audit:true action:block uuid:86d35949-83c9-4044-b424-db363231fd0c"'
detection:
selection:
EventLog: RPCFW
EventID: 3
InterfaceUuid: 86d35949-83c9-4044-b424-db363231fd0c
OpNum:
- 1
- 3
- 4
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Write to System32 Tasks
id: 80e1f67a-4596-4351-98f5-a9c3efabac95
status: test
description: Detects the creation of tasks from processes executed from suspicious locations
references:
- Internal Research
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-11-16
modified: 2022-01-12
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.t1053
logsource:
product: windows
category: file_event
detection:
selection:
TargetFilename|contains: '\Windows\System32\Tasks'
Image|contains:
- '\AppData\'
- 'C:\PerfLogs'
- '\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - CrackMapExec Execution
id: 42a993dd-bb3e-48c8-b372-4d6684c4106c
status: test
description: This rule detect common flag combinations used by CrackMapExec in order to detect its use even if the binary has been replaced.
references:
- https://mpgn.gitbook.io/crackmapexec/smb-protocol/authentication/checking-credentials-local
- https://www.mandiant.com/resources/telegram-malware-iranian-espionage
- https://www.infosecmatter.com/crackmapexec-module-library/?cmem=mssql-mimikatz
- https://www.infosecmatter.com/crackmapexec-module-library/?cmem=smb-pe_inject
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-25
modified: 2023-03-08
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.credential-access
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1047
- attack.t1053
- attack.t1059.003
- attack.t1059.001
- attack.t1110
- attack.t1201
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_binary:
Image|endswith: '\crackmapexec.exe'
selection_special:
CommandLine|contains: ' -M pe_inject '
selection_execute:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' --local-auth'
- ' -u '
- ' -x '
selection_hash:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' --local-auth'
- ' -u '
- ' -p '
- " -H 'NTHASH'"
selection_module_mssql:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' mssql '
- ' -u '
- ' -p '
- ' -M '
- ' -d '
selection_module_smb1:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' smb '
- ' -u '
- ' -H '
- ' -M '
- ' -o '
selection_module_smb2:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' smb '
- ' -u '
- ' -p '
- ' --local-auth'
part_localauth_1:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' --local-auth'
- ' -u '
- ' -p '
part_localauth_2:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' 10.'
- ' 192.168.'
- '/24 '
condition: 1 of selection_* or all of part_localauth*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - SharPersist Execution
id: 26488ad0-f9fd-4536-876f-52fea846a2e4
status: test
description: Detects the execution of the hacktool SharPersist - used to deploy various different kinds of persistence mechanisms
references:
- https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/sharpersist-windows-persistence-toolkit
- https://github.com/mandiant/SharPersist
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-09-15
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\SharPersist.exe'
- Product: 'SharPersist'
selection_cli_1:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' -t schtask -c '
- ' -t startupfolder -c '
selection_cli_2:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' -t reg -c '
- ' -m add'
selection_cli_3:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' -t service -c '
- ' -m add'
selection_cli_4:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' -t schtask -c '
- ' -m add'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - CrackMapExec Execution Patterns
id: 058f4380-962d-40a5-afce-50207d36d7e2
status: stable
description: Detects various execution patterns of the CrackMapExec pentesting framework
references:
- https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec
author: Thomas Patzke
date: 2020-05-22
modified: 2023-11-06
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.t1047
- attack.t1053
- attack.t1059.003
- attack.t1059.001
- attack.s0106
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
CommandLine|contains:
# cme/protocols/smb/wmiexec.py (generalized execute_remote and execute_fileless)
- 'cmd.exe /Q /c * 1> \\\\*\\*\\* 2>&1'
# cme/protocols/smb/atexec.py:109 (fileless output via share)
- 'cmd.exe /C * > \\\\*\\*\\* 2>&1'
# cme/protocols/smb/atexec.py:111 (fileless output via share)
- 'cmd.exe /C * > *\\Temp\\* 2>&1'
# https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/blob/d8c50c8cbaf36c29329078662473f75e440978d2/cme/helpers/powershell.py#L136 (PowerShell execution with obfuscation)
- 'powershell.exe -exec bypass -noni -nop -w 1 -C "'
# https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/blob/d8c50c8cbaf36c29329078662473f75e440978d2/cme/helpers/powershell.py#L160 (PowerShell execution without obfuscation)
- 'powershell.exe -noni -nop -w 1 -enc '
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Scheduled TaskCache Change by Uncommon Program
id: 4720b7df-40c3-48fd-bbdf-fd4b3c464f0d
status: test
description: Monitor the creation of a new key under 'TaskCache' when a new scheduled task is registered by a process that is not svchost.exe, which is suspicious
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2021/03/29/sodinokibi-aka-revil-ransomware/
- https://labs.f-secure.com/blog/scheduled-task-tampering/
author: Syed Hasan (@syedhasan009)
date: 2021-06-18
modified: 2025-10-22
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|contains: 'SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\'
filter_main_empty:
Details: '(Empty)'
filter_main_null:
Details: null
filter_main_other:
TargetObject|contains:
- 'Microsoft\Windows\UpdateOrchestrator'
- 'Microsoft\Windows\SoftwareProtectionPlatform\SvcRestartTask\Index'
- 'Microsoft\Windows\Flighting\OneSettings\RefreshCache\Index'
filter_main_mousocoreworker:
Image|endswith: 'C:\Windows\System32\MoUsoCoreWorker.exe'
filter_main_services:
Image|endswith: 'C:\Windows\System32\services.exe'
filter_main_tiworker:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\'
Image|endswith: '\TiWorker.exe'
filter_main_svchost:
Image: 'C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe'
filter_main_ngen:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework' # \Framework\ and \Framework64\
Image|endswith: '\ngen.exe'
TargetObject|contains:
- '\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tasks\{B66B135D-DA06-4FC4-95F8-7458E1D10129}'
- '\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\Microsoft\Windows\.NET Framework\.NET Framework NGEN'
filter_main_office:
Image:
- 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Integration\Integrator.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Integration\Integrator.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun\OfficeC2RClient.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun\OfficeC2RClient.exe'
filter_main_msiexec:
Image: 'C:\Windows\System32\msiexec.exe'
filter_main_explorer:
Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\Microsoft\Windows\PLA\Server Manager Performance Monitor\'
filter_main_system:
Image: 'System'
filter_main_runtimebroker:
Image: 'C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe'
filter_optional_dropbox_updater:
Image:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Dropbox\Update\DropboxUpdate.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files\Dropbox\Update\DropboxUpdate.exe'
filter_optional_edge:
Image|endswith:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\MicrosoftEdgeUpdate.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\MicrosoftEdgeUpdate.exe'
filter_optional_onedrive:
Image|endswith:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Renamed Schtasks Execution
id: f91e51c9-f344-4b32-969b-0b6f6b8537d4
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the execution of renamed schtasks.exe binary, which is a legitimate Windows utility used for scheduling tasks.
One of the very common persistence techniques is schedule malicious tasks using schtasks.exe.
Since, it is heavily abused, it is also heavily monitored by security products. To evade detection, threat actors may rename the schtasks.exe binary to schedule their malicious tasks.
references:
- https://x.com/JangPr0/status/1932034543026065833
- https://ss64.com/nt/schtasks.html
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-11-27
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.003
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_cmd_operation:
CommandLine|contains|windash:
- ' /create '
- ' /delete '
- ' /query '
- ' /change '
- ' /run '
- ' /end '
selection_cmd_flags:
CommandLine|contains|windash:
- ' /tn '
- ' /tr '
- ' /sc '
- ' /st '
- ' /ru '
- ' /fo '
selection_pe:
OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
filter_main_cmd:
CommandLine|contains: 'schtasks'
filter_main_img:
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
condition: (all of selection_cmd_* and not filter_main_cmd) or (selection_pe and not filter_main_img)
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Schtasks Creation Or Modification With SYSTEM Privileges
id: 89ca78fd-b37c-4310-b3d3-81a023f83936
status: test
description: Detects the creation or update of a scheduled task to run with "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" privileges
references:
- https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/exploring-the-qbot-attack-pattern
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/schtasks
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-28
modified: 2025-02-15
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_root:
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- ' /change '
- ' /create '
selection_run:
CommandLine|contains: '/ru '
selection_user:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'NT AUT' # This covers the usual NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
- ' SYSTEM ' # SYSTEM is a valid value for schtasks hence it gets it's own value with space
filter_optional_teamviewer:
# FP from test set in SIGMA
# Cannot use ParentImage on all OSes for 4688 events
# ParentImage|contains|all:
# - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
# - 'TeamViewer_.exe'
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '/TN TVInstallRestore'
- '\TeamViewer_.exe'
filter_optional_office:
CommandLine|contains|all:
# https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/office-15-subscription-heartbeat-task-created-on/43ab5e53-a9fb-47c6-8c14-44889974b9ff
- 'Subscription Heartbeat'
- '\HeartbeatConfig.xml'
- '\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE'
filter_optional_avira:
CommandLine|contains:
- '/Create /F /RU System /SC WEEKLY /TN AviraSystemSpeedupVerify /TR '
- ':\Program Files (x86)\Avira\System Speedup\setup\avira_speedup_setup.exe'
- '/VERIFY /VERYSILENT /NOSTART /NODOTNET /NORESTART" /RL HIGHEST'
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Creation Involving Temp Folder
id: 39019a4e-317f-4ce3-ae63-309a8c6b53c5
status: test
description: Detects the creation of scheduled tasks that involves a temporary folder and runs only once
references:
- https://discuss.elastic.co/t/detection-and-response-for-hafnium-activity/266289/3
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-03-11
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' /create '
- ' /sc once '
- '\Temp\'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Administrative activity
- Software installation
level: high
title: Scheduled Task Executing Encoded Payload from Registry
id: c4eeeeae-89f4-43a7-8b48-8d1bdfa66c78
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a schtask that potentially executes a base64 encoded payload stored in the Windows Registry using PowerShell.
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2022/02/21/qbot-and-zerologon-lead-to-full-domain-compromise/
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems), @Kostastsale, TheDFIRReport, X__Junior (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-12
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
- attack.t1059.001
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_img:
# schtasks.exe /Create /F /TN "{97F2F70B-10D1-4447-A2F3-9B070C86E261}" /TR "cmd /c start /min \"\" powershell.exe -Command IEX([System.Text.Encoding]::ASCII.GetString([System.Convert]::FromBase64String((Get-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Pvoeooxf).yzbbvhhdypa))) " /SC MINUTE /MO 30
- Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
selection_cli_create:
CommandLine|contains: '/Create'
selection_cli_encoding:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'FromBase64String'
- 'encodedcommand'
selection_cli_get:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'Get-ItemProperty'
- ' gp ' # Alias
selection_cli_hive:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'HKCU:'
- 'HKLM:'
- 'registry::'
- 'HKEY_'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Potential Persistence Via Powershell Search Order Hijacking - Task
id: b66474aa-bd92-4333-a16c-298155b120df
related:
- id: 6e8811ee-90ba-441e-8486-5653e68b2299
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious powershell execution via a schedule task where the command ends with an suspicious flags to hide the powershell instance instead of executeing scripts or commands. This could be a sign of persistence via PowerShell "Get-Variable" technique as seen being used in Colibri Loader
references:
- https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-intelligence/2022/04/colibri-loader-combines-task-scheduler-and-powershell-in-clever-persistence-technique/
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems), Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-04-08
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
- attack.t1059.001
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
ParentImage: 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe'
ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
- '-k netsvcs'
- '-s Schedule'
CommandLine|endswith:
- ' -windowstyle hidden'
- ' -w hidden'
- ' -ep bypass'
- ' -noni'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Uncommon One Time Only Scheduled Task At 00:00
id: 970823b7-273b-460a-8afc-3a6811998529
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creation events that include suspicious actions, and is run once at 00:00
references:
- https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/ransomware-spotlight/ransomware-spotlight-blackbyte
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-15
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|contains: '\schtasks.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'wscript'
- 'vbscript'
- 'cscript'
- 'wmic '
- 'wmic.exe'
- 'regsvr32.exe'
- 'powershell'
- '\AppData\'
selection_time:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'once'
- '00:00'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Software installation
level: high
title: Schtasks From Suspicious Folders
id: 8a8379b8-780b-4dbf-b1e9-31c8d112fefb
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creations that have suspicious action command and folder combinations
references:
- https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/lazarus-dream-job-chemical
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-04-15
modified: 2022-11-18
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
selection_create:
CommandLine|contains: ' /create '
selection_command:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'powershell'
- 'pwsh'
- 'cmd /c '
- 'cmd /k '
- 'cmd /r '
- 'cmd.exe /c '
- 'cmd.exe /k '
- 'cmd.exe /r '
selection_all_folders:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'C:\ProgramData\'
- '%ProgramData%'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Schtasks Execution AppData Folder
id: c5c00f49-b3f9-45a6-997e-cfdecc6e1967
status: test
description: 'Detects the creation of a schtask that executes a file from C:\Users\<USER>\AppData\Local'
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2022/02/21/qbot-and-zerologon-lead-to-full-domain-compromise/
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-03-15
modified: 2022-07-28
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
- attack.t1059.001
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '/Create'
- '/RU'
- '/TR'
- 'C:\Users\'
- '\AppData\Local\'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'NT AUT' # This covers the usual NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
- ' SYSTEM ' # SYSTEM is a valid value for schtasks hence it gets it's own value with space
filter:
# FP from test set in SIGMA
ParentImage|contains|all:
- '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
- 'TeamViewer_.exe'
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
CommandLine|contains: '/TN TVInstallRestore'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Schtasks Schedule Types
id: 24c8392b-aa3c-46b7-a545-43f71657fe98
related:
- id: 7a02e22e-b885-4404-b38b-1ddc7e65258a
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creations or modification on a suspicious schedule type
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/schtasks-change
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/schtasks-create
- http://blog.talosintelligence.com/2022/09/lazarus-three-rats.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-09-09
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
selection_time:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' ONLOGON '
- ' ONSTART '
- ' ONCE '
- ' ONIDLE '
filter_privs:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'NT AUT' # This covers the usual NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
- ' SYSTEM' # SYSTEM is a valid value for schtasks hence it gets it's own value with space
- 'HIGHEST'
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
- Legitimate processes that run at logon. Filter according to your environment
level: high
title: Potential SSH Tunnel Persistence Install Using A Scheduled Task
id: 2daa93a0-a5fb-41c5-8cd8-3c11294bfd1f
status: experimental
description: Detects the creation of new scheduled tasks via commandline, using Schtasks.exe. This rule detects tasks creating that call OpenSSH, which may indicate the creation of reverse SSH tunnel to the attacker's server.
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2023/10/30/netsupport-intrusion-results-in-domain-compromise/
- https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/cyber/cactus-ransomware-prickly-new-variant-evades-detection
author: Rory Duncan
date: 2025-07-14
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.t1053.005
- attack.command-and-control
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
selection_cli_sshd:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' /create '
- 'sshd.exe'
- '-f'
selection_cli_ssh:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' /create '
- 'ssh.exe'
- '-i'
condition: selection_img and 1 of selection_cli_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - Default PowerSploit/Empire Scheduled Task Creation
id: 56c217c3-2de2-479b-990f-5c109ba8458f
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a schtask via PowerSploit or Empire Default Configuration.
references:
- https://github.com/0xdeadbeefJERKY/PowerSploit/blob/8690399ef70d2cad10213575ac67e8fa90ddf7c3/Persistence/Persistence.psm1
- https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/08cbd274bef78243d7a8ed6443b8364acd1fc48b/lib/modules/powershell/persistence/userland/schtasks.py
author: Markus Neis, @Karneades
date: 2018-03-06
modified: 2023-03-03
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.s0111
- attack.g0022
- attack.g0060
- car.2013-08-001
- attack.t1053.005
- attack.t1059.001
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '/Create'
- 'powershell.exe -NonI'
- '/TN Updater /TR'
CommandLine|contains:
- '/SC ONLOGON'
- '/SC DAILY /ST'
- '/SC ONIDLE'
- '/SC HOURLY'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Suspicious Command Patterns In Scheduled Task Creation
id: f2c64357-b1d2-41b7-849f-34d2682c0fad
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creation using "schtasks" that contain potentially suspicious or uncommon commands
references:
- https://app.any.run/tasks/512c1352-6380-4436-b27d-bb62f0c020d6/
- https://twitter.com/RedDrip7/status/1506480588827467785
- https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/static-assets/documents/malware-analysis-reports/devil-bait/NCSC-MAR-Devil-Bait.pdf
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-23
modified: 2024-03-19
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_schtasks:
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
CommandLine|contains: '/Create '
selection_pattern_1:
CommandLine|contains:
- '/sc minute '
- '/ru system '
selection_pattern_2:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'cmd /c'
- 'cmd /k'
- 'cmd /r'
- 'cmd.exe /c '
- 'cmd.exe /k '
- 'cmd.exe /r '
selection_uncommon:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' -decode '
- ' -enc '
- ' -w hidden '
- ' bypass '
- ' IEX'
- '.DownloadData'
- '.DownloadFile'
- '.DownloadString'
- '/c start /min ' # https://twitter.com/RedDrip7/status/1506480588827467785
- 'FromBase64String'
- 'mshta http'
- 'mshta.exe http'
selection_anomaly_1:
CommandLine|contains:
- ':\ProgramData\'
- ':\Temp\'
- ':\Tmp\'
- ':\Users\Public\'
- ':\Windows\Temp\'
- '\AppData\'
- '%AppData%'
- '%Temp%'
- '%tmp%'
selection_anomaly_2:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'cscript'
- 'curl'
- 'wscript'
condition: selection_schtasks and ( all of selection_pattern_* or selection_uncommon or all of selection_anomaly_* )
falsepositives:
- Software installers that run from temporary folders and also install scheduled tasks are expected to generate some false positives
level: high
title: Suspicious Modification Of Scheduled Tasks
id: 1c0e41cd-21bb-4433-9acc-4a2cd6367b9b
related:
- id: 614cf376-6651-47c4-9dcc-6b9527f749f4 # Security-Audting Eventlog
type: similar
status: test
description: |
Detects when an attacker tries to modify an already existing scheduled tasks to run from a suspicious location
Attackers can create a simple looking task in order to avoid detection on creation as it's often the most focused on
Instead they modify the task after creation to include their malicious payload
references:
- Internal Research
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/schtasks
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-28
modified: 2022-11-18
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_schtasks:
Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' /Change '
- ' /TN '
selection_susp_locations:
CommandLine|contains:
- '\AppData\Local\Temp'
- '\AppData\Roaming\'
- '\Users\Public\'
- '\WINDOWS\Temp\'
- '\Desktop\'
- '\Downloads\'
- '\Temporary Internet'
- 'C:\ProgramData\'
- 'C:\Perflogs\'
- '%ProgramData%'
- '%appdata%'
- '%comspec%'
- '%localappdata%'
selection_susp_images:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'regsvr32'
- 'rundll32'
- 'cmd /c '
- 'cmd /k '
- 'cmd /r '
- 'cmd.exe /c '
- 'cmd.exe /k '
- 'cmd.exe /r '
- 'powershell'
- 'mshta'
- 'wscript'
- 'cscript'
- 'certutil'
- 'bitsadmin'
- 'bash.exe'
- 'bash '
- 'scrcons'
- 'wmic '
- 'wmic.exe'
- 'forfiles'
- 'scriptrunner'
- 'hh.exe'
- 'hh '
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Creation
id: 3a734d25-df5c-4b99-8034-af1ddb5883a4
status: test
description: Detects suspicious scheduled task creation events. Based on attributes such as paths, commands line flags, etc.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4698
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-05
modified: 2022-12-07
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
service: security
definition: 'The Advanced Audit Policy setting Object Access > Audit Other Object Access Events has to be configured to allow this detection. We also recommend extracting the Command field from the embedded XML in the event data.'
detection:
selection_eid:
EventID: 4698
selection_paths:
TaskContent|contains:
- '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
- '\AppData\Roaming\'
- '\Users\Public\'
- '\WINDOWS\Temp\'
- 'C:\Temp\'
- '\Desktop\'
- '\Downloads\'
- '\Temporary Internet'
- 'C:\ProgramData\'
- 'C:\Perflogs\'
selection_commands:
TaskContent|contains:
- 'regsvr32'
- 'rundll32'
- 'cmd.exe</Command>'
- 'cmd</Command>'
- '<Arguments>/c '
- '<Arguments>/k '
- '<Arguments>/r '
- 'powershell'
- 'pwsh'
- 'mshta'
- 'wscript'
- 'cscript'
- 'certutil'
- 'bitsadmin'
- 'bash.exe'
- 'bash '
- 'scrcons'
- 'wmic '
- 'wmic.exe'
- 'forfiles'
- 'scriptrunner'
- 'hh.exe'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Persistence and Execution at Scale via GPO Scheduled Task
id: a8f29a7b-b137-4446-80a0-b804272f3da2
status: test
description: Detect lateral movement using GPO scheduled task, usually used to deploy ransomware at scale
references:
- https://twitter.com/menasec1/status/1106899890377052160
- https://www.secureworks.com/blog/ransomware-as-a-distraction
- https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/7.17/prebuilt-rule-0-16-1-scheduled-task-execution-at-scale-via-gpo.html
author: Samir Bousseaden
date: 2019-04-03
modified: 2024-09-04
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.lateral-movement
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
service: security
definition: 'The advanced audit policy setting "Object Access > Audit Detailed File Share" must be configured for Success/Failure'
detection:
selection_5136:
EventID: 5136
AttributeLDAPDisplayName:
- 'gPCMachineExtensionNames'
- 'gPCUserExtensionNames'
AttributeValue|contains:
- 'CAB54552-DEEA-4691-817E-ED4A4D1AFC72'
- 'AADCED64-746C-4633-A97C-D61349046527'
selection_5145:
EventID: 5145
ShareName|endswith: '\SYSVOL' # looking for the string \\*\SYSVOL
RelativeTargetName|endswith: 'ScheduledTasks.xml'
AccessList|contains:
- 'WriteData'
- '%%4417'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- If the source IP is not localhost then it's super suspicious, better to monitor both local and remote changes to GPO scheduled tasks.
level: high
title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Update
id: 614cf376-6651-47c4-9dcc-6b9527f749f4
related:
- id: 1c0e41cd-21bb-4433-9acc-4a2cd6367b9b # ProcCreation schtasks change
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects update to a scheduled task event that contain suspicious keywords.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4698
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-05
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
service: security
definition: 'The Advanced Audit Policy setting Object Access > Audit Other Object Access Events has to be configured to allow this detection. We also recommend extracting the Command field from the embedded XML in the event data.'
detection:
selection_eid:
EventID: 4702
selection_paths:
TaskContentNew|contains:
- '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
- '\AppData\Roaming\'
- '\Users\Public\'
- '\WINDOWS\Temp\'
- 'C:\Temp\'
- '\Desktop\'
- '\Downloads\'
- '\Temporary Internet'
- 'C:\ProgramData\'
- 'C:\Perflogs\'
selection_commands:
TaskContentNew|contains:
- 'regsvr32'
- 'rundll32'
- 'cmd.exe</Command>'
- 'cmd</Command>'
- '<Arguments>/c '
- '<Arguments>/k '
- '<Arguments>/r '
- 'powershell'
- 'pwsh'
- 'mshta'
- 'wscript'
- 'cscript'
- 'certutil'
- 'bitsadmin'
- 'bash.exe'
- 'bash '
- 'scrcons'
- 'wmic '
- 'wmic.exe'
- 'forfiles'
- 'scriptrunner'
- 'hh.exe'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Important Scheduled Task Deleted/Disabled
id: 7595ba94-cf3b-4471-aa03-4f6baa9e5fad
related:
- id: dbc1f800-0fe0-4bc0-9c66-292c2abe3f78 # ProcCreation schtasks delete
type: similar
- id: 9ac94dc8-9042-493c-ba45-3b5e7c86b980 # ProcCreation schtasks disable
type: similar
- id: 9e3cb244-bdb8-4632-8c90-6079c8f4f16d # TaskScheduler EventLog
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects when adversaries stop services or processes by deleting or disabling their respective scheduled tasks in order to conduct data destructive activities
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4699
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4701
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-05
modified: 2023-03-13
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
product: windows
service: security
definition: 'The Advanced Audit Policy setting Object Access > Audit Other Object Access Events has to be configured to allow this detection. We also recommend extracting the Command field from the embedded XML in the event data.'
detection:
selection:
EventID:
- 4699 # Task Deleted Event
- 4701 # Task Disabled Event
TaskName|contains:
# Add more important tasks
- '\Windows\SystemRestore\SR'
- '\Windows\Windows Defender\'
- '\Windows\BitLocker'
- '\Windows\WindowsBackup\'
- '\Windows\WindowsUpdate\'
- '\Windows\UpdateOrchestrator\Schedule'
- '\Windows\ExploitGuard'
filter_main_defender_update:
EventID: 4699
SubjectUserName|endswith: '$' # False positives during upgrades of Defender, where its tasks get removed and added
TaskName|contains: '\Windows\Windows Defender\'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/builtin/security/win_security_susp_scheduled_task_delete_or_disable/info.yml
simulation:
- type: atomic-red-team
name: Windows - Disable the SR scheduled task
technique: T1490
atomic_guid: 1c68c68d-83a4-4981-974e-8993055fa034
title: Potential Registry Persistence Attempt Via Windows Telemetry
id: 73a883d0-0348-4be4-a8d8-51031c2564f8
related:
- id: 4e8d5fd3-c959-441f-a941-f73d0cdcdca5
type: obsolete
status: test
description: |
Detects potential persistence behavior using the windows telemetry registry key.
Windows telemetry makes use of the binary CompatTelRunner.exe to run a variety of commands and perform the actual telemetry collections.
This binary was created to be easily extensible, and to that end, it relies on the registry to instruct on which commands to run.
The problem is, it will run any arbitrary command without restriction of location or type.
references:
- https://www.trustedsec.com/blog/abusing-windows-telemetry-for-persistence/
author: Lednyov Alexey, oscd.community, Sreeman
date: 2020-10-16
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1053.005
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
definition: 'Requirements: Sysmon config that monitors \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TelemetryController subkey of the HKLM hives'
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|contains: '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TelemetryController\'
TargetObject|endswith: '\Command'
Details|contains:
- '.bat'
- '.bin'
- '.cmd'
- '.dat'
- '.dll'
- '.exe'
- '.hta'
- '.jar'
- '.js'
- '.msi'
- '.ps'
- '.sh'
- '.vb'
filter_main_generic:
Details|contains:
- '\system32\CompatTelRunner.exe'
- '\system32\DeviceCensus.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - PCHunter Execution
id: fca949cc-79ca-446e-8064-01aa7e52ece5
status: test
description: Detects suspicious use of PCHunter, a tool like Process Hacker to view and manipulate processes, kernel options and other low level stuff
references:
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231210115125/http://www.xuetr.com/
- https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/falcon-overwatch-report-finds-increase-in-ecrime/
- https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2018/04/20/kernel-hacking-tool-you-might-have-never-heard-of-xuetr-pchunter/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali
date: 2022-10-10
modified: 2024-11-23
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1082
- attack.t1057
- attack.t1012
- attack.t1083
- attack.t1007
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_image:
Image|endswith:
- '\PCHunter64.exe'
- '\PCHunter32.exe'
selection_pe:
- OriginalFileName: 'PCHunter.exe'
- Description: 'Epoolsoft Windows Information View Tools'
selection_hashes:
Hashes|contains:
- 'SHA1=5F1CBC3D99558307BC1250D084FA968521482025'
- 'MD5=987B65CD9B9F4E9A1AFD8F8B48CF64A7'
- 'SHA256=2B214BDDAAB130C274DE6204AF6DBA5AEEC7433DA99AA950022FA306421A6D32'
- 'IMPHASH=444D210CEA1FF8112F256A4997EED7FF'
- 'SHA1=3FB89787CB97D902780DA080545584D97FB1C2EB'
- 'MD5=228DD0C2E6287547E26FFBD973A40F14'
- 'SHA256=55F041BF4E78E9BFA6D4EE68BE40E496CE3A1353E1CA4306598589E19802522C'
- 'IMPHASH=0479F44DF47CFA2EF1CCC4416A538663'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Shell Execution via Rsync - Linux
id: e2326866-609f-4015-aea9-7ec634e8aa04
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the use of the "rsync" utility to execute a shell. Such behavior may be associated with privilege escalation, unauthorized command execution, or to break out from restricted environments.
references:
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/rsync/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.), Florian Roth
date: 2024-09-02
modified: 2025-01-18
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection_img:
Image|endswith:
- '/rsync'
- '/rsyncd'
CommandLine|contains: ' -e '
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains:
- '/ash '
- '/bash '
- '/dash '
- '/csh '
- '/sh '
- '/zsh '
- '/tcsh '
- '/ksh '
- "'ash "
- "'bash "
- "'dash "
- "'csh "
- "'sh "
- "'zsh "
- "'tcsh "
- "'ksh "
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Legitimate cases in which "rsync" is used to execute a shell
level: high
title: Shell Execution via Git - Linux
id: 47b3bbd4-1bf7-48cc-84ab-995362aaa75a
status: test
description: |
Detects the use of the "git" utility to execute a shell. Such behavior may be associated with privilege escalation, unauthorized command execution, or to break out from restricted environments.
references:
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/git/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '/git'
ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
- ' -p '
- 'help'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'bash 0<&1'
- 'dash 0<&1'
- 'sh 0<&1'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Invocation of Shell via Rsync
id: 297241f3-8108-4b3a-8c15-2dda9f844594
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the execution of a shell as sub process of "rsync" without the expected command line flag "-e" being used, which could be an indication of exploitation as described in CVE-2024-12084. This behavior is commonly associated with attempts to execute arbitrary commands or escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further exploitation.
references:
- https://sysdig.com/blog/detecting-and-mitigating-cve-2024-12084-rsync-remote-code-execution/
- https://gist.github.com/Neo23x0/a20436375a1e26524931dd8ea1a3af10
author: Florian Roth
date: 2025-01-18
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
- attack.t1203
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '/rsync'
- '/rsyncd'
Image|endswith:
- '/ash'
- '/bash'
- '/csh'
- '/dash'
- '/ksh'
- '/sh'
- '/tcsh'
- '/zsh'
filter_main_expected:
CommandLine|contains: ' -e '
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Capsh Shell Invocation - Linux
id: db1ac3be-f606-4e3a-89e0-9607cbe6b98a
status: test
description: |
Detects the use of the "capsh" utility to invoke a shell.
references:
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/capsh/#shell
- https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/current/linux-restricted-shell-breakout-via-linux-binary-s.html
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith: '/capsh'
CommandLine|endswith: ' --'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Inline Python Execution - Spawn Shell Via OS System Library
id: 2d2f44ff-4611-4778-a8fc-323a0e9850cc
status: test
description: |
Detects execution of inline Python code via the "-c" in order to call the "system" function from the "os" library, and spawn a shell.
references:
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/python/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith:
- '/python'
- '/python2'
- '/python3'
- Image|contains:
- '/python2.' # python image is always of the form ../python3.10; ../python is just a symlink
- '/python3.'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' -c '
- 'os.system('
CommandLine|contains:
- '/bin/bash'
- '/bin/dash'
- '/bin/fish'
- '/bin/sh'
- '/bin/zsh'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Potential Netcat Reverse Shell Execution
id: 7f734ed0-4f47-46c0-837f-6ee62505abd9
status: test
description: Detects execution of netcat with the "-e" flag followed by common shells. This could be a sign of a potential reverse shell setup.
references:
- https://pentestmonkey.net/cheat-sheet/shells/reverse-shell-cheat-sheet
- https://www.revshells.com/
- https://www.hackingtutorials.org/networking/hacking-netcat-part-2-bind-reverse-shells/
- https://www.infosecademy.com/netcat-reverse-shells/
- https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/ncat.1.html
author: '@d4ns4n_, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)'
date: 2023-04-07
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection_nc:
Image|endswith:
- '/nc'
- '/ncat'
selection_flags:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' -c '
- ' -e '
selection_shell:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' ash'
- ' bash'
- ' bsh'
- ' csh'
- ' ksh'
- ' pdksh'
- ' sh'
- ' tcsh'
- '/bin/ash'
- '/bin/bash'
- '/bin/bsh'
- '/bin/csh'
- '/bin/ksh'
- '/bin/pdksh'
- '/bin/sh'
- '/bin/tcsh'
- '/bin/zsh'
- '$IFSash'
- '$IFSbash'
- '$IFSbsh'
- '$IFScsh'
- '$IFSksh'
- '$IFSpdksh'
- '$IFSsh'
- '$IFStcsh'
- '$IFSzsh'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Suspicious Invocation of Shell via AWK - Linux
id: 8c1a5675-cb85-452f-a298-b01b22a51856
status: test
description: |
Detects the execution of "awk" or it's sibling commands, to invoke a shell using the system() function.
This behavior is commonly associated with attempts to execute arbitrary commands or escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further exploitation.
references:
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/awk/#shell
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/gawk/#shell
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/nawk/#shell
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/mawk/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection_img:
Image|endswith:
- '/awk'
- '/gawk'
- '/mawk'
- '/nawk'
CommandLine|contains: 'BEGIN {system'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains:
- '/bin/bash'
- '/bin/dash'
- '/bin/fish'
- '/bin/sh'
- '/bin/zsh'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Java Children Processes
id: d292e0af-9a18-420c-9525-ec0ac3936892
status: test
description: Detects java process spawning suspicious children
references:
- https://www.tecmint.com/different-types-of-linux-shells/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-03
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '/java'
CommandLine|contains:
- '/bin/sh'
- 'bash'
- 'dash'
- 'ksh'
- 'zsh'
- 'csh'
- 'fish'
- 'curl'
- 'wget'
- 'python'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Shell Invocation Via Ssh - Linux
id: 8737b7f6-8df3-4bb7-b1da-06019b99b687
status: test
description: |
Detects the use of the "ssh" utility to execute a shell. Such behavior may be associated with privilege escalation, unauthorized command execution, or to break out from restricted environments.
references:
- https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/ssh/
- https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/current/linux-restricted-shell-breakout-via-linux-binary-s.html
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-08-29
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection_img:
Image|endswith: '/ssh'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'ProxyCommand=;'
- 'permitlocalcommand=yes'
- 'localhost'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains:
- '/bin/bash'
- '/bin/dash'
- '/bin/fish'
- '/bin/sh'
- '/bin/zsh'
- 'sh 0<&2 1>&2'
- 'sh 1>&2 0<&2'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: BPFDoor Abnormal Process ID or Lock File Accessed
id: 808146b2-9332-4d78-9416-d7e47012d83d
status: test
description: detects BPFDoor .lock and .pid files access in temporary file storage facility
references:
- https://www.sandflysecurity.com/blog/bpfdoor-an-evasive-linux-backdoor-technical-analysis/
- https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/a-peek-behind-the-bpfdoor
- https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/tr-bpfdoor-telecom-networks-sleeper-cells-threat-research-report/
- https://github.com/rapid7/Rapid7-Labs/blob/741c7196ec12a0a56b63463d1fd726ff14d3a97a/BPFDoor/rapid7_detect_bpfdoor.sh
author: Rafal Piasecki
date: 2022-08-10
modified: 2026-03-30
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1106
- attack.t1059
logsource:
product: linux
service: auditd
detection:
selection:
type: 'PATH'
name:
- /var/run/aepmonend.pid
- /var/run/auditd.lock
- /var/run/cma.lock
- /var/run/console-kit.pid
- /var/run/consolekit.pid
- /var/run/daemon.pid
- /var/run/hald-addon.pid
- /var/run/hald-smartd.pid
- /var/run/haldrund.pid
- /var/run/hp-health.pid
- /var/run/hpasmlit.lock
- /var/run/hpasmlited.pid
- /var/run/kdevrund.pid
- /var/run/lldpad.lock
- /var/run/mcelog.pid
- /var/run/system.pid
- /var/run/uvp-srv.pid
- /var/run/vmtoolagt.pid
- /var/run/xinetd.lock
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: PCRE.NET Package Temp Files
id: 6e90ae7a-7cd3-473f-a035-4ebb72d961da
status: test
description: Detects processes creating temp files related to PCRE.NET package
references:
- https://twitter.com/rbmaslen/status/1321859647091970051
- https://twitter.com/tifkin_/status/1321916444557365248
author: Roberto Rodriguez (Cyb3rWard0g), OTR (Open Threat Research)
date: 2020-10-29
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: file_event
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetFilename|contains: \AppData\Local\Temp\ba9ea7344a4a5f591d6e5dc32a13494b\
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Windows Shell/Scripting Application File Write to Suspicious Folder
id: 1277f594-a7d1-4f28-a2d3-73af5cbeab43
status: test
description: Detects Windows shells and scripting applications that write files to suspicious folders
references:
- Internal Research
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-11-20
modified: 2023-03-29
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: file_event
product: windows
detection:
selection_1:
Image|endswith:
- '\bash.exe'
- '\cmd.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\msbuild.exe' # https://github.com/elastic/detection-rules/blob/c76a39796972ecde44cb1da6df47f1b6562c9770/rules/windows/defense_evasion_execution_msbuild_started_by_office_app.toml
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\sh.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
TargetFilename|startswith:
- 'C:\PerfLogs\'
- 'C:\Users\Public\'
selection_2:
Image|endswith:
- '\certutil.exe'
- '\forfiles.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
# - '\rundll32.exe' # Potential FP
- '\schtasks.exe'
- '\scriptrunner.exe'
- '\wmic.exe' # https://app.any.run/tasks/c903e9c8-0350-440c-8688-3881b556b8e0/
TargetFilename|contains:
- 'C:\PerfLogs\'
- 'C:\Users\Public\'
- 'C:\Windows\Temp\'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - Stracciatella Execution
id: 7a4d9232-92fc-404d-8ce1-4c92e7caf539
status: test
description: Detects Stracciatella which executes a Powershell runspace from within C# (aka SharpPick technique) with AMSI, ETW and Script Block Logging disabled based on PE metadata characteristics.
references:
- https://github.com/mgeeky/Stracciatella
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-04-17
modified: 2024-11-23
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1059
- attack.t1685
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\Stracciatella.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'Stracciatella.exe'
- Description: 'Stracciatella'
- Hashes|contains:
- 'SHA256=9d25e61ec1527e2a69d7c2a4e3fe2fe15890710c198a66a9f25d99fdf6c7b956'
- 'SHA256=fd16609bd9830c63b9413671678bb159b89c357d21942ddbb6b93add808d121a'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high