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: PowerShell ShellCode
id: 16b37b70-6fcf-4814-a092-c36bd3aafcbd
status: test
description: Detects Base64 encoded Shellcode
references:
    - https://twitter.com/cyb3rops/status/1063072865992523776
author: David Ledbetter (shellcode), Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2018-11-17
modified: 2024-01-25
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection:
        ScriptBlockText|contains:
            - 'OiCAAAAYInlM'
            - 'OiJAAAAYInlM'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Network Connection Initiated Via Notepad.EXE
id: e81528db-fc02-45e8-8e98-4e84aba1f10b
status: test
description: |
    Detects a network connection that is initiated by the "notepad.exe" process.
    This might be a sign of process injection from a beacon process or something similar.
    Notepad rarely initiates a network communication except when printing documents for example.
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20200219102749/https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-summit/archives/file/summit-archive-1492186586.pdf
    - https://www.cobaltstrike.com/blog/why-is-notepad-exe-connecting-to-the-internet
author: EagleEye Team
date: 2020-05-14
modified: 2024-02-02
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    category: network_connection
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\notepad.exe'
    filter_optional_printing:
        DestinationPort: 9100
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Printing documents via notepad might cause communication with the printer via port 9100 or similar.
level: high

title: HackTool - CoercedPotato Named Pipe Creation
id: 4d0083b3-580b-40da-9bba-626c19fe4033
status: test
description: Detects the pattern of a pipe name as used by the hack tool CoercedPotato
references:
    - https://blog.hackvens.fr/articles/CoercedPotato.html
    - https://github.com/hackvens/CoercedPotato
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-10-11
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: pipe_created
    definition: 'Note that you have to configure logging for Named Pipe Events in Sysmon config (Event ID 17 and Event ID 18). The basic configuration is in popular sysmon configuration (https://github.com/SwiftOnSecurity/sysmon-config), but it is worth verifying. You can also use other repo, e.g. https://github.com/Neo23x0/sysmon-config, https://github.com/olafhartong/sysmon-modular. How to test detection? You can check powershell script from this site https://svch0st.medium.com/guide-to-named-pipes-and-hunting-for-cobalt-strike-pipes-dc46b2c5f575'
detection:
    selection:
        PipeName|contains: '\coerced\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: CobaltStrike Named Pipe Patterns
id: 85adeb13-4fc9-4e68-8a4a-c7cb2c336eb7
related:
    - id: 0e7163d4-9e19-4fa7-9be6-000c61aad77a # Regex
      type: similar
    - id: d5601f8c-b26f-4ab0-9035-69e11a8d4ad2 # Generic
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a named pipe with a pattern found in CobaltStrike malleable C2 profiles
references:
    - https://svch0st.medium.com/guide-to-named-pipes-and-hunting-for-cobalt-strike-pipes-dc46b2c5f575
    - https://gist.github.com/MHaggis/6c600e524045a6d49c35291a21e10752
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Christian Burkard (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-07-30
modified: 2024-01-26
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
    - stp.1k
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: pipe_created
    definition: 'Note that you have to configure logging for Named Pipe Events in Sysmon config (Event ID 17 and Event ID 18). The basic configuration is in popular sysmon configuration (https://github.com/SwiftOnSecurity/sysmon-config), but it is worth verifying. You can also use other repo, e.g. https://github.com/Neo23x0/sysmon-config, https://github.com/olafhartong/sysmon-modular You can also use other repo, e.g. https://github.com/Neo23x0/sysmon-config, https://github.com/olafhartong/sysmon-modular. How to test detection? You can always use Cobalt Strike, but also you can check powershell script from this site https://svch0st.medium.com/guide-to-named-pipes-and-hunting-for-cobalt-strike-pipes-dc46b2c5f575'
detection:
    selection_malleable_profile_generic:
        - PipeName|startswith:
              - '\DserNamePipe'
              - '\f4c3'
              - '\f53f'
              - '\fullduplex_'
              - '\mojo.5688.8052.183894939787088877'
              - '\mojo.5688.8052.35780273329370473'
              - '\MsFteWds'
              - '\msrpc_'
              - '\mypipe-f'
              - '\mypipe-h'
              - '\ntsvcs'
              - '\PGMessagePipe'
              - '\rpc_'
              - '\scerpc'
              - '\SearchTextHarvester'
              - '\spoolss'
              - '\win_svc'
              - '\win\msrpc_'
              - '\windows.update.manager'
              - '\wkssvc'
        - PipeName:
              - '\demoagent_11'
              - '\demoagent_22'
    selection_malleable_profile_catalog_change_listener:
        PipeName|startswith: '\Winsock2\CatalogChangeListener-'
        PipeName|endswith: '-0,'
    filter_main_generic:
        PipeName:
            - '\wkssvc'
            - '\spoolss'
            - '\scerpc'
            - '\ntsvcs'
            - '\SearchTextHarvester'
            - '\PGMessagePipe'
            - '\MsFteWds'
    filter_optional_websense:
        Image|contains:
            - ':\Program Files\Websense\'
            - ':\Program Files (x86)\Websense\'
        PipeName|startswith:
            - '\DserNamePipeR'
            - '\DserNamePipeW'
    condition: 1 of selection_malleable_profile_* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Chrome instances using the exact same pipe name "mojo.xxx"
    - Websense Endpoint using the pipe name "DserNamePipe(R|W)\d{1,5}"
level: high

title: HackTool - EfsPotato Named Pipe Creation
id: 637f689e-b4a5-4a86-be0e-0100a0a33ba2
status: test
description: Detects the pattern of a pipe name as used by the hack tool EfsPotato
references:
    - https://twitter.com/SBousseaden/status/1429530155291193354?s=20
    - https://github.com/zcgonvh/EfsPotato
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-08-23
modified: 2023-12-21
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: pipe_created
    definition: 'Note that you have to configure logging for Named Pipe Events in Sysmon config (Event ID 17 and Event ID 18). The basic configuration is in popular sysmon configuration (https://github.com/SwiftOnSecurity/sysmon-config), but it is worth verifying. You can also use other repo, e.g. https://github.com/Neo23x0/sysmon-config, https://github.com/olafhartong/sysmon-modular. How to test detection? You can check powershell script from this site https://svch0st.medium.com/guide-to-named-pipes-and-hunting-for-cobalt-strike-pipes-dc46b2c5f575'
detection:
    selection:
        PipeName|contains:
            - '\pipe\'
            - '\pipe\srvsvc'  # more specific version (use only this one if the other causes too many false positives)
    filter_optional_ctx:
        PipeName|contains: '\CtxShare'
    filter_optional_default:
        PipeName|startswith: '\pipe\' # excludes pipes that start with \pipe\*
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - \pipe\LOCAL\Monitorian # https://github.com/emoacht/Monitorian
level: high

title: Rare Remote Thread Creation By Uncommon Source Image
id: 02d1d718-dd13-41af-989d-ea85c7fab93f
related:
    - id: 66d31e5f-52d6-40a4-9615-002d3789a119
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects uncommon processes creating remote threads.
references:
    - Personal research, statistical analysis
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io
author: Perez Diego (@darkquassar), oscd.community
date: 2019-10-27
modified: 2025-12-08
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: create_remote_thread
detection:
    selection:
        SourceImage|endswith:
            - '\bash.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\cvtres.exe'
            - '\defrag.exe'
            - '\dialer.exe'
            - '\dnx.exe'
            - '\esentutl.exe'
            - '\excel.exe'
            - '\expand.exe'
            - '\find.exe'
            - '\findstr.exe'
            - '\forfiles.exe'
            - '\gpupdate.exe'
            - '\hh.exe'
            - '\installutil.exe'
            - '\lync.exe'
            - '\makecab.exe'
            - '\mDNSResponder.exe'
            - '\monitoringhost.exe' # Loads .NET CLR by default and thus a favorite for process injection for .NET in-memory offensive tools.
            - '\msbuild.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\mspaint.exe'
            - '\outlook.exe'
            - '\ping.exe'
            - '\provtool.exe'
            - '\python.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\robocopy.exe'
            - '\runonce.exe'
            - '\sapcimc.exe'
            - '\smartscreen.exe'
            - '\spoolsv.exe'
            - '\tstheme.exe'
            - '\userinit.exe'
            - '\vssadmin.exe'
            - '\vssvc.exe'
            - '\w3wp.exe'
            - '\winscp.exe'
            - '\winword.exe'
            - '\wmic.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
    filter_main_conhost:
        SourceImage:
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\Defrag.exe'
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\makecab.exe'
        TargetImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\conhost.exe'
    filter_main_provtol_svchost:
        SourceImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\provtool.exe'
        TargetImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe'
    filter_main_provtool_system:
        SourceImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\provtool.exe'
        TargetImage: 'System'
    filter_main_userinit:
        SourceImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\userinit.exe'
        TargetImage: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
    filter_main_winword:
        SourceImage|endswith: '\WINWORD.EXE'
        TargetImage|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\' # C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe
            - 'C:\Program Files\' # C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\vfs\ProgramFilesCommonX64\Microsoft Shared\Office16\AI\ai.exe
    filter_main_ms_office:
        # Raised by following issue: https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/5529
        SourceImage|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\'
        TargetImage: 'System'
    filter_optional_explorer_vmtools:
        SourceImage|endswith: '\SysWOW64\explorer.exe'
        TargetImage:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\VMware Tools\vmtoolsd.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware Tools\vmtoolsd.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - This rule is best put in testing first in order to create a baseline that reflects the data in your environment.
level: high

title: HackTool - CoercedPotato Execution
id: e8d34729-86a4-4140-adfd-0a29c2106307
status: test
description: Detects the use of CoercedPotato, a tool for privilege escalation
references:
    - https://github.com/hackvens/CoercedPotato
    - https://blog.hackvens.fr/articles/CoercedPotato.html
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-10-11
modified: 2024-11-23
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_loader_img:
        Image|endswith: '\CoercedPotato.exe'
    selection_params:
        CommandLine|contains: ' --exploitId '
    selection_loader_imphash:
        Hashes|contains:
            - 'IMPHASH=A75D7669DB6B2E107A44C4057FF7F7D6'
            - 'IMPHASH=F91624350E2C678C5DCBE5E1F24E22C9'
            - 'IMPHASH=14C81850A079A87E83D50CA41C709A15'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

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

title: Suspicious Rundll32 Invoking Inline VBScript
id: 1cc50f3f-1fc8-4acf-b2e9-6f172e1fdebd
status: test
description: Detects suspicious process related to rundll32 based on command line that invokes inline VBScript as seen being used by UNC2452
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/03/04/goldmax-goldfinder-sibot-analyzing-nobelium-malware/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-03-05
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'rundll32.exe'
            - 'Execute'
            - 'RegRead'
            - 'window.close'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Dllhost.EXE Execution Anomaly
id: e7888eb1-13b0-4616-bd99-4bc0c2b054b9
status: test
description: Detects a "dllhost" process spawning with no commandline arguments which is very rare to happen and could indicate process injection activity or malware mimicking similar system processes.
references:
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/child-processes/
    - https://nasbench.medium.com/what-is-the-dllhost-exe-process-actually-running-ef9fe4c19c08
    - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/static-assets/documents/malware-analysis-reports/goofy-guineapig/NCSC-MAR-Goofy-Guineapig.pdf
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-27
modified: 2023-05-15
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\dllhost.exe'
        CommandLine:
            - 'dllhost.exe'
            - 'dllhost'
    filter_main_null:
        CommandLine: null
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential Process Injection Via Msra.EXE
id: 744a188b-0415-4792-896f-11ddb0588dbc
status: test
description: Detects potential process injection via Microsoft Remote Asssistance (Msra.exe) by looking at suspicious child processes spawned from the aforementioned process. It has been a target used by many threat actors and used for discovery and persistence tactics
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/12/09/a-closer-look-at-qakbots-latest-building-blocks-and-how-to-knock-them-down/
    - https://www.fortinet.com/content/dam/fortinet/assets/analyst-reports/ar-qakbot.pdf
author: Alexander McDonald
date: 2022-06-24
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\msra.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|endswith: 'msra.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\arp.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\net.exe'
            - '\netstat.exe'
            - '\nslookup.exe'
            - '\route.exe'
            - '\schtasks.exe'
            - '\whoami.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of Msra.exe
level: high

title: DotNet CLR DLL Loaded By Scripting Applications
id: 4508a70e-97ef-4300-b62b-ff27992990ea
status: test
description: Detects .NET CLR DLLs being loaded by scripting applications such as wscript or cscript. This could be an indication of potential suspicious execution.
references:
    - https://github.com/tyranid/DotNetToJScript
    - https://thewover.github.io/Introducing-Donut/
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20230329154538/https://blog.menasec.net/2019/07/interesting-difr-traces-of-net-clr.html
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20221026202428/https://gist.github.com/code-scrap/d7f152ffcdb3e0b02f7f394f5187f008
author: omkar72, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-14
modified: 2023-02-23
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmstp.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\msxsl.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            # - '\svchost.exe'
            - '\wmic.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
        ImageLoaded|endswith:
            - '\clr.dll'
            - '\mscoree.dll'
            - '\mscorlib.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - Potential CobaltStrike Process Injection
id: 6309645e-122d-4c5b-bb2b-22e4f9c2fa42
status: test
description: Detects a potential remote threat creation with certain characteristics which are typical for Cobalt Strike beacons
references:
    - https://medium.com/@olafhartong/cobalt-strike-remote-threads-detection-206372d11d0f
    - https://blog.cobaltstrike.com/2018/04/09/cobalt-strike-3-11-the-snake-that-eats-its-tail/
author: Olaf Hartong, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Aleksey Potapov, oscd.community
date: 2018-11-30
modified: 2023-05-05
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: create_remote_thread
detection:
    selection:
        StartAddress|endswith:
            - '0B80'
            - '0C7C'
            - '0C88'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Renamed Mavinject.EXE Execution
id: e6474a1b-5390-49cd-ab41-8d88655f7394
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed version of the "Mavinject" process. Which can be abused to perform process injection using the "/INJECTRUNNING" flag
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1218/T1218.md
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1056.004/T1056.004.md
    - https://posts.specterops.io/mavinject-exe-functionality-deconstructed-c29ab2cf5c0e
    - https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/941315826107510784
    - https://reaqta.com/2017/12/mavinject-microsoft-injector/
    - https://twitter.com/Hexacorn/status/776122138063409152  # Deleted tweet
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/3742
    - https://github.com/keyboardcrunch/SentinelOne-ATTACK-Queries/blob/6a228d23eefe963ca81f2d52f94b815f61ef5ee0/Tactics/DefenseEvasion.md#t1055-process-injection
author: frack113, Florian Roth
date: 2022-12-05
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055.001
    - attack.t1218.013
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        OriginalFileName:
            - 'mavinject32.exe'
            - 'mavinject64.exe'
    filter:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\mavinject32.exe'
            - '\mavinject64.exe'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: ManageEngine Endpoint Central Dctask64.EXE Potential Abuse
id: 6345b048-8441-43a7-9bed-541133633d7a
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of "dctask64.exe", 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.t1055.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\dctask64.exe'
        - Hashes|contains:
              - 'IMPHASH=6834B1B94E49701D77CCB3C0895E1AFD'
              - 'IMPHASH=1BB6F93B129F398C7C4A76BB97450BBA'
              - 'IMPHASH=FAA2AC19875FADE461C8D89DCF2710A3'
              - 'IMPHASH=F1039CED4B91572AB7847D26032E6BBF'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' executecmd64 '
            - ' invokeexe '
            - ' injectDll '
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Mavinject Inject DLL Into Running Process
id: 4f73421b-5a0b-4bbf-a892-5a7fb99bea66
related:
    - id: 17eb8e57-9983-420d-ad8a-2c4976c22eb8
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects process injection using the signed Windows tool "Mavinject" via the "INJECTRUNNING" flag
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1218/T1218.md
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1056.004/T1056.004.md
    - https://posts.specterops.io/mavinject-exe-functionality-deconstructed-c29ab2cf5c0e
    - https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/941315826107510784
    - https://reaqta.com/2017/12/mavinject-microsoft-injector/
    - https://twitter.com/Hexacorn/status/776122138063409152  # Deleted tweet
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/3742
    - https://github.com/keyboardcrunch/SentinelOne-ATTACK-Queries/blob/6a228d23eefe963ca81f2d52f94b815f61ef5ee0/Tactics/DefenseEvasion.md#t1055-process-injection
author: frack113, Florian Roth
date: 2021-07-12
modified: 2022-12-05
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055.001
    - attack.t1218.013
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains: ' /INJECTRUNNING '
    filter:
        ParentImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\AppVClient.exe' # This parent is the expected process to launch "mavinject"
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
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

title: Suspicious Persistence Via VMwareToolBoxCmd.EXE VM State Change Script
id: 236d8e89-ed95-4789-a982-36f4643738ba
related:
    - id: 7aa4e81a-a65c-4e10-9f81-b200eb229d7d
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects execution of the "VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe" with the "script" and "set" flag to setup a specific script that's located in a potentially suspicious location to run for a specific VM state
references:
    - https://bohops.com/2021/10/08/analyzing-and-detecting-a-vmtools-persistence-technique/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-06-14
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_bin_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\VMwareToolBoxCmd.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'toolbox-cmd.exe'
    selection_bin_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' script '
            - ' set '
    selection_susp_paths:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ':\PerfLogs\'
            - ':\Temp\'
            - ':\Windows\System32\Tasks\'
            - ':\Windows\Tasks\'
            - ':\Windows\Temp\'
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potentially Suspicious Execution From Parent Process In Public Folder
id: 69bd9b97-2be2-41b6-9816-fb08757a4d1a
status: test
description: |
    Detects a potentially suspicious execution of a parent process located in the "\Users\Public" folder executing a child process containing references to shell or scripting binaries and commandlines.
references:
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/blackbyte-ransomware/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-25
modified: 2024-07-12
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1564
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|contains: ':\Users\Public\'
    selection_child:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\bitsadmin.exe'
              - '\certutil.exe'
              - '\cmd.exe'
              - '\cscript.exe'
              - '\mshta.exe'
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
              - '\regsvr32.exe'
              - '\rundll32.exe'
              - '\wscript.exe'
        - CommandLine|contains:
              - 'bitsadmin'
              - 'certutil'
              - 'cscript'
              - 'mshta'
              - 'powershell'
              - 'regsvr32'
              - 'rundll32'
              - 'wscript'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Run PowerShell Script from Redirected Input Stream
id: c83bf4b5-cdf0-437c-90fa-43d734f7c476
status: test
description: Detects PowerShell script execution via input stream redirect
references:
    - https://github.com/LOLBAS-Project/LOLBAS/blob/4db780e0f0b2e2bb8cb1fa13e09196da9b9f1834/yml/LOLUtilz/OSBinaries/Powershell.yml
    - https://twitter.com/Moriarty_Meng/status/984380793383370752
author: Moriarty Meng (idea), Anton Kutepov (rule), oscd.community
date: 2020-10-17
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
        CommandLine|re: '\s-\s*<'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Add Insecure Download Source To Winget
id: 81a0ecb5-0a41-4ba1-b2ba-c944eb92bfa2
related:
    - id: 05ebafc8-7aa2-4bcd-a269-2aec93f9e842
      type: similar
    - id: c15a46a0-07d4-4c87-b4b6-89207835a83b
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects usage of winget to add a new insecure (http) download source.
    Winget will not allow the addition of insecure sources, hence this could indicate potential suspicious activity (or typos)
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/source
    - https://github.com/nasbench/Misc-Research/tree/b9596e8109dcdb16ec353f316678927e507a5b8d/LOLBINs/Winget
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-04-17
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\winget.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'winget.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'source '
            - 'add '
            - 'http://'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - False positives might occur if the users are unaware of such control checks
level: high

title: Suspicious Remote Child Process From Outlook
id: e212d415-0e93-435f-9e1a-f29005bb4723
related:
    - id: 208748f7-881d-47ac-a29c-07ea84bf691d # Outlook Child Processes
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious child process spawning from Outlook where the image is located in a remote location (SMB/WebDav shares).
references:
    - https://github.com/sensepost/ruler
    - https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2018/12/overruled-containing-a-potentially-destructive-adversary.html
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=49
author: Markus Neis, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2018-12-27
modified: 2023-02-09
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059
    - attack.t1202
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\outlook.exe'
        Image|startswith: '\\\\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high