title: Application AppID Uri Configuration Changes
id: 1b45b0d1-773f-4f23-aedc-814b759563b1
status: test
description: Detects when a configuration change is made to an applications AppID URI.
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/architecture/security-operations-applications#appid-uri-added-modified-or-removed
author: Mark Morowczynski '@markmorow', Bailey Bercik '@baileybercik'
date: 2022-06-02
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1552
    - attack.t1078.004
logsource:
    product: azure
    service: auditlogs
detection:
    selection:
        properties.message:
            - Update Application
            - Update Service principal
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - When and administrator is making legitimate AppID URI configuration changes to an application. This should be a planned event.
level: high

title: DPAPI Backup Keys And Certificate Export Activity IOC
id: 7892ec59-c5bb-496d-8968-e5d210ca3ac4
status: test
description: |
    Detects file names with specific patterns seen generated and used by tools such as Mimikatz and DSInternals related to exported or stolen DPAPI backup keys and certificates.
references:
    - https://www.dsinternals.com/en/dpapi-backup-key-theft-auditing/
    - https://github.com/MichaelGrafnetter/DSInternals/blob/39ee8a69bbdc1cfd12c9afdd7513b4788c4895d4/Src/DSInternals.Common/Data/DPAPI/DPAPIBackupKey.cs#L28-L32
author: Nounou Mbeiri, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-06-26
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1555
    - attack.t1552.004
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - 'ntds_capi_'
            - 'ntds_legacy_'
            - 'ntds_unknown_'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.cer'
            - '.key'
            - '.pfx'
            - '.pvk'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious Serv-U Process Pattern
id: 58f4ea09-0fc2-4520-ba18-b85c540b0eaf
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious process pattern which could be a sign of an exploited Serv-U service
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/07/13/microsoft-discovers-threat-actor-targeting-solarwinds-serv-u-software-with-0-day-exploit/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-07-14
modified: 2022-07-14
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1555
    - cve.2021-35211
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\Serv-U.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\sh.exe'
            - '\bash.exe'
            - '\schtasks.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\wmic.exe'  # https://app.any.run/tasks/c903e9c8-0350-440c-8688-3881b556b8e0/
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\msiexec.exe'
            - '\forfiles.exe'
            - '\scriptrunner.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate uses in which users or programs use the SSH service of Serv-U for remote command execution
level: high

title: Uncommon File Created by Notepad++ Updater Gup.EXE
id: 3b8f4c92-6a51-4d7e-9c3a-8e2d1f5a7b09
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects when the Notepad++ updater (gup.exe) creates files in suspicious or uncommon locations.
    This could indicate potential exploitation of the updater component to deliver unwanted malware or unwarranted files.
references:
    - https://notepad-plus-plus.org/news/v889-released/
    - https://www.heise.de/en/news/Notepad-updater-installed-malware-11109726.html
    - https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/tr-chrysalis-backdoor-dive-into-lotus-blossoms-toolkit/
    - https://www.validin.com/blog/exploring_notepad_plus_plus_network_indicators/
    - https://securelist.com/notepad-supply-chain-attack/118708/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-02-03
modified: 2026-03-16
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1195.002
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1557
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\gup.exe'
    filter_main_legit_paths:
        TargetFilename|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Notepad++\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++\'
    filter_main_temp_update_installer:
        TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
        TargetFilename|contains|all:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - 'npp.'
            - '.Installer.'
            - '.exe'
    filter_main_temp_generic_zip:
        TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
        TargetFilename|contains|all:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - '.zip'
    filter_main_recycle_bin:
        TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\$Recycle.Bin\S-1-5-21'
    filter_main_plugins:
        - TargetFilename|contains:
              - '\plugins\JsonTools\testfiles\'
              - '\Notepad++\plugins\ComparePlugin\'
        - TargetFilename|contains|all:
              - 'npp.'
              - '.portable.'
              - '\plugins\'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Custom or portable Notepad++ installations in non-standard directories.
    - Legitimate update processes creating temporary files in unexpected locations.
level: high

title: Suspicious Child Process of Notepad++ Updater - GUP.Exe
id: bb0e87ce-c89f-4857-84fa-095e4483e9cb
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects suspicious child process creation by the Notepad++ updater process (gup.exe).
    This could indicate potential exploitation of the updater component to deliver unwanted malware.
references:
    - https://notepad-plus-plus.org/news/v889-released/
    - https://www.heise.de/en/news/Notepad-updater-installed-malware-11109726.html
    - https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/tr-chrysalis-backdoor-dive-into-lotus-blossoms-toolkit/
    - https://www.validin.com/blog/exploring_notepad_plus_plus_network_indicators/
    - https://securelist.com/notepad-supply-chain-attack/118708/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-02-03
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1195.002
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1557
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\gup.exe'
    selection_child_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
    selection_child_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'bitsadmin'
            - 'certutil'
            - 'curl'
            - 'finger'
            - 'forfiles'
            - 'regsvr32'
            - 'rundll32'
            - 'wget'
    condition: selection_parent and 1 of selection_child_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: PUA - AWS TruffleHog Execution
id: a840e606-7c8c-4684-9bc1-eb6b6155127f
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the execution of TruffleHog, a popular open-source tool used for scanning repositories for secrets and sensitive information, within an AWS environment.
    It has been reported to be used by threat actors for credential harvesting. All detections should be investigated to determine if the usage is authorized by security teams or potentially malicious.
references:
    - https://github.com/trufflesecurity/trufflehog
    - https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/tr-crimson-collective-a-new-threat-group-observed-operating-in-the-cloud/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-10-21
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1555
    - attack.t1003
logsource:
    product: aws
    service: cloudtrail
detection:
    selection:
        userAgent: 'TruffleHog'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of TruffleHog by security teams for credential scanning.
level: medium

title: Rare Subscription-level Operations In Azure
id: c1182e02-49a3-481c-b3de-0fadc4091488
status: test
description: Identifies IPs from which users grant access to other users on azure resources and alerts when a previously unseen source IP address is used.
references:
    - https://github.com/Azure/Azure-Sentinel/blob/e534407884b1ec5371efc9f76ead282176c9e8bb/Detections/AzureActivity/RareOperations.yaml
author: sawwinnnaung
date: 2020-05-07
modified: 2023-10-11
tags:
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.credential-access
logsource:
    product: azure
    service: activitylogs
detection:
    keywords:
        - Microsoft.DocumentDB/databaseAccounts/listKeys/action
        - Microsoft.Maps/accounts/listKeys/action
        - Microsoft.Media/mediaservices/listKeys/action
        - Microsoft.CognitiveServices/accounts/listKeys/action
        - Microsoft.Storage/storageAccounts/listKeys/action
        - Microsoft.Compute/snapshots/write
        - Microsoft.Network/networkSecurityGroups/write
    condition: keywords
falsepositives:
    - Valid change
level: medium

title: Access To Crypto Currency Wallets By Uncommon Applications
id: f41b0311-44f9-44f0-816d-dd45e39d4bc8
status: test
description: |
    Detects file access requests to crypto currency files by uncommon processes.
    Could indicate potential attempt of crypto currency wallet stealing.
references:
    - Internal Research
author: X__Junior (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-07-29
tags:
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.credential-access
logsource:
    category: file_access
    product: windows
    definition: 'Requirements: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-File ETW provider'
detection:
    selection:
        - FileName|contains:
              - '\AppData\Roaming\Ethereum\keystore\'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\EthereumClassic\keystore\'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\monero\wallets\'
        - FileName|endswith:
              - '\AppData\Roaming\Bitcoin\wallet.dat'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\BitcoinABC\wallet.dat'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\BitcoinSV\wallet.dat'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\DashCore\wallet.dat'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\DogeCoin\wallet.dat'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\Litecoin\wallet.dat'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\Ripple\wallet.dat'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\Zcash\wallet.dat'
    filter_main_system:
        Image: System
    filter_main_generic:
        # This filter is added to avoid large amount of FP with 3rd party software. You should remove this in favour of specific filter per-application
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\'
            - 'C:\Windows\system32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
    filter_optional_defender:
        Image|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\MpCopyAccelerator.exe'
            - '\MsMpEng.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Malware Software
    - Backup software
    - Legitimate software installed on partitions other than "C:\"
    - Searching software such as "everything.exe"
level: medium

title: Credential Manager Access By Uncommon Applications
id: 407aecb1-e762-4acf-8c7b-d087bcff3bb6
status: test
description: |
    Detects suspicious processes based on name and location that access the windows credential manager and vault.
    Which can be a sign of credential stealing. Example case would be usage of mimikatz "dpapi::cred" function
references:
    - https://hunter2.gitbook.io/darthsidious/privilege-escalation/mimikatz
    - https://www.absolomb.com/2018-01-26-Windows-Privilege-Escalation-Guide/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-11
modified: 2024-07-29
tags:
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.credential-access
logsource:
    category: file_access
    product: windows
    definition: 'Requirements: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-File ETW provider'
detection:
    selection:
        FileName|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\'
            - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Vault\'
            - '\ProgramData\Microsoft\Vault\'
    filter_system_folders:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
            - 'C:\Windows\system32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate software installed by the users for example in the "AppData" directory may access these files (for any reason).
# Increase level after false positives filters are good enough
level: medium

title: Esentutl Gather Credentials
id: 7df1713a-1a5b-4a4b-a071-dc83b144a101
status: test
description: Conti recommendation to its affiliates to use esentutl to access NTDS dumped file. Trickbot also uses this utilities to get MSEdge info via its module pwgrab.
references:
    - https://twitter.com/vxunderground/status/1423336151860002816
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2021/08/01/bazarcall-to-conti-ransomware-via-trickbot-and-cobalt-strike/
author: sam0x90
date: 2021-08-06
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.t1003.003
    - attack.s0404
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'esentutl'
            - ' /p'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - To be determined
level: medium

title: Shadow Copies Creation Using Operating Systems Utilities
id: b17ea6f7-6e90-447e-a799-e6c0a493d6ce
status: test
description: Shadow Copies creation using operating systems utilities, possible credential access
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
    - https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/tutorial-for-ntds-goodness-vssadmin-wmis-ntdsdit-system/
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, Daniil Yugoslavskiy, oscd.community
date: 2019-10-22
modified: 2022-11-10
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
              - '\wmic.exe'
              - '\vssadmin.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'pwsh.dll'
              - 'wmic.exe'
              - 'VSSADMIN.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'shadow'
            - 'create'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administrator working with shadow copies, access for backup purposes
level: medium

title: Loaded Module Enumeration Via Tasklist.EXE
id: 34275eb8-fa19-436b-b959-3d9ecd53fa1f
status: test
description: |
    Detects the enumeration of a specific DLL or EXE being used by a binary via "tasklist.exe".
    This is often used by attackers in order to find the specific process identifier (PID) that is using the DLL in question.
    In order to dump the process memory or perform other nefarious actions.
references:
    - https://www.n00py.io/2021/05/dumping-plaintext-rdp-credentials-from-svchost-exe/
    - https://pentestlab.blog/tag/svchost/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2024-02-12
modified: 2024-03-13
tags:
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.credential-access
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\tasklist.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'tasklist.exe'
    selection_flags:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '-m'
    selection_module:
        # Note: add other interesting modules or binaries
        CommandLine|contains: 'rdpcorets.dll'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Capture Credentials with Rpcping.exe
id: 93671f99-04eb-4ab4-a161-70d446a84003
status: test
description: Detects using Rpcping.exe to send a RPC test connection to the target server (-s) and force the NTLM hash to be sent in the process.
references:
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Rpcping/
    - https://twitter.com/vysecurity/status/974806438316072960
    - https://twitter.com/vysecurity/status/873181705024266241
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/hh875578(v=ws.11)
author: Julia Fomina, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-09
modified: 2025-10-31
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_main_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\RpcPing.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: '\RpcPing.exe'
    selection_main_flag:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '-s'
    selection_cli_ntlm:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '-u'
        CommandLine|contains: 'NTLM'
    selection_cli_ncacn:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '-t'
        CommandLine|contains: 'ncacn_np'
    condition: all of selection_main_* and 1 of selection_cli_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: medium

title: File Access Of Signal Desktop Sensitive Data
id: 5d6c375a-18ae-4952-b4f6-8b803f6c8555
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects access to Signal Desktop's sensitive data files: db.sqlite and config.json.
    The db.sqlite file in Signal Desktop stores all locally saved messages in an encrypted SQLite database, while the config.json contains the decryption key needed to access that data.
    Since the key is stored in plain text, a threat actor who gains access to both files can decrypt and read sensitive messages without needing the users credentials.
    Currently the rule only covers the default Signal installation path in AppData\Roaming. Signal Portable installations may use different paths based on user configuration. Additional paths can be added to the selection as needed.
references:
    - https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/russia-targeting-signal-messenger/
    - https://vmois.dev/query-signal-desktop-messages-sqlite/
author: Andreas Braathen (mnemonic.io)
date: 2025-10-19
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: 'Requirements: System Access Control List (SACL) policy with attributes List folder/read data on Objects'
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4663
        ObjectType: 'File'
        ObjectName|contains: '\AppData\Roaming\Signal\'
        ObjectName|endswith:
            - '\config.json'
            - '\db.sqlite'
    filter_main_signal:
        ProcessName|endswith:
            - '\signal-portable.exe'
            - '\signal.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely, but possible from AV or backup software accessing the files.
level: medium

title: Potential Credential Dumping Attempt Using New NetworkProvider - REG
id: 0442defa-b4a2-41c9-ae2c-ea7042fc4701
related:
    - id: baef1ec6-2ca9-47a3-97cc-4cf2bda10b77
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects when an attacker tries to add a new network provider in order to dump clear text credentials, similar to how the NPPSpy tool does it
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/setup-upgrade-and-drivers/network-provider-settings-removed-in-place-upgrade
    - https://github.com/gtworek/PSBits/tree/master/PasswordStealing/NPPSpy
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-23
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains|all:
            - '\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\'
            - '\NetworkProvider'
    filter:
        TargetObject|contains:
            - '\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WebClient\NetworkProvider'
            - '\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\NetworkProvider'
            - '\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\RDPNP\NetworkProvider'
            # - '\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\P9NP\NetworkProvider' # Related to WSL remove the comment if you use WSL in your ENV
    filter_valid_procs:
        Image: C:\Windows\System32\poqexec.exe
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter*
falsepositives:
    - Other legitimate network providers used and not filtred in this rule
level: medium

title: ADFS Database Named Pipe Connection By Uncommon Tool
id: 1ea13e8c-03ea-409b-877d-ce5c3d2c1cb3
status: test
description: |
    Detects suspicious local connections via a named pipe to the AD FS configuration database (Windows Internal Database).
    Used to access information such as the AD FS configuration settings which contains sensitive information used to sign SAML tokens.
references:
    - https://github.com/Azure/Azure-Sentinel/blob/f99542b94afe0ad2f19a82cc08262e7ac8e1428e/Detections/SecurityEvent/ADFSDBNamedPipeConnection.yaml
    - https://o365blog.com/post/adfs/
    - https://github.com/Azure/SimuLand
author: Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g
date: 2021-10-08
modified: 2023-11-30
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.t1005
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: '\MICROSOFT##WID\tsql\query'
    filter_main_generic:
        Image|endswith:
            - ':\Windows\System32\mmc.exe'
            - ':\Windows\system32\svchost.exe'
            - ':\Windows\System32\wsmprovhost.exe'
            - ':\Windows\SysWOW64\mmc.exe'
            - ':\Windows\SysWOW64\wsmprovhost.exe'
            - ':\Windows\WID\Binn\sqlwriter.exe'
            - '\AzureADConnect.exe'
            - '\Microsoft.Identity.Health.Adfs.PshSurrogate.exe'
            - '\Microsoft.IdentityServer.ServiceHost.exe'
            - '\Microsoft.Tri.Sensor.exe'
            - '\sqlservr.exe'
            - '\tssdis.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Esentutl Steals Browser Information
id: 6a69f62d-ce75-4b57-8dce-6351eb55b362
status: test
description: One way Qbot steals sensitive information is by extracting browser data from Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge by using the built-in utility esentutl.exe
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2022/02/07/qbot-likes-to-move-it-move-it/
    - https://redcanary.com/threat-detection-report/threats/qbot/
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2022/10/31/follina-exploit-leads-to-domain-compromise/
author: frack113
date: 2022-02-13
modified: 2024-03-05
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.t1005
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\esentutl.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'esentutl.exe'
    selection_flag:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '-r'
    selection_webcache:
        CommandLine|contains: '\Windows\WebCache'
    condition: all of selection*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use
level: medium

title: Veeam Backup Database Suspicious Query
id: 696bfb54-227e-4602-ac5b-30d9d2053312
status: test
description: Detects potentially suspicious SQL queries using SQLCmd targeting the Veeam backup databases in order to steal information.
references:
    - https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/fin7-target-veeam-servers
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-04
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.t1005
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_sql:
        Image|endswith: '\sqlcmd.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'VeeamBackup'
            - 'From '
    selection_db:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'BackupRepositories'
            - 'Backups'
            - 'Credentials'
            - 'HostCreds'
            - 'SmbFileShares'
            - 'Ssh_creds'
            - 'VSphereInfo'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Crash Dump Created By Operating System
id: 882fbe50-d8d7-4e29-ae80-0648a8556866
related:
    - id: 2ff692c2-4594-41ec-8fcb-46587de769e0
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: Detects "BugCheck" errors indicating the system rebooted due to a crash, capturing the bugcheck code, dump file path, and report ID.
references:
    - https://www.sans.edu/cyber-research/from-crash-compromise-unlocking-potential-windows-crash-dumps-offensive-security/
    - https://jasonmull.com/articles/offensive/2025-05-12-windows-crash-dumps-offensive-security/
author: Jason Mull
date: 2025-05-12
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.collection
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: system
detection:
    selection:
        Provider_Name: 'Microsoft-Windows-WER-SystemErrorReporting'
        EventID: 1001
    condition: selection
level: medium

title: SCM Database Handle Failure
id: 13addce7-47b2-4ca0-a98f-1de964d1d669
status: test
description: Detects non-system users failing to get a handle of the SCM database.
references:
    - https://threathunterplaybook.com/hunts/windows/190826-RemoteSCMHandle/notebook.html
author: Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g
date: 2019-08-12
modified: 2022-07-11
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1010
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4656
        ObjectType: 'SC_MANAGER OBJECT'
        ObjectName: 'ServicesActive'
        AccessMask: '0xf003f'  # is used in the reference; otherwise too many FPs
        # Keywords: 'Audit Failure' <-> in the ref 'Keywords':-9214364837600034816
    filter:
        SubjectLogonId: '0x3e4'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
# triggering on many hosts in some environments
level: medium

title: Suspicious Network Connection to IP Lookup Service APIs
id: edf3485d-dac4-4d50-90e4-b0e5813f7e60
related:
    - id: ec82e2a5-81ea-4211-a1f8-37a0286df2c2
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects external IP address lookups by non-browser processes via services such as "api.ipify.org". This could be indicative of potential post compromise internet test activity.
references:
    - https://github.com/rsp/scripts/blob/c8bb272d68164a9836e4f273d8f924927f39b8c6/externalip-benchmark.md
    - https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-302a
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2022/11/28/emotet-strikes-again-lnk-file-leads-to-domain-wide-ransomware/
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/23/e/managed-xdr-investigation-of-ducktail-in-trend-micro-vision-one.html
author: Janantha Marasinghe, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-04-24
modified: 2024-03-22
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1016
logsource:
    category: network_connection
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - DestinationHostname:
              - 'www.ip.cn'
              - 'l2.io'
        - DestinationHostname|contains:
              - 'api.2ip.ua'
              - 'api.bigdatacloud.net'
              - 'api.ipify.org'
              - 'bot.whatismyipaddress.com'
              - 'canireachthe.net'
              - 'checkip.amazonaws.com'
              - 'checkip.dyndns.org'
              - 'curlmyip.com'
              - 'db-ip.com'
              - 'edns.ip-api.com'
              - 'eth0.me'
              - 'freegeoip.app'
              - 'geoipy.com'
              - 'getip.pro'
              - 'icanhazip.com'
              - 'ident.me'
              - 'ifconfig.io'
              - 'ifconfig.me'
              - 'ip-api.com'
              - 'ip.360.cn'
              - 'ip.anysrc.net'
              - 'ip.taobao.com'
              - 'ip.tyk.nu'
              - 'ipaddressworld.com'
              - 'ipapi.co'
              - 'ipconfig.io'
              - 'ipecho.net'
              - 'ipinfo.io'
              - 'ipip.net'
              - 'ipof.in'
              - 'ipv4.icanhazip.com'
              - 'ipv4bot.whatismyipaddress.com'
              - 'ipv6-test.com'
              - 'ipwho.is'
              - 'jsonip.com'
              - 'myexternalip.com'
              - 'seeip.org'
              - 'wgetip.com'
              - 'whatismyip.akamai.com'
              - 'whois.pconline.com.cn'
              - 'wtfismyip.com'
    filter_optional_brave:
        Image|endswith: '\brave.exe'
    filter_optional_chrome:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe'
    filter_optional_firefox:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe'
    filter_optional_ie:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe'
    filter_optional_maxthon:
        Image|endswith: '\maxthon.exe'
    filter_optional_edge_1:
        - Image|startswith: 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\Application\'
        - Image|endswith: '\WindowsApps\MicrosoftEdge.exe'
        - Image:
              - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe'
              - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe'
    filter_optional_edge_2:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeCore\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeCore\'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\msedge.exe'
            - '\msedgewebview2.exe'
    filter_optional_opera:
        Image|endswith: '\opera.exe'
    filter_optional_safari:
        Image|endswith: '\safari.exe'
    filter_optional_seamonkey:
        Image|endswith: '\seamonkey.exe'
    filter_optional_vivaldi:
        Image|endswith: '\vivaldi.exe'
    filter_optional_whale:
        Image|endswith: '\whale.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of the external websites for troubleshooting or network monitoring
level: medium

title: Potential Recon Activity Via Nltest.EXE
id: 5cc90652-4cbd-4241-aa3b-4b462fa5a248
related:
    - id: 410ad193-a728-4107-bc79-4419789fcbf8
      type: similar
    - id: 903076ff-f442-475a-b667-4f246bcc203b
      type: similar
    - id: 77815820-246c-47b8-9741-e0def3f57308
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects nltest commands that can be used for information discovery
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/cc731935(v=ws.11)
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2021/08/16/trickbot-leads-up-to-fake-1password-installation/
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2020/10/18/ryuk-in-5-hours/
    - https://book.hacktricks.xyz/windows/basic-cmd-for-pentesters
    - https://research.nccgroup.com/2022/08/19/back-in-black-unlocking-a-lockbit-3-0-ransomware-attack/
    - https://eqllib.readthedocs.io/en/latest/analytics/03e231a6-74bc-467a-acb1-e5676b0fb55e.html
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/how-one-hospital-thwarted-a-ryuk-ransomware-outbreak/
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/5360c9d9ffa3b25f6495f7a16e267b719eba2c37/atomics/T1482/T1482.md#atomic-test-2---windows---discover-domain-trusts-with-nltest
author: Craig Young, oscd.community, Georg Lauenstein
date: 2021-07-24
modified: 2023-12-15
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1016
    - attack.t1482
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_nltest:
        - Image|endswith: '\nltest.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'nltestrk.exe'
    selection_recon:
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - 'server'
              - 'query'
        - CommandLine|contains:
              - '/user'
              - 'all_trusts' # Flag for /domain_trusts
              - 'dclist:'
              - 'dnsgetdc:'
              - 'domain_trusts'
              - 'dsgetdc:'
              - 'parentdomain'
              - 'trusted_domains'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administration use but user and host must be investigated
level: medium

title: Github Repository/Organization Transferred
id: 04ad83ef-1a37-4c10-b57a-81092164bf33
status: test
description: Detects when a repository or an organization is being transferred to another location.
references:
    - https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/creating-and-managing-repositories/transferring-a-repository
    - https://docs.github.com/en/organizations/managing-organization-settings/transferring-organization-ownership
    - https://docs.github.com/en/migrations
    - https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud@latest/admin/monitoring-activity-in-your-enterprise/reviewing-audit-logs-for-your-enterprise/audit-log-events-for-your-enterprise#migration
author: Romain Gaillard (@romain-gaillard)
date: 2024-07-29
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.exfiltration
    - attack.t1020
    - attack.t1537
logsource:
    product: github
    service: audit
    definition: 'Requirements: The audit log streaming feature must be enabled to be able to receive such logs. You can enable following the documentation here: https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud@latest/admin/monitoring-activity-in-your-enterprise/reviewing-audit-logs-for-your-enterprise/streaming-the-audit-log-for-your-enterprise#setting-up-audit-log-streaming'
detection:
    selection:
        action:
            - 'migration.create' # A migration file was created for transferring data from a source location (such as a GitHub.com organization or a GitHub Enterprise Server instance) to a target GitHub Enterprise Server instance.
            - 'org.transfer_outgoing' # An organization was transferred between enterprise accounts.
            - 'org.transfer' # An organization was transferred between enterprise accounts.
            - 'repo.transfer_outgoing' # A repository was transferred to another repository network.
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Allowed administrative activities.
level: medium

title: Github Fork Private Repositories Setting Enabled/Cleared
id: 69b3bd1e-b38a-462f-9a23-fbdbf63d2294
status: test
description: |
    Detects when the policy allowing forks of private and internal repositories is changed (enabled or cleared).
references:
    - https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud@latest/admin/monitoring-activity-in-your-enterprise/reviewing-audit-logs-for-your-enterprise/audit-log-events-for-your-enterprise#private_repository_forking
author: Romain Gaillard (@romain-gaillard)
date: 2024-07-29
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.exfiltration
    - attack.t1020
    - attack.t1537
logsource:
    product: github
    service: audit
    definition: 'Requirements: The audit log streaming feature must be enabled to be able to receive such logs. You can enable following the documentation here: https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud@latest/admin/monitoring-activity-in-your-enterprise/reviewing-audit-logs-for-your-enterprise/streaming-the-audit-log-for-your-enterprise#setting-up-audit-log-streaming'
detection:
    selection:
        action:
            - 'private_repository_forking.clear' # An enterprise owner cleared the policy setting for allowing forks of private and internal repositories, for a repository, organization or enterprise.
            - 'private_repository_forking.enable' # An enterprise owner enabled the policy setting for allowing forks of private and internal repositories, for a repository, organization or enterprise. Private and internal repositories are always allowed to be forked.
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Allowed administrative activities.
level: medium

title: AWS RDS Master Password Change
id: 8a63cdd4-6207-414a-85bc-7e032bd3c1a2
status: test
description: Detects the change of database master password. It may be a part of data exfiltration.
references:
    - https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu/blob/866376cd711666c775bbfcde0524c817f2c5b181/pacu/modules/rds__explore_snapshots/main.py
author: faloker
date: 2020-02-12
modified: 2022-10-05
tags:
    - attack.exfiltration
    - attack.t1020
logsource:
    product: aws
    service: cloudtrail
detection:
    selection_source:
        eventSource: rds.amazonaws.com
        responseElements.pendingModifiedValues.masterUserPassword|contains: '*'
        eventName: ModifyDBInstance
    condition: selection_source
falsepositives:
    - Benign changes to a db instance
level: medium

title: PowerShell Script With File Hostname Resolving Capabilities
id: fbc5e92f-3044-4e73-a5c6-1c4359b539de
status: test
description: Detects PowerShell scripts that have capabilities to read files, loop through them and resolve DNS host entries.
references:
    - https://www.fortypoundhead.com/showcontent.asp?artid=24022
    - https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/fin7-target-veeam-servers
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-05
tags:
    - attack.exfiltration
    - attack.t1020
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: bade5735-5ab0-4aa7-a642-a11be0e40872
detection:
    selection:
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - 'Get-content '
            - 'foreach'
            - '[System.Net.Dns]::GetHostEntry'
            - 'Out-File'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - The same functionality can be implemented by admin scripts, correlate with name and creator
level: medium

title: Invoke-Obfuscation COMPRESS OBFUSCATION - PowerShell Module
id: 7034cbbb-cc55-4dc2-8dad-36c0b942e8f1
related:
    - id: 20e5497e-331c-4cd5-8d36-935f6e2a9a07
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via COMPRESS OBFUSCATION
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 19)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_module
    definition: 0ad03ef1-f21b-4a79-8ce8-e6900c54b65b
detection:
    selection_4103:
        Payload|contains|all:
            - 'new-object'
            - 'text.encoding]::ascii'
        Payload|contains:
            - 'system.io.compression.deflatestream'
            - 'system.io.streamreader'
        Payload|endswith: 'readtoend'
    condition: selection_4103
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Invoke-Obfuscation RUNDLL LAUNCHER - PowerShell Module
id: a23791fe-8846-485a-b16b-ca691e1b03d4
related:
    - id: e6cb92b4-b470-4eb8-8a9d-d63e8583aae0
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via RUNDLL LAUNCHER
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 23)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_module
    definition: 0ad03ef1-f21b-4a79-8ce8-e6900c54b65b
detection:
    selection_4103:
        Payload|contains|all:
            - 'rundll32.exe'
            - 'shell32.dll'
            - 'shellexec_rundll'
            - 'powershell'
    condition: selection_4103
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Invoke-Obfuscation RUNDLL LAUNCHER - PowerShell
id: e6cb92b4-b470-4eb8-8a9d-d63e8583aae0
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via RUNDLL LAUNCHER
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 23)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection_4104:
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - 'rundll32.exe'
            - 'shell32.dll'
            - 'shellexec_rundll'
            - 'powershell'
    condition: selection_4104
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Invoke-Obfuscation COMPRESS OBFUSCATION - PowerShell
id: 20e5497e-331c-4cd5-8d36-935f6e2a9a07
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via COMPRESS OBFUSCATION
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 19)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection_4104:
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - 'new-object'
            - 'text.encoding]::ascii'
        ScriptBlockText|contains:
            - 'system.io.compression.deflatestream'
            - 'system.io.streamreader'
        ScriptBlockText|endswith: 'readtoend'
    condition: selection_4104
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: PUA - Potential PE Metadata Tamper Using Rcedit
id: 0c92f2e6-f08f-4b73-9216-ecb0ca634689
status: test
description: Detects the use of rcedit to potentially alter executable PE metadata properties, which could conceal efforts to rename system utilities for defense evasion.
references:
    - https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/210843/is-it-possible-to-change-original-filename-of-an-exe
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/02e8e8c5d430d8b768980f517b62d7792d690982b9ba0f7e04163cbc1a6e7915
    - https://github.com/electron/rcedit
author: Micah Babinski
date: 2022-12-11
modified: 2023-03-05
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036.003
    - attack.t1036
    - attack.t1027.005
    - attack.t1027
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\rcedit-x64.exe'
              - '\rcedit-x86.exe'
        - Description: 'Edit resources of exe'
        - Product: 'rcedit'
    selection_flags:
        CommandLine|contains: '--set-' # Covers multiple edit commands such as "--set-resource-string" or "--set-version-string"
    selection_attributes:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'OriginalFileName'
            - 'CompanyName'
            - 'FileDescription'
            - 'ProductName'
            - 'ProductVersion'
            - 'LegalCopyright'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of the tool by administrators or users to update metadata of a binary
level: medium

title: Certificate Exported Via Certutil.EXE
id: 3ffd6f51-e6c1-47b7-94b4-c1e61d4117c5
status: test
description: Detects the execution of the certutil with the "exportPFX" flag which allows the utility to export certificates.
references:
    - https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/a-golden-saml-journey-solarwinds-continued.html
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Jonhnathan Ribeiro, oscd.community, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-15
modified: 2024-03-05
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\certutil.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'CertUtil.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '-exportPFX '
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - There legitimate reasons to export certificates. Investigate the activity to determine if it's benign
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_certutil_export_pfx/info.yml

title: Suspicious XOR Encoded PowerShell Command
id: bb780e0c-16cf-4383-8383-1e5471db6cf9
related:
    - id: 5b572dcf-254b-425c-a8c5-d9af6bea35a6
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects presence of a potentially xor encoded powershell command
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-powershell-abuse?slide=65
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/yellow-cockatoo/
    - https://zero2auto.com/2020/05/19/netwalker-re/
    - https://mez0.cc/posts/cobaltstrike-powershell-exec/
author: Sami Ruohonen, Harish Segar, Tim Shelton, Teymur Kheirkhabarov, Vasiliy Burov, oscd.community, Nasreddine Bencherchali
date: 2018-09-05
modified: 2023-01-30
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.t1140
    - attack.t1027
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'pwsh.dll'
        - Description: 'Windows PowerShell'
        - Product: 'PowerShell Core 6'
    selection_cli_xor:
        CommandLine|contains: 'bxor'
    selection_cli_other:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'ForEach'
            - 'for('
            - 'for '
            - '-join '
            - "-join'"
            - '-join"'
            - '-join`'
            - '::Join'
            - '[char]'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Suspicious Download Via Certutil.EXE
id: 19b08b1c-861d-4e75-a1ef-ea0c1baf202b
related:
    - id: 13e6fe51-d478-4c7e-b0f2-6da9b400a829
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects the execution of certutil with certain flags that allow the utility to download files.
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/certutil
    - https://forensicitguy.github.io/agenttesla-vba-certutil-download/
    - https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2021/04/13/compromised-exchange-server-hosting-cryptojacker-targeting-other-exchange-servers/
    - https://twitter.com/egre55/status/1087685529016193025
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Certutil/
    - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2020/08/23/certutil-one-more-gui-lolbin
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Jonhnathan Ribeiro, oscd.community, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-15
modified: 2025-12-01
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1105
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\certutil.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'CertUtil.exe'
    selection_flags:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'urlcache '
            - 'verifyctl '
            - 'URL '
    selection_http:
        CommandLine|contains: 'http'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_certutil_download/info.yml

title: Invoke-Obfuscation COMPRESS OBFUSCATION
id: 7eedcc9d-9fdb-4d94-9c54-474e8affc0c7
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via COMPRESS OBFUSCATION
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 19)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-12-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'new-object'
            - 'text.encoding]::ascii'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'system.io.compression.deflatestream'
            - 'system.io.streamreader'
            - 'readtoend('
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: File Encoded To Base64 Via Certutil.EXE
id: e62a9f0c-ca1e-46b2-85d5-a6da77f86d1a
status: test
description: Detects the execution of certutil with the "encode" flag to encode a file to base64. This can be abused by threat actors and attackers for data exfiltration
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/certutil
    - https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-babyshark-malware-targets-u-s-national-security-think-tanks/
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Certutil/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Jonhnathan Ribeiro, oscd.community, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-02-24
modified: 2024-03-05
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\certutil.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'CertUtil.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '-encode'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - As this is a general purpose rule, legitimate usage of the encode functionality will trigger some false positives. Apply additional filters accordingly
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_certutil_encode/info.yml

title: ConvertTo-SecureString Cmdlet Usage Via CommandLine
id: 74403157-20f5-415d-89a7-c505779585cf
status: test
description: Detects usage of the "ConvertTo-SecureString" cmdlet via the commandline. Which is fairly uncommon and could indicate potential suspicious activity
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-powershell-abuse?slide=65
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/convertto-securestring?view=powershell-7.3#examples
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov (idea), Vasiliy Burov (rule), oscd.community, Tim Shelton
date: 2020-10-11
modified: 2023-02-01
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'pwsh.dll'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains: 'ConvertTo-SecureString'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use to pass password to different powershell commands
level: medium

title: Invoke-Obfuscation RUNDLL LAUNCHER - Security
id: f241cf1b-3a6b-4e1a-b4f9-133c00dd95ca
related:
    - id: 11b52f18-aaec-4d60-9143-5dd8cc4706b9
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via RUNDLL LAUNCHER
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 23)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: The 'System Security Extension' audit subcategory need to be enabled to log the EID 4697
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4697
        ServiceFileName|contains|all:
            - 'rundll32.exe'
            - 'shell32.dll'
            - 'shellexec_rundll'
            - 'powershell'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Password Protected ZIP File Opened
id: 00ba9da1-b510-4f6b-b258-8d338836180f
status: test
description: Detects the extraction of password protected ZIP archives. See the filename variable for more details on which file has been opened.
references:
    - https://twitter.com/sbousseaden/status/1523383197513379841
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-05-09
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 5379
        TargetName|contains: 'Microsoft_Windows_Shell_ZipFolder:filename'
    filter:  # avoid overlaps with 54f0434b-726f-48a1-b2aa-067df14516e4
        TargetName|contains: '\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate used of encrypted ZIP files
level: medium

title: Invoke-Obfuscation COMPRESS OBFUSCATION - Security
id: 7a922f1b-2635-4d6c-91ef-af228b198ad3
related:
    - id: 175997c5-803c-4b08-8bb0-70b099f47595
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via COMPRESS OBFUSCATION
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 19)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: The 'System Security Extension' audit subcategory need to be enabled to log the EID 4697
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4697
        ServiceFileName|contains|all:
            - 'new-object'
            - 'text.encoding]::ascii'
            - 'readtoend'
        ServiceFileName|contains:
            - 'system.io.compression.deflatestream'
            - 'system.io.streamreader'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Invoke-Obfuscation RUNDLL LAUNCHER - System
id: 11b52f18-aaec-4d60-9143-5dd8cc4706b9
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via RUNDLL LAUNCHER
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 23)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: system
detection:
    selection:
        Provider_Name: 'Service Control Manager'
        EventID: 7045
        ImagePath|contains|all:
            - 'rundll32.exe'
            - 'shell32.dll'
            - 'shellexec_rundll'
            - 'powershell'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Invoke-Obfuscation COMPRESS OBFUSCATION - System
id: 175997c5-803c-4b08-8bb0-70b099f47595
status: test
description: Detects Obfuscated Powershell via COMPRESS OBFUSCATION
references:
    - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009 # (Task 19)
author: Timur Zinniatullin, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-18
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: system
detection:
    selection:
        Provider_Name: 'Service Control Manager'
        EventID: 7045
        ImagePath|contains|all:
            - 'new-object'
            - 'text.encoding]::ascii'
            - 'readtoend'
        ImagePath|contains:
            - ':system.io.compression.deflatestream'
            - 'system.io.streamreader'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Potential Secure Deletion with SDelete
id: 39a80702-d7ca-4a83-b776-525b1f86a36d
status: test
description: Detects files that have extensions commonly seen while SDelete is used to wipe files.
references:
    - https://jpcertcc.github.io/ToolAnalysisResultSheet/details/sdelete.htm
    - https://www.jpcert.or.jp/english/pub/sr/ir_research.html
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/sysinternals/downloads/sdelete
author: Thomas Patzke
date: 2017-06-14
modified: 2024-12-13
tags:
    - attack.impact
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1070.004
    - attack.t1027.005
    - attack.t1485
    - attack.t1553.002
    - attack.s0195
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        EventID:
            - 4656
            - 4663
            - 4658
        ObjectName|endswith:
            - '.AAA'
            - '.ZZZ'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate usage of SDelete
    - Files that are interacted with that have these extensions legitimately
level: medium

title: ESXi Storage Information Discovery Via ESXCLI
id: f41dada5-3f56-4232-8503-3fb7f9cf2d60
status: test
description: Detects execution of the "esxcli" command with the "storage" flag in order to retrieve information about the storage status and other related information. Seen used by malware such as DarkSide and LockBit.
references:
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/21/e/darkside-linux-vms-targeted.html
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/a/analysis-and-Impact-of-lockbit-ransomwares-first-linux-and-vmware-esxi-variant.html
    - https://developer.broadcom.com/xapis/esxcli-command-reference/7.0.0/namespace/esxcli_storage.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Cedric Maurugeon
date: 2023-09-04
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1033
    - attack.t1007
    - attack.t1059.012
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith: '/esxcli'
        CommandLine|contains: 'storage'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' get'
            - ' list'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administration activities
# Note: level can be reduced to low in some envs
level: medium

title: ESXi Network Configuration Discovery Via ESXCLI
id: 33e814e0-1f00-4e43-9c34-31fb7ae2b174
status: test
description: Detects execution of the "esxcli" command with the "network" flag in order to retrieve information about the network configuration.
references:
    - https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/
    - https://developer.broadcom.com/xapis/esxcli-command-reference/7.0.0/namespace/esxcli_network.html
author: Cedric Maurugeon
date: 2023-09-04
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1033
    - attack.t1007
    - attack.t1059.012
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith: '/esxcli'
        CommandLine|contains: 'network'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' get'
            - ' list'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administration activities
# Note: level can be reduced to low in some envs
level: medium

title: ESXi VSAN Information Discovery Via ESXCLI
id: d54c2f06-aca9-4e2b-81c9-5317858f4b79
status: test
description: Detects execution of the "esxcli" command with the "vsan" flag in order to retrieve information about virtual storage. Seen used by malware such as DarkSide.
references:
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/21/e/darkside-linux-vms-targeted.html
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/a/analysis-and-Impact-of-lockbit-ransomwares-first-linux-and-vmware-esxi-variant.html
    - https://developer.broadcom.com/xapis/esxcli-command-reference/7.0.0/namespace/esxcli_vsan.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Cedric Maurugeon
date: 2023-09-04
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1033
    - attack.t1007
    - attack.t1059.012
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith: '/esxcli'
        CommandLine|contains: 'vsan'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' get'
            - ' list'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administration activities
# Note: level can be reduced to low in some envs
level: medium

title: ESXi System Information Discovery Via ESXCLI
id: e80273e1-9faf-40bc-bd85-dbaff104c4e9
status: test
description: Detects execution of the "esxcli" command with the "system" flag in order to retrieve information about the different component of the system. Such as accounts, modules, NTP, etc.
references:
    - https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/
    - https://developer.broadcom.com/xapis/esxcli-command-reference/7.0.0/namespace/esxcli_system.html
author: Cedric Maurugeon
date: 2023-09-04
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1033
    - attack.t1007
    - attack.t1059.012
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith: '/esxcli'
        CommandLine|contains: 'system'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' get'
            - ' list'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administration activities
level: medium

title: ESXi VM List Discovery Via ESXCLI
id: 5f1573a7-363b-4114-9208-ad7a61de46eb
status: test
description: Detects execution of the "esxcli" command with the "vm" flag in order to retrieve information about the installed VMs.
references:
    - https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/
    - https://developer.broadcom.com/xapis/esxcli-command-reference/7.0.0/namespace/esxcli_vm.html
    - https://www.secuinfra.com/en/techtalk/hide-your-hypervisor-analysis-of-esxiargs-ransomware/
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/e/new-linux-based-ransomware-cheerscrypt-targets-exsi-devices.html
author: Cedric Maurugeon
date: 2023-09-04
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1033
    - attack.t1007
    - attack.t1059.012
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '/esxcli'
        CommandLine|contains: 'vm process'
        CommandLine|endswith: ' list'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administration activities
level: medium

title: Computer Discovery And Export Via Get-ADComputer Cmdlet - PowerShell
id: db885529-903f-4c5d-9864-28fe199e6370
related:
    - id: 435e10e4-992a-4281-96f3-38b11106adde
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects usage of the Get-ADComputer cmdlet to collect computer information and output it to a file
references:
    - http://blog.talosintelligence.com/2022/09/lazarus-three-rats.html
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/10/18/defenders-beware-a-case-for-post-ransomware-investigations/
    - https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/sites/default/files/publications/aa22-320a_joint_csa_iranian_government-sponsored_apt_actors_compromise_federal%20network_deploy_crypto%20miner_credential_harvester.pdf
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-11-17
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1033
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection:
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - 'Get-ADComputer '
            - ' -Filter \*'
        ScriptBlockText|contains:
            - ' | Select '
            - 'Out-File'
            - 'Set-Content'
            - 'Add-Content'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate admin scripts may use the same technique, it's better to exclude specific computers or users who execute these commands or scripts often
level: medium

title: Get-ADUser Enumeration Using UserAccountControl Flags
id: 96c982fe-3d08-4df4-bed2-eb14e02f21c8
status: test
description: Detects AS-REP roasting is an attack that is often-overlooked. It is not very common as you have to explicitly set accounts that do not require pre-authentication.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1069.002/T1069.002.md#atomic-test-11---get-aduser-enumeration-using-useraccountcontrol-flags-as-rep-roasting
    - https://shellgeek.com/useraccountcontrol-flags-to-manipulate-properties/
author: frack113
date: 2022-03-17
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1033
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection:
        # 4194304 DONT_REQ_PREAUTH
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - 'Get-ADUser'
            - '-Filter'
            - 'useraccountcontrol'
            - '-band'
            - '4194304'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate PowerShell scripts
level: medium