title: Remote Schedule Task Lateral Movement via ITaskSchedulerService
id: ace3ff54-e7fd-46bd-8ea0-74b49a0aca1d
status: test
description: Detects remote RPC calls to create or execute a scheduled task
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-tsch/d1058a28-7e02-4948-8b8d-4a347fa64931
    - https://github.com/jsecurity101/MSRPC-to-ATTACK/blob/ddd4608fe8684fcf2fcf9b48c5f0b3c28097f8a3/documents/MS-TSCH.md
    - https://github.com/zeronetworks/rpcfirewall
    - https://zeronetworks.com/blog/stopping-lateral-movement-via-the-rpc-firewall/
author: Sagie Dulce, Dekel Paz
date: 2022-01-01
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.t1053
    - attack.t1053.002
logsource:
    product: rpc_firewall
    category: application
    definition: 'Requirements: install and apply the RPC Firewall to all processes with "audit:true action:block uuid:86d35949-83c9-4044-b424-db363231fd0c"'
detection:
    selection:
        EventLog: RPCFW
        EventID: 3
        InterfaceUuid: 86d35949-83c9-4044-b424-db363231fd0c
        OpNum:
            - 1
            - 3
            - 4
            - 10
            - 11
            - 12
            - 13
            - 14
            - 15
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Write to System32 Tasks
id: 80e1f67a-4596-4351-98f5-a9c3efabac95
status: test
description: Detects the creation of tasks from processes executed from suspicious locations
references:
    - Internal Research
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-11-16
modified: 2022-01-12
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1053
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|contains: '\Windows\System32\Tasks'
        Image|contains:
            - '\AppData\'
            - 'C:\PerfLogs'
            - '\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - CrackMapExec Execution
id: 42a993dd-bb3e-48c8-b372-4d6684c4106c
status: test
description: This rule detect common flag combinations used by CrackMapExec in order to detect its use even if the binary has been replaced.
references:
    - https://mpgn.gitbook.io/crackmapexec/smb-protocol/authentication/checking-credentials-local
    - https://www.mandiant.com/resources/telegram-malware-iranian-espionage
    - https://www.infosecmatter.com/crackmapexec-module-library/?cmem=mssql-mimikatz
    - https://www.infosecmatter.com/crackmapexec-module-library/?cmem=smb-pe_inject
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-25
modified: 2023-03-08
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1047
    - attack.t1053
    - attack.t1059.003
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.t1110
    - attack.t1201
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_binary:
        Image|endswith: '\crackmapexec.exe'
    selection_special:
        CommandLine|contains: ' -M pe_inject '
    selection_execute:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' --local-auth'
            - ' -u '
            - ' -x '
    selection_hash:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' --local-auth'
            - ' -u '
            - ' -p '
            - " -H 'NTHASH'"
    selection_module_mssql:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' mssql '
            - ' -u '
            - ' -p '
            - ' -M '
            - ' -d '
    selection_module_smb1:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' smb '
            - ' -u '
            - ' -H '
            - ' -M '
            - ' -o '
    selection_module_smb2:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' smb '
            - ' -u '
            - ' -p '
            - ' --local-auth'
    part_localauth_1:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' --local-auth'
            - ' -u '
            - ' -p '
    part_localauth_2:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' 10.'
            - ' 192.168.'
            - '/24 '
    condition: 1 of selection_* or all of part_localauth*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - SharPersist Execution
id: 26488ad0-f9fd-4536-876f-52fea846a2e4
status: test
description: Detects the execution of the hacktool SharPersist - used to deploy various different kinds of persistence mechanisms
references:
    - https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/sharpersist-windows-persistence-toolkit
    - https://github.com/mandiant/SharPersist
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-09-15
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\SharPersist.exe'
        - Product: 'SharPersist'
    selection_cli_1:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -t schtask -c '
            - ' -t startupfolder -c '
    selection_cli_2:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' -t reg -c '
            - ' -m add'
    selection_cli_3:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' -t service -c '
            - ' -m add'
    selection_cli_4:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' -t schtask -c '
            - ' -m add'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - CrackMapExec Execution Patterns
id: 058f4380-962d-40a5-afce-50207d36d7e2
status: stable
description: Detects various execution patterns of the CrackMapExec pentesting framework
references:
    - https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec
author: Thomas Patzke
date: 2020-05-22
modified: 2023-11-06
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1047
    - attack.t1053
    - attack.t1059.003
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.s0106
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains:
            # cme/protocols/smb/wmiexec.py (generalized execute_remote and execute_fileless)
            - 'cmd.exe /Q /c * 1> \\\\*\\*\\* 2>&1'
            # cme/protocols/smb/atexec.py:109 (fileless output via share)
            - 'cmd.exe /C * > \\\\*\\*\\* 2>&1'
            # cme/protocols/smb/atexec.py:111 (fileless output via share)
            - 'cmd.exe /C * > *\\Temp\\* 2>&1'
            # https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/blob/d8c50c8cbaf36c29329078662473f75e440978d2/cme/helpers/powershell.py#L136 (PowerShell execution with obfuscation)
            - 'powershell.exe -exec bypass -noni -nop -w 1 -C "'
            # https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/blob/d8c50c8cbaf36c29329078662473f75e440978d2/cme/helpers/powershell.py#L160 (PowerShell execution without obfuscation)
            - 'powershell.exe -noni -nop -w 1 -enc '
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Scheduled TaskCache Change by Uncommon Program
id: 4720b7df-40c3-48fd-bbdf-fd4b3c464f0d
status: test
description: Monitor the creation of a new key under 'TaskCache' when a new scheduled task is registered by a process that is not svchost.exe, which is suspicious
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2021/03/29/sodinokibi-aka-revil-ransomware/
    - https://labs.f-secure.com/blog/scheduled-task-tampering/
author: Syed Hasan (@syedhasan009)
date: 2021-06-18
modified: 2025-10-22
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: 'SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\'
    filter_main_empty:
        Details: '(Empty)'
    filter_main_null:
        Details: null
    filter_main_other:
        TargetObject|contains:
            - 'Microsoft\Windows\UpdateOrchestrator'
            - 'Microsoft\Windows\SoftwareProtectionPlatform\SvcRestartTask\Index'
            - 'Microsoft\Windows\Flighting\OneSettings\RefreshCache\Index'
    filter_main_mousocoreworker:
        Image|endswith: 'C:\Windows\System32\MoUsoCoreWorker.exe'
    filter_main_services:
        Image|endswith: 'C:\Windows\System32\services.exe'
    filter_main_tiworker:
        Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\'
        Image|endswith: '\TiWorker.exe'
    filter_main_svchost:
        Image: 'C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe'
    filter_main_ngen:
        Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework' # \Framework\ and \Framework64\
        Image|endswith: '\ngen.exe'
        TargetObject|contains:
            - '\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tasks\{B66B135D-DA06-4FC4-95F8-7458E1D10129}'
            - '\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\Microsoft\Windows\.NET Framework\.NET Framework NGEN'
    filter_main_office:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Integration\Integrator.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Integration\Integrator.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun\OfficeC2RClient.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun\OfficeC2RClient.exe'
    filter_main_msiexec:
        Image: 'C:\Windows\System32\msiexec.exe'
    filter_main_explorer:
        Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
        TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\Microsoft\Windows\PLA\Server Manager Performance Monitor\'
    filter_main_system:
        Image: 'System'
    filter_main_runtimebroker:
        Image: 'C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe'
    filter_optional_dropbox_updater:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Dropbox\Update\DropboxUpdate.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Dropbox\Update\DropboxUpdate.exe'
    filter_optional_edge:
        Image|endswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\MicrosoftEdgeUpdate.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\MicrosoftEdgeUpdate.exe'
    filter_optional_onedrive:
        Image|endswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Renamed Schtasks Execution
id: f91e51c9-f344-4b32-969b-0b6f6b8537d4
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the execution of renamed schtasks.exe binary, which is a legitimate Windows utility used for scheduling tasks.
    One of the very common persistence techniques is schedule malicious tasks using schtasks.exe.
    Since, it is heavily abused, it is also heavily monitored by security products. To evade detection, threat actors may rename the schtasks.exe binary to schedule their malicious tasks.
references:
    - https://x.com/JangPr0/status/1932034543026065833
    - https://ss64.com/nt/schtasks.html
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-11-27
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036.003
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_cmd_operation:
        CommandLine|contains|windash:
            - ' /create '
            - ' /delete '
            - ' /query '
            - ' /change '
            - ' /run '
            - ' /end '
    selection_cmd_flags:
        CommandLine|contains|windash:
            - ' /tn '
            - ' /tr '
            - ' /sc '
            - ' /st '
            - ' /ru '
            - ' /fo '
    selection_pe:
        OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
    filter_main_cmd:
        CommandLine|contains: 'schtasks'
    filter_main_img:
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
    condition: (all of selection_cmd_* and not filter_main_cmd) or (selection_pe and not filter_main_img)
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Schtasks Creation Or Modification With SYSTEM Privileges
id: 89ca78fd-b37c-4310-b3d3-81a023f83936
status: test
description: Detects the creation or update of a scheduled task to run with "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" privileges
references:
    - https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/exploring-the-qbot-attack-pattern
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/schtasks
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-28
modified: 2025-02-15
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_root:
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' /change '
            - ' /create '
    selection_run:
        CommandLine|contains: '/ru '
    selection_user:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'NT AUT' # This covers the usual NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
            - ' SYSTEM ' # SYSTEM is a valid value for schtasks hence it gets it's own value with space
    filter_optional_teamviewer:
        # FP from test set in SIGMA
        # Cannot use ParentImage on all OSes for 4688 events
        # ParentImage|contains|all:
        #     - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
        #     - 'TeamViewer_.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '/TN TVInstallRestore'
            - '\TeamViewer_.exe'
    filter_optional_office:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            # https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/office-15-subscription-heartbeat-task-created-on/43ab5e53-a9fb-47c6-8c14-44889974b9ff
            - 'Subscription Heartbeat'
            - '\HeartbeatConfig.xml'
            - '\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE'
    filter_optional_avira:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/Create /F /RU System /SC WEEKLY /TN AviraSystemSpeedupVerify /TR '
            - ':\Program Files (x86)\Avira\System Speedup\setup\avira_speedup_setup.exe'
            - '/VERIFY /VERYSILENT /NOSTART /NODOTNET /NORESTART" /RL HIGHEST'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Creation Involving Temp Folder
id: 39019a4e-317f-4ce3-ae63-309a8c6b53c5
status: test
description: Detects the creation of scheduled tasks that involves a temporary folder and runs only once
references:
    - https://discuss.elastic.co/t/detection-and-response-for-hafnium-activity/266289/3
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-03-11
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' /create '
            - ' /sc once '
            - '\Temp\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Administrative activity
    - Software installation
level: high

title: Scheduled Task Executing Encoded Payload from Registry
id: c4eeeeae-89f4-43a7-8b48-8d1bdfa66c78
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a schtask that potentially executes a base64 encoded payload stored in the Windows Registry using PowerShell.
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2022/02/21/qbot-and-zerologon-lead-to-full-domain-compromise/
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems), @Kostastsale, TheDFIRReport, X__Junior (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-12
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        # schtasks.exe /Create /F /TN "{97F2F70B-10D1-4447-A2F3-9B070C86E261}" /TR "cmd /c start /min \"\" powershell.exe -Command IEX([System.Text.Encoding]::ASCII.GetString([System.Convert]::FromBase64String((Get-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Pvoeooxf).yzbbvhhdypa))) " /SC MINUTE /MO 30
        - Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
    selection_cli_create:
        CommandLine|contains: '/Create'
    selection_cli_encoding:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'FromBase64String'
            - 'encodedcommand'
    selection_cli_get:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'Get-ItemProperty'
            - ' gp ' # Alias
    selection_cli_hive:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'HKCU:'
            - 'HKLM:'
            - 'registry::'
            - 'HKEY_'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via Powershell Search Order Hijacking - Task
id: b66474aa-bd92-4333-a16c-298155b120df
related:
    - id: 6e8811ee-90ba-441e-8486-5653e68b2299
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious powershell execution via a schedule task where the command ends with an suspicious flags to hide the powershell instance instead of executeing scripts or commands. This could be a sign of persistence via PowerShell "Get-Variable" technique as seen being used in Colibri Loader
references:
    - https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-intelligence/2022/04/colibri-loader-combines-task-scheduler-and-powershell-in-clever-persistence-technique/
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems), Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-04-08
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage: 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
            - '-k netsvcs'
            - '-s Schedule'
        CommandLine|endswith:
            - ' -windowstyle hidden'
            - ' -w hidden'
            - ' -ep bypass'
            - ' -noni'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Uncommon One Time Only Scheduled Task At 00:00
id: 970823b7-273b-460a-8afc-3a6811998529
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creation events that include suspicious actions, and is run once at 00:00
references:
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/ransomware-spotlight/ransomware-spotlight-blackbyte
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-15
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|contains: '\schtasks.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'wscript'
            - 'vbscript'
            - 'cscript'
            - 'wmic '
            - 'wmic.exe'
            - 'regsvr32.exe'
            - 'powershell'
            - '\AppData\'
    selection_time:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'once'
            - '00:00'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Software installation
level: high

title: Schtasks From Suspicious Folders
id: 8a8379b8-780b-4dbf-b1e9-31c8d112fefb
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creations that have suspicious action command and folder combinations
references:
    - https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/lazarus-dream-job-chemical
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-04-15
modified: 2022-11-18
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
    selection_create:
        CommandLine|contains: ' /create '
    selection_command:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'powershell'
            - 'pwsh'
            - 'cmd /c '
            - 'cmd /k '
            - 'cmd /r '
            - 'cmd.exe /c '
            - 'cmd.exe /k '
            - 'cmd.exe /r '
    selection_all_folders:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'C:\ProgramData\'
            - '%ProgramData%'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Schtasks Execution AppData Folder
id: c5c00f49-b3f9-45a6-997e-cfdecc6e1967
status: test
description: 'Detects the creation of a schtask that executes a file from C:\Users\<USER>\AppData\Local'
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2022/02/21/qbot-and-zerologon-lead-to-full-domain-compromise/
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-03-15
modified: 2022-07-28
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '/Create'
            - '/RU'
            - '/TR'
            - 'C:\Users\'
            - '\AppData\Local\'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'NT AUT' # This covers the usual NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
            - ' SYSTEM ' # SYSTEM is a valid value for schtasks hence it gets it's own value with space
    filter:
        # FP from test set in SIGMA
        ParentImage|contains|all:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - 'TeamViewer_.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '/TN TVInstallRestore'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Schtasks Schedule Types
id: 24c8392b-aa3c-46b7-a545-43f71657fe98
related:
    - id: 7a02e22e-b885-4404-b38b-1ddc7e65258a
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creations or modification on a suspicious schedule type
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/schtasks-change
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/schtasks-create
    - http://blog.talosintelligence.com/2022/09/lazarus-three-rats.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-09-09
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
    selection_time:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' ONLOGON '
            - ' ONSTART '
            - ' ONCE '
            - ' ONIDLE '
    filter_privs:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'NT AUT' # This covers the usual NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
            - ' SYSTEM' # SYSTEM is a valid value for schtasks hence it gets it's own value with space
            - 'HIGHEST'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate processes that run at logon. Filter according to your environment
level: high

title: Potential SSH Tunnel Persistence Install Using A Scheduled Task
id: 2daa93a0-a5fb-41c5-8cd8-3c11294bfd1f
status: experimental
description: Detects the creation of new scheduled tasks via commandline, using Schtasks.exe. This rule detects tasks creating that call OpenSSH, which may indicate the creation of reverse SSH tunnel to the attacker's server.
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2023/10/30/netsupport-intrusion-results-in-domain-compromise/
    - https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/cyber/cactus-ransomware-prickly-new-variant-evades-detection
author: Rory Duncan
date: 2025-07-14
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1053.005
    - attack.command-and-control
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
    selection_cli_sshd:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' /create '
            - 'sshd.exe'
            - '-f'
    selection_cli_ssh:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' /create '
            - 'ssh.exe'
            - '-i'
    condition: selection_img and 1 of selection_cli_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - Default PowerSploit/Empire Scheduled Task Creation
id: 56c217c3-2de2-479b-990f-5c109ba8458f
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a schtask via PowerSploit or Empire Default Configuration.
references:
    - https://github.com/0xdeadbeefJERKY/PowerSploit/blob/8690399ef70d2cad10213575ac67e8fa90ddf7c3/Persistence/Persistence.psm1
    - https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/08cbd274bef78243d7a8ed6443b8364acd1fc48b/lib/modules/powershell/persistence/userland/schtasks.py
author: Markus Neis, @Karneades
date: 2018-03-06
modified: 2023-03-03
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.s0111
    - attack.g0022
    - attack.g0060
    - car.2013-08-001
    - attack.t1053.005
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '/Create'
            - 'powershell.exe -NonI'
            - '/TN Updater /TR'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/SC ONLOGON'
            - '/SC DAILY /ST'
            - '/SC ONIDLE'
            - '/SC HOURLY'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious Command Patterns In Scheduled Task Creation
id: f2c64357-b1d2-41b7-849f-34d2682c0fad
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creation using "schtasks" that contain potentially suspicious or uncommon commands
references:
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/512c1352-6380-4436-b27d-bb62f0c020d6/
    - https://twitter.com/RedDrip7/status/1506480588827467785
    - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/static-assets/documents/malware-analysis-reports/devil-bait/NCSC-MAR-Devil-Bait.pdf
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-23
modified: 2024-03-19
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_schtasks:
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '/Create '
    selection_pattern_1:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/sc minute '
            - '/ru system '
    selection_pattern_2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'cmd /c'
            - 'cmd /k'
            - 'cmd /r'
            - 'cmd.exe /c '
            - 'cmd.exe /k '
            - 'cmd.exe /r '
    selection_uncommon:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -decode '
            - ' -enc '
            - ' -w hidden '
            - ' bypass '
            - ' IEX'
            - '.DownloadData'
            - '.DownloadFile'
            - '.DownloadString'
            - '/c start /min ' # https://twitter.com/RedDrip7/status/1506480588827467785
            - 'FromBase64String'
            - 'mshta http'
            - 'mshta.exe http'
    selection_anomaly_1:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ':\ProgramData\'
            - ':\Temp\'
            - ':\Tmp\'
            - ':\Users\Public\'
            - ':\Windows\Temp\'
            - '\AppData\'
            - '%AppData%'
            - '%Temp%'
            - '%tmp%'
    selection_anomaly_2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'cscript'
            - 'curl'
            - 'wscript'
    condition: selection_schtasks and ( all of selection_pattern_* or selection_uncommon or all of selection_anomaly_* )
falsepositives:
    - Software installers that run from temporary folders and also install scheduled tasks are expected to generate some false positives
level: high

title: Suspicious Modification Of Scheduled Tasks
id: 1c0e41cd-21bb-4433-9acc-4a2cd6367b9b
related:
    - id: 614cf376-6651-47c4-9dcc-6b9527f749f4 # Security-Audting Eventlog
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects when an attacker tries to modify an already existing scheduled tasks to run from a suspicious location
    Attackers can create a simple looking task in order to avoid detection on creation as it's often the most focused on
    Instead they modify the task after creation to include their malicious payload
references:
    - Internal Research
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/schtasks
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-28
modified: 2022-11-18
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_schtasks:
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' /Change '
            - ' /TN '
    selection_susp_locations:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - '\WINDOWS\Temp\'
            - '\Desktop\'
            - '\Downloads\'
            - '\Temporary Internet'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\'
            - 'C:\Perflogs\'
            - '%ProgramData%'
            - '%appdata%'
            - '%comspec%'
            - '%localappdata%'
    selection_susp_images:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'regsvr32'
            - 'rundll32'
            - 'cmd /c '
            - 'cmd /k '
            - 'cmd /r '
            - 'cmd.exe /c '
            - 'cmd.exe /k '
            - 'cmd.exe /r '
            - 'powershell'
            - 'mshta'
            - 'wscript'
            - 'cscript'
            - 'certutil'
            - 'bitsadmin'
            - 'bash.exe'
            - 'bash '
            - 'scrcons'
            - 'wmic '
            - 'wmic.exe'
            - 'forfiles'
            - 'scriptrunner'
            - 'hh.exe'
            - 'hh '
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Creation
id: 3a734d25-df5c-4b99-8034-af1ddb5883a4
status: test
description: Detects suspicious scheduled task creation events. Based on attributes such as paths, commands line flags, etc.
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4698
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-05
modified: 2022-12-07
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: 'The Advanced Audit Policy setting Object Access > Audit Other Object Access Events has to be configured to allow this detection. We also recommend extracting the Command field from the embedded XML in the event data.'
detection:
    selection_eid:
        EventID: 4698
    selection_paths:
        TaskContent|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - '\WINDOWS\Temp\'
            - 'C:\Temp\'
            - '\Desktop\'
            - '\Downloads\'
            - '\Temporary Internet'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\'
            - 'C:\Perflogs\'
    selection_commands:
        TaskContent|contains:
            - 'regsvr32'
            - 'rundll32'
            - 'cmd.exe</Command>'
            - 'cmd</Command>'
            - '<Arguments>/c '
            - '<Arguments>/k '
            - '<Arguments>/r '
            - 'powershell'
            - 'pwsh'
            - 'mshta'
            - 'wscript'
            - 'cscript'
            - 'certutil'
            - 'bitsadmin'
            - 'bash.exe'
            - 'bash '
            - 'scrcons'
            - 'wmic '
            - 'wmic.exe'
            - 'forfiles'
            - 'scriptrunner'
            - 'hh.exe'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Persistence and Execution at Scale via GPO Scheduled Task
id: a8f29a7b-b137-4446-80a0-b804272f3da2
status: test
description: Detect lateral movement using GPO scheduled task, usually used to deploy ransomware at scale
references:
    - https://twitter.com/menasec1/status/1106899890377052160
    - https://www.secureworks.com/blog/ransomware-as-a-distraction
    - https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/7.17/prebuilt-rule-0-16-1-scheduled-task-execution-at-scale-via-gpo.html
author: Samir Bousseaden
date: 2019-04-03
modified: 2024-09-04
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: 'The advanced audit policy setting "Object Access > Audit Detailed File Share" must be configured for Success/Failure'
detection:
    selection_5136:
        EventID: 5136
        AttributeLDAPDisplayName:
            - 'gPCMachineExtensionNames'
            - 'gPCUserExtensionNames'
        AttributeValue|contains:
            - 'CAB54552-DEEA-4691-817E-ED4A4D1AFC72'
            - 'AADCED64-746C-4633-A97C-D61349046527'
    selection_5145:
        EventID: 5145
        ShareName|endswith: '\SYSVOL' # looking for the string \\*\SYSVOL
        RelativeTargetName|endswith: 'ScheduledTasks.xml'
        AccessList|contains:
            - 'WriteData'
            - '%%4417'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - If the source IP is not localhost then it's super suspicious, better to monitor both local and remote changes to GPO scheduled tasks.
level: high

title: Suspicious Scheduled Task Update
id: 614cf376-6651-47c4-9dcc-6b9527f749f4
related:
    - id: 1c0e41cd-21bb-4433-9acc-4a2cd6367b9b # ProcCreation schtasks change
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects update to a scheduled task event that contain suspicious keywords.
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4698
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-05
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: 'The Advanced Audit Policy setting Object Access > Audit Other Object Access Events has to be configured to allow this detection. We also recommend extracting the Command field from the embedded XML in the event data.'
detection:
    selection_eid:
        EventID: 4702
    selection_paths:
        TaskContentNew|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - '\WINDOWS\Temp\'
            - 'C:\Temp\'
            - '\Desktop\'
            - '\Downloads\'
            - '\Temporary Internet'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\'
            - 'C:\Perflogs\'
    selection_commands:
        TaskContentNew|contains:
            - 'regsvr32'
            - 'rundll32'
            - 'cmd.exe</Command>'
            - 'cmd</Command>'
            - '<Arguments>/c '
            - '<Arguments>/k '
            - '<Arguments>/r '
            - 'powershell'
            - 'pwsh'
            - 'mshta'
            - 'wscript'
            - 'cscript'
            - 'certutil'
            - 'bitsadmin'
            - 'bash.exe'
            - 'bash '
            - 'scrcons'
            - 'wmic '
            - 'wmic.exe'
            - 'forfiles'
            - 'scriptrunner'
            - 'hh.exe'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Important Scheduled Task Deleted/Disabled
id: 7595ba94-cf3b-4471-aa03-4f6baa9e5fad
related:
    - id: dbc1f800-0fe0-4bc0-9c66-292c2abe3f78 # ProcCreation schtasks delete
      type: similar
    - id: 9ac94dc8-9042-493c-ba45-3b5e7c86b980 # ProcCreation schtasks disable
      type: similar
    - id: 9e3cb244-bdb8-4632-8c90-6079c8f4f16d # TaskScheduler EventLog
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects when adversaries stop services or processes by deleting or disabling their respective scheduled tasks in order to conduct data destructive activities
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4699
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4701
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-05
modified: 2023-03-13
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: 'The Advanced Audit Policy setting Object Access > Audit Other Object Access Events has to be configured to allow this detection. We also recommend extracting the Command field from the embedded XML in the event data.'
detection:
    selection:
        EventID:
            - 4699 # Task Deleted Event
            - 4701 # Task Disabled Event
        TaskName|contains:
            # Add more important tasks
            - '\Windows\SystemRestore\SR'
            - '\Windows\Windows Defender\'
            - '\Windows\BitLocker'
            - '\Windows\WindowsBackup\'
            - '\Windows\WindowsUpdate\'
            - '\Windows\UpdateOrchestrator\Schedule'
            - '\Windows\ExploitGuard'
    filter_main_defender_update:
        EventID: 4699
        SubjectUserName|endswith: '$'  # False positives during upgrades of Defender, where its tasks get removed and added
        TaskName|contains: '\Windows\Windows Defender\'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/builtin/security/win_security_susp_scheduled_task_delete_or_disable/info.yml
simulation:
    - type: atomic-red-team
      name: Windows - Disable the SR scheduled task
      technique: T1490
      atomic_guid: 1c68c68d-83a4-4981-974e-8993055fa034

title: Potential Registry Persistence Attempt Via Windows Telemetry
id: 73a883d0-0348-4be4-a8d8-51031c2564f8
related:
    - id: 4e8d5fd3-c959-441f-a941-f73d0cdcdca5
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: |
    Detects potential persistence behavior using the windows telemetry registry key.
    Windows telemetry makes use of the binary CompatTelRunner.exe to run a variety of commands and perform the actual telemetry collections.
    This binary was created to be easily extensible, and to that end, it relies on the registry to instruct on which commands to run.
    The problem is, it will run any arbitrary command without restriction of location or type.
references:
    - https://www.trustedsec.com/blog/abusing-windows-telemetry-for-persistence/
author: Lednyov Alexey, oscd.community, Sreeman
date: 2020-10-16
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
    definition: 'Requirements: Sysmon config that monitors \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TelemetryController subkey of the HKLM hives'
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TelemetryController\'
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Command'
        Details|contains:
            - '.bat'
            - '.bin'
            - '.cmd'
            - '.dat'
            - '.dll'
            - '.exe'
            - '.hta'
            - '.jar'
            - '.js'
            - '.msi'
            - '.ps'
            - '.sh'
            - '.vb'
    filter_main_generic:
        Details|contains:
            - '\system32\CompatTelRunner.exe'
            - '\system32\DeviceCensus.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - PCHunter Execution
id: fca949cc-79ca-446e-8064-01aa7e52ece5
status: test
description: Detects suspicious use of PCHunter, a tool like Process Hacker to view and manipulate processes, kernel options and other low level stuff
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20231210115125/http://www.xuetr.com/
    - https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/falcon-overwatch-report-finds-increase-in-ecrime/
    - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2018/04/20/kernel-hacking-tool-you-might-have-never-heard-of-xuetr-pchunter/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali
date: 2022-10-10
modified: 2024-11-23
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1082
    - attack.t1057
    - attack.t1012
    - attack.t1083
    - attack.t1007
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_image:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\PCHunter64.exe'
            - '\PCHunter32.exe'
    selection_pe:
        - OriginalFileName: 'PCHunter.exe'
        - Description: 'Epoolsoft Windows Information View Tools'
    selection_hashes:
        Hashes|contains:
            - 'SHA1=5F1CBC3D99558307BC1250D084FA968521482025'
            - 'MD5=987B65CD9B9F4E9A1AFD8F8B48CF64A7'
            - 'SHA256=2B214BDDAAB130C274DE6204AF6DBA5AEEC7433DA99AA950022FA306421A6D32'
            - 'IMPHASH=444D210CEA1FF8112F256A4997EED7FF'
            - 'SHA1=3FB89787CB97D902780DA080545584D97FB1C2EB'
            - 'MD5=228DD0C2E6287547E26FFBD973A40F14'
            - 'SHA256=55F041BF4E78E9BFA6D4EE68BE40E496CE3A1353E1CA4306598589E19802522C'
            - 'IMPHASH=0479F44DF47CFA2EF1CCC4416A538663'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Shell Execution via Rsync - Linux
id: e2326866-609f-4015-aea9-7ec634e8aa04
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the use of the "rsync" utility to execute a shell. Such behavior may be associated with privilege escalation, unauthorized command execution, or to break out from restricted environments.
references:
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/rsync/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.), Florian Roth
date: 2024-09-02
modified: 2025-01-18
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '/rsync'
            - '/rsyncd'
        CommandLine|contains: ' -e '
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/ash '
            - '/bash '
            - '/dash '
            - '/csh '
            - '/sh '
            - '/zsh '
            - '/tcsh '
            - '/ksh '
            - "'ash "
            - "'bash "
            - "'dash "
            - "'csh "
            - "'sh "
            - "'zsh "
            - "'tcsh "
            - "'ksh "
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate cases in which "rsync" is used to execute a shell
level: high

title: Shell Execution via Git - Linux
id: 47b3bbd4-1bf7-48cc-84ab-995362aaa75a
status: test
description: |
    Detects the use of the "git" utility to execute a shell. Such behavior may be associated with privilege escalation, unauthorized command execution, or to break out from restricted environments.
references:
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/git/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '/git'
        ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' -p '
            - 'help'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'bash 0<&1'
            - 'dash 0<&1'
            - 'sh 0<&1'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Invocation of Shell via Rsync
id: 297241f3-8108-4b3a-8c15-2dda9f844594
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the execution of a shell as sub process of "rsync" without the expected command line flag "-e" being used, which could be an indication of exploitation as described in CVE-2024-12084. This behavior is commonly associated with attempts to execute arbitrary commands or escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further exploitation.
references:
    - https://sysdig.com/blog/detecting-and-mitigating-cve-2024-12084-rsync-remote-code-execution/
    - https://gist.github.com/Neo23x0/a20436375a1e26524931dd8ea1a3af10
author: Florian Roth
date: 2025-01-18
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
    - attack.t1203
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '/rsync'
            - '/rsyncd'
        Image|endswith:
            - '/ash'
            - '/bash'
            - '/csh'
            - '/dash'
            - '/ksh'
            - '/sh'
            - '/tcsh'
            - '/zsh'
    filter_main_expected:
        CommandLine|contains: ' -e '
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Capsh Shell Invocation - Linux
id: db1ac3be-f606-4e3a-89e0-9607cbe6b98a
status: test
description: |
    Detects the use of the "capsh" utility to invoke a shell.
references:
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/capsh/#shell
    - https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/current/linux-restricted-shell-breakout-via-linux-binary-s.html
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '/capsh'
        CommandLine|endswith: ' --'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Inline Python Execution - Spawn Shell Via OS System Library
id: 2d2f44ff-4611-4778-a8fc-323a0e9850cc
status: test
description: |
    Detects execution of inline Python code via the "-c" in order to call the "system" function from the "os" library, and spawn a shell.
references:
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/python/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '/python'
              - '/python2'
              - '/python3'
        - Image|contains:
              - '/python2.'  # python image is always of the form ../python3.10; ../python is just a symlink
              - '/python3.'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' -c '
            - 'os.system('
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/bin/bash'
            - '/bin/dash'
            - '/bin/fish'
            - '/bin/sh'
            - '/bin/zsh'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Netcat Reverse Shell Execution
id: 7f734ed0-4f47-46c0-837f-6ee62505abd9
status: test
description: Detects execution of netcat with the "-e" flag followed by common shells. This could be a sign of a potential reverse shell setup.
references:
    - https://pentestmonkey.net/cheat-sheet/shells/reverse-shell-cheat-sheet
    - https://www.revshells.com/
    - https://www.hackingtutorials.org/networking/hacking-netcat-part-2-bind-reverse-shells/
    - https://www.infosecademy.com/netcat-reverse-shells/
    - https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/ncat.1.html
author: '@d4ns4n_, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)'
date: 2023-04-07
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_nc:
        Image|endswith:
            - '/nc'
            - '/ncat'
    selection_flags:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -c '
            - ' -e '
    selection_shell:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' ash'
            - ' bash'
            - ' bsh'
            - ' csh'
            - ' ksh'
            - ' pdksh'
            - ' sh'
            - ' tcsh'
            - '/bin/ash'
            - '/bin/bash'
            - '/bin/bsh'
            - '/bin/csh'
            - '/bin/ksh'
            - '/bin/pdksh'
            - '/bin/sh'
            - '/bin/tcsh'
            - '/bin/zsh'
            - '$IFSash'
            - '$IFSbash'
            - '$IFSbsh'
            - '$IFScsh'
            - '$IFSksh'
            - '$IFSpdksh'
            - '$IFSsh'
            - '$IFStcsh'
            - '$IFSzsh'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious Invocation of Shell via AWK - Linux
id: 8c1a5675-cb85-452f-a298-b01b22a51856
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of "awk" or it's sibling commands, to invoke a shell using the system() function.
    This behavior is commonly associated with attempts to execute arbitrary commands or escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further exploitation.
references:
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/awk/#shell
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/gawk/#shell
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/nawk/#shell
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/mawk/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '/awk'
            - '/gawk'
            - '/mawk'
            - '/nawk'
        CommandLine|contains: 'BEGIN {system'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/bin/bash'
            - '/bin/dash'
            - '/bin/fish'
            - '/bin/sh'
            - '/bin/zsh'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Java Children Processes
id: d292e0af-9a18-420c-9525-ec0ac3936892
status: test
description: Detects java process spawning suspicious children
references:
    - https://www.tecmint.com/different-types-of-linux-shells/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-03
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '/java'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/bin/sh'
            - 'bash'
            - 'dash'
            - 'ksh'
            - 'zsh'
            - 'csh'
            - 'fish'
            - 'curl'
            - 'wget'
            - 'python'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Shell Invocation Via Ssh - Linux
id: 8737b7f6-8df3-4bb7-b1da-06019b99b687
status: test
description: |
    Detects the use of the "ssh" utility to execute a shell. Such behavior may be associated with privilege escalation, unauthorized command execution, or to break out from restricted environments.
references:
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/ssh/
    - https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/current/linux-restricted-shell-breakout-via-linux-binary-s.html
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-08-29
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith: '/ssh'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'ProxyCommand=;'
            - 'permitlocalcommand=yes'
            - 'localhost'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/bin/bash'
            - '/bin/dash'
            - '/bin/fish'
            - '/bin/sh'
            - '/bin/zsh'
            - 'sh 0<&2 1>&2'
            - 'sh 1>&2 0<&2'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: BPFDoor Abnormal Process ID or Lock File Accessed
id: 808146b2-9332-4d78-9416-d7e47012d83d
status: test
description: detects BPFDoor .lock and .pid files access in temporary file storage facility
references:
    - https://www.sandflysecurity.com/blog/bpfdoor-an-evasive-linux-backdoor-technical-analysis/
    - https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/a-peek-behind-the-bpfdoor
    - https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/tr-bpfdoor-telecom-networks-sleeper-cells-threat-research-report/
    - https://github.com/rapid7/Rapid7-Labs/blob/741c7196ec12a0a56b63463d1fd726ff14d3a97a/BPFDoor/rapid7_detect_bpfdoor.sh
author: Rafal Piasecki
date: 2022-08-10
modified: 2026-03-30
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1106
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    product: linux
    service: auditd
detection:
    selection:
        type: 'PATH'
        name:
            - /var/run/aepmonend.pid
            - /var/run/auditd.lock
            - /var/run/cma.lock
            - /var/run/console-kit.pid
            - /var/run/consolekit.pid
            - /var/run/daemon.pid
            - /var/run/hald-addon.pid
            - /var/run/hald-smartd.pid
            - /var/run/haldrund.pid
            - /var/run/hp-health.pid
            - /var/run/hpasmlit.lock
            - /var/run/hpasmlited.pid
            - /var/run/kdevrund.pid
            - /var/run/lldpad.lock
            - /var/run/mcelog.pid
            - /var/run/system.pid
            - /var/run/uvp-srv.pid
            - /var/run/vmtoolagt.pid
            - /var/run/xinetd.lock
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: PCRE.NET Package Temp Files
id: 6e90ae7a-7cd3-473f-a035-4ebb72d961da
status: test
description: Detects processes creating temp files related to PCRE.NET package
references:
    - https://twitter.com/rbmaslen/status/1321859647091970051
    - https://twitter.com/tifkin_/status/1321916444557365248
author: Roberto Rodriguez (Cyb3rWard0g), OTR (Open Threat Research)
date: 2020-10-29
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|contains: \AppData\Local\Temp\ba9ea7344a4a5f591d6e5dc32a13494b\
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Windows Shell/Scripting Application File Write to Suspicious Folder
id: 1277f594-a7d1-4f28-a2d3-73af5cbeab43
status: test
description: Detects Windows shells and scripting applications that write files to suspicious folders
references:
    - Internal Research
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-11-20
modified: 2023-03-29
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_1:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\bash.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\msbuild.exe'  # https://github.com/elastic/detection-rules/blob/c76a39796972ecde44cb1da6df47f1b6562c9770/rules/windows/defense_evasion_execution_msbuild_started_by_office_app.toml
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\sh.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
        TargetFilename|startswith:
            - 'C:\PerfLogs\'
            - 'C:\Users\Public\'
    selection_2:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\certutil.exe'
            - '\forfiles.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            # - '\rundll32.exe' # Potential FP
            - '\schtasks.exe'
            - '\scriptrunner.exe'
            - '\wmic.exe'  # https://app.any.run/tasks/c903e9c8-0350-440c-8688-3881b556b8e0/
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - 'C:\PerfLogs\'
            - 'C:\Users\Public\'
            - 'C:\Windows\Temp\'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - Stracciatella Execution
id: 7a4d9232-92fc-404d-8ce1-4c92e7caf539
status: test
description: Detects Stracciatella which executes a Powershell runspace from within C# (aka SharpPick technique) with AMSI, ETW and Script Block Logging disabled based on PE metadata characteristics.
references:
    - https://github.com/mgeeky/Stracciatella
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-04-17
modified: 2024-11-23
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1059
    - attack.t1685
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - Image|endswith: '\Stracciatella.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'Stracciatella.exe'
        - Description: 'Stracciatella'
        - Hashes|contains:
              - 'SHA256=9d25e61ec1527e2a69d7c2a4e3fe2fe15890710c198a66a9f25d99fdf6c7b956'
              - 'SHA256=fd16609bd9830c63b9413671678bb159b89c357d21942ddbb6b93add808d121a'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

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

title: Script Interpreter Execution From Suspicious Folder
id: 1228c958-e64e-4e71-92ad-7d429f4138ba
status: test
description: |
    Detects suspicious script execution from suspicious directories or folders accessible by environment variables that may indicate malware activity.
    Script interpreters (cscript, wscript, mshta, powershell) executing from folders like Temp, Public, or user profile directories may suggest attempts to evade detection or execute malicious scripts.
references:
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/91ba814a86ddedc7a9d546e26f912c541205b47a853d227756ab1334ade92c3f
    - https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/shuckworm-russia-ukraine-military
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/csidl
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-08
modified: 2026-02-17
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_proc_image:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
    selection_proc_flags:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -ep bypass '
            - ' -ExecutionPolicy bypass '
            - ' -w hidden '
            - '/e:javascript '
            - '/e:Jscript '
            - '/e:vbscript '
    selection_proc_original:
        OriginalFileName:
            - 'cscript.exe'
            - 'mshta.exe'
            - 'wscript.exe'
    selection_folders_1:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ':\Perflogs\'
            - ':\Users\Public\'
            - '\%Public%'
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\Temp'
            - '\Temporary Internet'
            - '\Windows\Temp'
            - '\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\'
            - '%TEMP%'
            - '%TMP%'
            - '%LocalAppData%\Temp'
    selection_folders_2:
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Favorites\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Favourites\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Contacts\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Documents\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Music\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Pictures\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - ':\Users\'
              - '\Videos\'
    filter_optional_chocolatey_installer:
        ParentImage:
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\Msiexec.exe'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Msiexec.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\powershell.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '-NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command'
            - 'AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - 'Install-Chocolatey.ps1'
    condition: 1 of selection_proc_* and 1 of selection_folders_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Various legitimate software have been observed to use similar techniques for installation or update purposes;thus, it is recommended to review and tune filters for your environment to reduce false positives before deploying to production.
level: high

title: Renamed PingCastle Binary Execution
id: 2433a154-bb3d-42e4-86c3-a26bdac91c45
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed "PingCastle" binary based on the PE metadata fields.
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2023/10/30/netsupport-intrusion-results-in-domain-compromise/
    - https://www.pingcastle.com/documentation/scanner/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), X__Junior (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-01-11
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059
    - attack.t1202
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PingCastleReporting.exe'
              - 'PingCastleCloud.exe'
              - 'PingCastle.exe'
        - CommandLine|contains:
              - '--scanner aclcheck'
              - '--scanner antivirus'
              - '--scanner computerversion'
              - '--scanner foreignusers'
              - '--scanner laps_bitlocker'
              - '--scanner localadmin'
              - '--scanner nullsession'
              - '--scanner nullsession-trust'
              - '--scanner oxidbindings'
              - '--scanner remote'
              - '--scanner share'
              - '--scanner smb'
              - '--scanner smb3querynetwork'
              - '--scanner spooler'
              - '--scanner startup'
              - '--scanner zerologon'
        - CommandLine|contains: '--no-enum-limit'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - '--healthcheck'
              - '--level Full'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - '--healthcheck'
              - '--server '
    filter_main_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\PingCastleReporting.exe'
            - '\PingCastleCloud.exe'
            - '\PingCastle.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: PUA - Wsudo Suspicious Execution
id: bdeeabc9-ff2a-4a51-be59-bb253aac7891
status: test
description: Detects usage of wsudo (Windows Sudo Utility). Which is a tool that let the user execute programs with different permissions (System, Trusted Installer, Administrator...etc)
references:
    - https://github.com/M2Team/Privexec/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-02
modified: 2023-02-14
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_metadata:
        - Image|endswith: '\wsudo.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'wsudo.exe'
        - Description: 'Windows sudo utility'
        - ParentImage|endswith: '\wsudo-bridge.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '-u System'
            - '-uSystem'
            - '-u TrustedInstaller'
            - '-uTrustedInstaller'
            - ' --ti '
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Program Names
id: efdd8dd5-cee8-4e59-9390-7d4d5e4dd6f6
status: test
description: Detects suspicious patterns in program names or folders that are often found in malicious samples or hacktools
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1560.001/T1560.001.md
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-11
modified: 2023-03-22
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_image:
        - Image|contains:
              - '\CVE-202' # Update this when we reach the year 2100
              - '\CVE202' # Update this when we reach the year 2100
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\poc.exe'
              - '\artifact.exe'
              - '\artifact64.exe'
              - '\artifact_protected.exe'
              - '\artifact32.exe'
              - '\artifact32big.exe'
              - 'obfuscated.exe'
              - 'obfusc.exe'
              - '\meterpreter'
    selection_commandline:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'inject.ps1'
            - 'Invoke-CVE'
            - 'pupy.ps1'
            - 'payload.ps1'
            - 'beacon.ps1'
            - 'PowerView.ps1'
            - 'bypass.ps1'
            - 'obfuscated.ps1'
            - 'obfusc.ps1'
            - 'obfus.ps1'
            - 'obfs.ps1'
            - 'evil.ps1'
            - 'MiniDogz.ps1'
            - '_enc.ps1'
            - '\shell.ps1'
            - '\rshell.ps1'
            - 'revshell.ps1'
            - '\av.ps1'
            - '\av_test.ps1'
            - 'adrecon.ps1'
            - 'mimikatz.ps1'
            - '\PowerUp_'
            - 'powerup.ps1'
            - '\Temp\a.ps1'
            - '\Temp\p.ps1'
            - '\Temp\1.ps1'
            - 'Hound.ps1'
            - 'encode.ps1'
            - 'powercat.ps1'
    condition: 1 of selection*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate tools that accidentally match on the searched patterns
level: high

title: Installation of WSL Kali-Linux
id: eca8ae39-5c3c-4321-b538-9e64fe25822e
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects installation of Kali Linux distribution through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
    Attackers may use Kali Linux WSL to leverage its penetration testing tools and capabilities for malicious purposes.
references:
    - https://medium.com/@redfanatic7/running-kali-linux-on-windows-51ad95166e6e
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-10-10
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_wsl_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\wsl.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'wsl'
    selection_wsl_install:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' --install '
            - ' -i '
    selection_wsl_kali:
        CommandLine|contains: 'kali'
    condition: all of selection_wsl_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate installation or usage of Kali Linux WSL by administrators or security teams
level: high

title: Suspicious ArcSOC.exe Child Process
id: 8e95e73e-ba02-4a87-b4d7-0929b8053038
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects script interpreters, command-line tools, and similar suspicious child processes of ArcSOC.exe.
    ArcSOC.exe is the process name which hosts ArcGIS Server REST services. If an attacker compromises an ArcGIS
    Server system and uploads a malicious Server Object Extension (SOE), they can send crafted requests to the corresponding
    service endpoint and remotely execute code from the ArcSOC.exe process.
references:
    - https://reliaquest.com/blog/threat-spotlight-inside-flax-typhoons-arcgis-compromise/
    - https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/server/12.0/administer/windows/inside-an-arcgis-server-site.htm
author: Micah Babinski
date: 2025-11-25
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
    - attack.t1203
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\ArcSOC.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\wmic.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
    filter_main_cmd:
        Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
        CommandLine: 'cmd.exe /c "ver"'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Outlook EnableUnsafeClientMailRules Setting Enabled
id: 55f0a3a1-846e-40eb-8273-677371b8d912
related:
    - id: 6763c6c8-bd01-4687-bc8d-4fa52cf8ba08 # Registry variation
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects an attacker trying to enable the outlook security setting "EnableUnsafeClientMailRules" which allows outlook to run applications or execute macros
references:
    - 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=44
    - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-control-the-rule-actions-to-start-an-application-or-run-a-macro-in-outlook-2016-and-outlook-2013-e4964b72-173c-959d-5d7b-ead562979048
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:
        CommandLine|contains: '\Outlook\Security\EnableUnsafeClientMailRules'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high