title: Suspicious File Created Via OneNote Application
id: fcc6d700-68d9-4241-9a1a-06874d621b06
status: test
description: Detects suspicious files created via the OneNote application. This could indicate a potential malicious ".one"/".onepkg" file was executed as seen being used in malware activity in the wild
references:
    - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-now-use-microsoft-onenote-attachments-to-spread-malware/
    - https://blog.osarmor.com/319/onenote-attachment-delivers-asyncrat-malware/
    - https://twitter.com/MaD_c4t/status/1623414582382567424
    - https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/detecting-onenote-abuse
    - https://www.trustedsec.com/blog/new-attacks-old-tricks-how-onenote-malware-is-evolving/
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/17f2d378-6d11-4d6f-8340-954b04f35e83/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-09
modified: 2023-02-27
tags:
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\onenote.exe'
            - '\onenotem.exe'
            - '\onenoteim.exe'
        TargetFilename|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\OneNote\'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            # TODO: Add more suspicious extensions
            - '.bat'
            - '.chm'
            - '.cmd'
            - '.dll'
            - '.exe'
            - '.hta'
            - '.htm'
            - '.html'
            - '.js'
            - '.lnk'
            - '.ps1'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
            - '.wsf'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - False positives should be very low with the extensions list cited. Especially if you don't heavily utilize OneNote.
    - Occasional FPs might occur if OneNote is used internally to share different embedded documents
level: high

title: Suspicious Microsoft OneNote Child Process
id: c27515df-97a9-4162-8a60-dc0eeb51b775
related:
    - id: 438025f9-5856-4663-83f7-52f878a70a50 # Generic rule for suspicious office application child processes
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects suspicious child processes of the Microsoft OneNote application. This may indicate an attempt to execute malicious embedded objects from a .one file.
references:
    - https://github.com/elastic/protections-artifacts/commit/746086721fd385d9f5c6647cada1788db4aea95f#diff-e34e43eb5666427602ddf488b2bf3b545bd9aae81af3e6f6c7949f9652abdf18
    - https://micahbabinski.medium.com/detecting-onenote-one-malware-delivery-407e9321ecf0
author: Tim Rauch (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Elastic (idea)
date: 2022-10-21
modified: 2023-02-10
tags:
    - attack.t1566
    - attack.t1566.001
    - attack.initial-access
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\onenote.exe'
    selection_opt_img:
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'bitsadmin.exe'
              - 'CertOC.exe'
              - 'CertUtil.exe'
              - 'Cmd.Exe'
              - 'CMSTP.EXE'
              - 'cscript.exe'
              - 'curl.exe'
              - 'HH.exe'
              - 'IEExec.exe'
              - 'InstallUtil.exe'
              - 'javaw.exe'
              - 'Microsoft.Workflow.Compiler.exe'
              - 'msdt.exe'
              - 'MSHTA.EXE'
              - 'msiexec.exe'
              - 'Msxsl.exe'
              - 'odbcconf.exe'
              - 'pcalua.exe'
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'RegAsm.exe'
              - 'RegSvcs.exe'
              - 'REGSVR32.exe'
              - 'RUNDLL32.exe'
              - 'schtasks.exe'
              - 'ScriptRunner.exe'
              - 'wmic.exe'
              - 'WorkFolders.exe'
              - 'wscript.exe'
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\AppVLP.exe'
              - '\bash.exe'
              - '\bitsadmin.exe'
              - '\certoc.exe'
              - '\certutil.exe'
              - '\cmd.exe'
              - '\cmstp.exe'
              - '\control.exe'
              - '\cscript.exe'
              - '\curl.exe'
              - '\forfiles.exe'
              - '\hh.exe'
              - '\ieexec.exe'
              - '\installutil.exe'
              - '\javaw.exe'
              - '\mftrace.exe'
              - '\Microsoft.Workflow.Compiler.exe'
              - '\msbuild.exe'
              - '\msdt.exe'
              - '\mshta.exe'
              - '\msidb.exe'
              - '\msiexec.exe'
              - '\msxsl.exe'
              - '\odbcconf.exe'
              - '\pcalua.exe'
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
              - '\regasm.exe'
              - '\regsvcs.exe'
              - '\regsvr32.exe'
              - '\rundll32.exe'
              - '\schtasks.exe'
              - '\scrcons.exe'
              - '\scriptrunner.exe'
              - '\sh.exe'
              - '\svchost.exe'
              - '\verclsid.exe'
              - '\wmic.exe'
              - '\workfolders.exe'
              - '\wscript.exe'
    selection_opt_explorer:
        Image|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.hta'
            - '.vb'
            - '.wsh'
            - '.js'
            - '.ps'
            - '.scr'
            - '.pif'
            - '.bat'
            - '.cmd'
    selection_opt_paths:
        Image|contains:
            - '\AppData\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - '\ProgramData\'
            - '\Windows\Tasks\'
            - '\Windows\Temp\'
            - '\Windows\System32\Tasks\'
    filter_teams:
        Image|endswith: '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Teams\current\Teams.exe'
        CommandLine|endswith: '-Embedding'
    filter_onedrive:
        Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive\'
        Image|endswith: '\FileCoAuth.exe'
        CommandLine|endswith: '-Embedding'
    condition: selection_parent and 1 of selection_opt_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - File located in the AppData folder with trusted signature
level: high

title: OneNote.EXE Execution of Malicious Embedded Scripts
id: 84b1706c-932a-44c4-ae28-892b28a25b94
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of malicious OneNote documents that contain embedded scripts.
    When a user clicks on a OneNote attachment and then on the malicious link inside the ".one" file, it exports and executes the malicious embedded script from specific directories.
references:
    - https://bazaar.abuse.ch/browse/tag/one/
author: '@kostastsale'
date: 2023-02-02
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\onenote.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\exported\'
            - '\onenoteofflinecache_files\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: OneNote Attachment File Dropped In Suspicious Location
id: 7fd164ba-126a-4d9c-9392-0d4f7c243df0
status: test
description: Detects creation of files with the ".one"/".onepkg" extension in suspicious or uncommon locations. This could be a sign of attackers abusing OneNote attachments
references:
    - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-now-use-microsoft-onenote-attachments-to-spread-malware/
    - https://blog.osarmor.com/319/onenote-attachment-delivers-asyncrat-malware/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-01-22
modified: 2023-09-19
tags:
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|contains:
            # Note: add more common locations for drops such as download folders and the like. Or baseline legitimate locations and alert on everything else
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - '\Windows\Temp\'
            - ':\Temp\'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.one'
            - '.onepkg'
    filter_main_onenote:
        Image|contains: ':\Program Files\Microsoft Office\'
        Image|endswith: '\ONENOTE.EXE'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate usage of ".one" or ".onepkg" files from those locations
level: medium

title: Bitbucket Project Secret Scanning Allowlist Added
id: 42ccce6d-7bd3-4930-95cd-e4d83fa94a30
status: test
description: Detects when a secret scanning allowlist rule is added for projects.
references:
    - https://confluence.atlassian.com/bitbucketserver/audit-log-events-776640423.html
    - https://confluence.atlassian.com/bitbucketserver/secret-scanning-1157471613.html
author: Muhammad Faisal (@faisalusuf)
date: 2024-02-25
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685
logsource:
    product: bitbucket
    service: audit
    definition: 'Requirements: "Basic" log level is required to receive these audit events.'
detection:
    selection:
        auditType.category: 'Projects'
        auditType.action: 'Project secret scanning allowlist rule added'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate user activity.
level: low

title: Python Function Execution Security Warning Disabled In Excel
id: 023c654f-8f16-44d9-bb2b-00ff36a62af9
related:
    - id: 17e53739-a1fc-4a62-b1b9-87711c2d5e44
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects changes to the registry value "PythonFunctionWarnings" that would prevent any warnings or alerts from showing when Python functions are about to be executed.
    Threat actors could run malicious code through the new Microsoft Excel feature that allows Python to run within the spreadsheet.
references:
    - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/data-security-and-python-in-excel-33cc88a4-4a87-485e-9ff9-f35958278327
author: '@Kostastsale'
date: 2023-08-22
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '\Microsoft\Office\'
            - '\Excel\Security'
            - 'PythonFunctionWarnings'
        CommandLine|contains: ' 0'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Excel.EXE DCOM Lateral Movement Via ActivateMicrosoftApp
id: 551d9c1f-816c-445b-a7a6-7a3864720d60
status: test
description: |
    Detects suspicious child processes of Excel which could be an indicator of lateral movement leveraging the "ActivateMicrosoftApp" Excel DCOM object.
references:
    - https://posts.specterops.io/lateral-movement-abuse-the-power-of-dcom-excel-application-3c016d0d9922
    - https://github.com/grayhatkiller/SharpExShell
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/api/excel.xlmsapplication
author: Aaron Stratton
date: 2023-11-13
tags:
    - attack.t1021.003
    - attack.lateral-movement
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\excel.exe'
    selection_child:
        - OriginalFileName:
          - 'foxprow.exe'
          - 'schdplus.exe'
          - 'winproj.exe'
        - Image|endswith:
          - '\foxprow.exe'
          - '\schdplus.exe'
          - '\winproj.exe'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via Excel Add-in - Registry
id: 961e33d1-4f86-4fcf-80ab-930a708b2f82
status: test
description: Detect potential persistence via the creation of an excel add-in (XLL) file to make it run automatically when Excel is started.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/4ae9580a1a8772db87a1b6cdb0d03e5af231e966/atomics/T1137.006/T1137.006.md
    - https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/add-in-opportunities-for-office-persistence
author: frack113
date: 2023-01-15
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1137.006
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: registry_set
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: 'Software\Microsoft\Office\'
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Excel\Options'
        Details|startswith: '/R '
        Details|endswith: '.xll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Python Function Execution Security Warning Disabled In Excel - Registry
id: 17e53739-a1fc-4a62-b1b9-87711c2d5e44
related:
    - id: 023c654f-8f16-44d9-bb2b-00ff36a62af9
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects changes to the registry value "PythonFunctionWarnings" that would prevent any warnings or alerts from showing when Python functions are about to be executed.
    Threat actors could run malicious code through the new Microsoft Excel feature that allows Python to run within the spreadsheet.
references:
    - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/data-security-and-python-in-excel-33cc88a4-4a87-485e-9ff9-f35958278327
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), @Kostastsale
date: 2024-08-23
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Office\'
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Excel\Security\PythonFunctionWarnings'
        Details: 'DWORD (0x00000001)'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Microsoft Excel Add-In Loaded From Uncommon Location
id: af4c4609-5755-42fe-8075-4effb49f5d44
related:
    - id: c5f4b5cb-4c25-4249-ba91-aa03626e3185
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects Microsoft Excel loading an Add-In (.xll) file from an uncommon location
references:
    - https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/lnk-between-browsers
    - https://wazuh.com/blog/detecting-xll-files-used-for-dropping-fin7-jssloader-with-wazuh/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-12
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1204.002
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\excel.exe'
        ImageLoaded|contains:
            # Note: Add or remove locations from this list based on your internal policy
            - '\Desktop\'
            - '\Downloads\'
            - '\Perflogs\'
            - '\Temp\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - '\Windows\Tasks\'
        ImageLoaded|endswith: '.xll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Some tuning might be required to allow or remove certain locations used by the rule if you consider them as safe locations
level: medium

title: Suspicious File Created in Outlook Temporary Directory
id: fabb0e80-030c-4e3e-a104-d09676991ac3
related:
    - id: f748c45a-f8d3-4e6f-b617-fe176f695b8f
      type: obsolete
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the creation of files with suspicious file extensions in the temporary directory that Outlook uses when opening attachments.
    This can be used to detect spear-phishing campaigns that use suspicious files as attachments, which may contain malicious code.
references:
    - https://vipre.com/blog/svg-phishing-attacks-the-new-trick-in-the-cybercriminals-playbook/
    - https://thecyberexpress.com/rogue-rdp-files-used-in-ukraine-cyberattacks/
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/10/29/midnight-blizzard-conducts-large-scale-spear-phishing-campaign-using-rdp-files/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-07-22
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1566.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection_extension:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.cpl'
            - '.hta'
            - '.iso'
            - '.rdp'
            - '.svg'
            - '.vba'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
    selection_location:
        - TargetFilename|contains:
              - '\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Outlook_'
              - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Olk\Attachments\'
        - TargetFilename|contains|all:
              - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\'
              - '\Content.Outlook\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Opening of headers or footers in email signatures that include SVG images or legitimate SVG attachments
level: high

title: Suspicious Outlook Macro Created
id: 117d3d3a-755c-4a61-b23e-9171146d094c
related:
    - id: 8c31f563-f9a7-450c-bfa8-35f8f32f1f61
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a macro file for Outlook.
references:
    - https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2020/11/a-fresh-outlook-on-mail-based-persistence/
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=53
    - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/outlook-backdoor-using-vba-samir-b-/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-08
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1137
    - attack.t1008
    - attack.t1546
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith: '\Microsoft\Outlook\VbaProject.OTM'
    filter:
        Image|endswith: '\outlook.exe'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via Outlook Form
id: c3edc6a5-d9d4-48d8-930e-aab518390917
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a new Outlook form which can contain malicious code
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=76
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=79
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/outlook/concepts/outlook-forms/create-an-outlook-form
    - https://www.slipstick.com/developer/custom-form/clean-outlooks-forms-cache/
author: Tobias Michalski (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-06-10
modified: 2023-02-22
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1137.003
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\outlook.exe'
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\FORMS\IPM'
            - '\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Forms' # Windows XP
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of outlook forms
level: high

title: Suspicious Execution From Outlook Temporary Folder
id: a018fdc3-46a3-44e5-9afb-2cd4af1d4b39
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious program execution in Outlook temp folder
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
references:
    - Internal Research
date: 2019-10-01
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1566.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|contains: '\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
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: Suspicious Outlook Child Process
id: 208748f7-881d-47ac-a29c-07ea84bf691d
related:
    - id: 438025f9-5856-4663-83f7-52f878a70a50 # Office Child Processes
      type: derived
    - id: e212d415-0e93-435f-9e1a-f29005bb4723 # Outlook Remote Child Process
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious process spawning from an Outlook process.
references:
    - https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/465aabe132ccb949e75b8ab9c5bda36d80cf2fd503d52b8bad54e295f28bbc21?environmentId=100
    - https://mgreen27.github.io/posts/2018/04/02/DownloadCradle.html
author: Michael Haag, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Markus Neis, Elastic, FPT.EagleEye Team
date: 2022-02-28
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1204.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\OUTLOOK.EXE'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\AppVLP.exe'
            - '\bash.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\forfiles.exe'
            - '\hh.exe'
            - '\mftrace.exe'
            - '\msbuild.exe'        # https://github.com/elastic/detection-rules/blob/c76a39796972ecde44cb1da6df47f1b6562c9770/rules/windows/defense_evasion_execution_msbuild_started_by_office_app.toml
            - '\msdt.exe'           # CVE-2022-30190
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\msiexec.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\schtasks.exe'
            - '\scrcons.exe'
            - '\scriptrunner.exe'
            - '\sh.exe'
            - '\svchost.exe'        # https://www.vmray.com/analyses/2d2fa29185ad/report/overview.html
            - '\wmic.exe'           # https://app.any.run/tasks/c903e9c8-0350-440c-8688-3881b556b8e0/
            - '\wscript.exe'
            # Several FPs with rundll32.exe
            # We started excluding specific use cases and ended up commenting out the rundll32.exe sub processes completely
            # - '\rundll32.exe'
            # filter_outlook_photoviewer:  # https://twitter.com/Luke_Hamp/status/1495919717760237568
            #   ParentImage|endswith: '\OUTLOOK.EXE'
            #   Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
            #   CommandLine|contains: '\PhotoViewer.dll'
            # filter_outlook_printattachments:  # https://twitter.com/KickaKamil/status/1496238278659485696
            #   ParentImage|endswith: '\OUTLOOK.EXE'
            #   Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
            #   CommandLine|contains|all:
            #     - 'shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL'
            #     - '\SYSTEM32\SPOOL\DRIVERS\'
    condition: selection # and not 1 of filter*
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

title: Potential Persistence Via Outlook LoadMacroProviderOnBoot Setting
id: 396ae3eb-4174-4b9b-880e-dc0364d78a19
status: test
description: Detects the modification of Outlook setting "LoadMacroProviderOnBoot" which if enabled allows the automatic loading of any configured VBA project/module
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=53
    - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/outlook-backdoor-using-vba-samir-b-/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-04-05
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1137
    - attack.t1008
    - attack.t1546
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Outlook\LoadMacroProviderOnBoot'
        Details|contains: '0x00000001'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via Outlook Today Page
id: 487bb375-12ef-41f6-baae-c6a1572b4dd1
related:
    - id: ddd171b5-2cc6-4975-9e78-f0eccd08cc76
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects potential persistence activity via outlook today page.
    An attacker can set a custom page to execute arbitrary code and link to it via the registry values "URL" and "UserDefinedUrl".
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=74
    - https://trustedsec.com/blog/specula-turning-outlook-into-a-c2-with-one-registry-change
author: Tobias Michalski (Nextron Systems), David Bertho (@dbertho) & Eirik Sveen (@0xSV1), Storebrand
date: 2021-06-10
modified: 2024-08-07
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1112
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: registry_set
detection:
    selection_main:
        TargetObject|contains|all:
            - 'Software\Microsoft\Office\'
            - '\Outlook\Today\'
    selection_value_stamp:
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Stamp'
        Details: 'DWORD (0x00000001)'
    selection_value_url:
        TargetObject|endswith:
            - '\URL'
            - '\UserDefinedUrl'
    filter_main_office:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\Updates\'
        Image|endswith: '\OfficeClickToRun.exe'
    condition: selection_main and 1 of selection_value_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via Outlook Home Page
id: ddd171b5-2cc6-4975-9e78-f0eccd08cc76
related:
    - id: 487bb375-12ef-41f6-baae-c6a1572b4dd1
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects potential persistence activity via outlook home page.
    An attacker can set a home page to achieve code execution and persistence by editing the WebView registry keys.
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=70
    - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/outlook-home-page-feature-is-missing-in-folder-properties-d207edb7-aa02-46c5-b608-5d9dbed9bd04?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us
    - https://trustedsec.com/blog/specula-turning-outlook-into-a-c2-with-one-registry-change
author: Tobias Michalski (Nextron Systems), David Bertho (@dbertho) & Eirik Sveen (@0xSV1), Storebrand
date: 2021-06-09
modified: 2024-08-07
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1112
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: registry_set
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains|all:
            - '\Software\Microsoft\Office\'
            - '\Outlook\WebView\'
        TargetObject|endswith: '\URL'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Outlook Macro Execution Without Warning Setting Enabled
id: e3b50fa5-3c3f-444e-937b-0a99d33731cd
status: test
description: Detects the modification of Outlook security setting to allow unprompted execution of macros.
references:
    - https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2020/11/a-fresh-outlook-on-mail-based-persistence/
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=53
author: '@ScoubiMtl'
date: 2021-04-05
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1137
    - attack.t1008
    - attack.t1546
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Outlook\Security\Level'
        Details|contains: '0x00000001' # Enable all Macros
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Outlook EnableUnsafeClientMailRules Setting Enabled - Registry
id: 6763c6c8-bd01-4687-bc8d-4fa52cf8ba08
related:
    - id: c3cefdf4-6703-4e1c-bad8-bf422fc5015a
      type: similar
    - id: 55f0a3a1-846e-40eb-8273-677371b8d912 # ProcCreation 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://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
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=44
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-08
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1112
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Outlook\Security\EnableUnsafeClientMailRules'
        Details: 'DWORD (0x00000001)'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: New Outlook Macro Created
id: 8c31f563-f9a7-450c-bfa8-35f8f32f1f61
related:
    - id: 117d3d3a-755c-4a61-b23e-9171146d094c
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a macro file for Outlook.
references:
    - https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2020/11/a-fresh-outlook-on-mail-based-persistence/
author: '@ScoubiMtl'
date: 2021-04-05
modified: 2023-02-08
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1137
    - attack.t1008
    - attack.t1546
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\outlook.exe'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '\Microsoft\Outlook\VbaProject.OTM'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - User genuinely creates a VB Macro for their email
level: medium

title: Microsoft VBA For Outlook Addin Loaded Via Outlook
id: 9a0b8719-cd3c-4f0a-90de-765a4cb3f5ed
status: test
description: Detects outlvba (Microsoft VBA for Outlook Addin) DLL being loaded by the outlook process
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-persistence-via-microsoft-exchange-server-or-outlook?slide=58
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-08
modified: 2024-03-12
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1204.002
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\outlook.exe'
        ImageLoaded|endswith: '\outlvba.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate macro usage. Add the appropriate filter according to your environment
level: medium

title: Outlook Security Settings Updated - Registry
id: c3cefdf4-6703-4e1c-bad8-bf422fc5015a
related:
    - id: 6763c6c8-bd01-4687-bc8d-4fa52cf8ba08 # EnableUnsafeClientMailRules
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects changes to the registry values related to outlook security settings
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1137/T1137.md
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/troubleshoot/security/information-about-email-security-settings
author: frack113
date: 2021-12-28
modified: 2026-01-09
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1137
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains|all:
            - '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\'
            - '\Outlook\Security\'
    filter_main_outlook:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\'
        Image|endswith: '\OUTLOOK.EXE'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Administrative activity
level: medium

title: Publisher Attachment File Dropped In Suspicious Location
id: 3d2a2d59-929c-4b78-8c1a-145dfe9e07b1
status: test
description: Detects creation of files with the ".pub" extension in suspicious or uncommon locations. This could be a sign of attackers abusing Publisher documents
references:
    - https://twitter.com/EmericNasi/status/1623224526220804098
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-08
tags:
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - '\Windows\Temp\'
            - 'C:\Temp\'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.pub'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate usage of ".pub" files from those locations
level: medium

title: Bitbucket Unauthorized Access To A Resource
id: 7215374a-de4f-4b33-8ba5-70804c9251d3
status: test
description: Detects unauthorized access attempts to a resource.
references:
    - https://confluence.atlassian.com/bitbucketserver/audit-log-events-776640423.html
author: Muhammad Faisal (@faisalusuf)
date: 2024-02-25
tags:
    - attack.resource-development
    - attack.t1586
logsource:
    product: bitbucket
    service: audit
    definition: 'Requirements: "Advance" log level is required to receive these audit events.'
detection:
    selection:
        auditType.category: 'Security'
        auditType.action: 'Unauthorized access to a resource'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Access attempts to non-existent repositories or due to outdated plugins. Usually "Anonymous" user is reported in the "author.name" field in most cases.
level: critical

title: WCE wceaux.dll Access
id: 1de68c67-af5c-4097-9c85-fe5578e09e67
status: test
description: Detects wceaux.dll access while WCE pass-the-hash remote command execution on source host
references:
    - https://www.jpcert.or.jp/english/pub/sr/ir_research.html
    - https://jpcertcc.github.io/ToolAnalysisResultSheet
author: Thomas Patzke
date: 2017-06-14
modified: 2025-01-30
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.s0005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        EventID:
            - 4656
            - 4663
        ObjectName|endswith: '\wceaux.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: critical

title: AD Object WriteDAC Access
id: 028c7842-4243-41cd-be6f-12f3cf1a26c7
status: test
description: Detects WRITE_DAC access to a domain object
references:
    - https://threathunterplaybook.com/hunts/windows/180815-ADObjectAccessReplication/notebook.html
    - https://threathunterplaybook.com/library/windows/active_directory_replication.html
    - https://threathunterplaybook.com/hunts/windows/190101-ADModDirectoryReplication/notebook.html
author: Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g
date: 2019-09-12
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1222.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4662
        ObjectServer: 'DS'
        AccessMask: '0x40000'
        ObjectType:
            - '19195a5b-6da0-11d0-afd3-00c04fd930c9'
            - 'domainDNS'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: critical

title: PwnDrp Access
id: 2b1ee7e4-89b6-4739-b7bb-b811b6607e5e
status: test
description: Detects downloads from PwnDrp web servers developed for red team testing and most likely also used for criminal activity
references:
    - https://breakdev.org/pwndrop/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-04-15
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1071.001
    - attack.t1102.001
    - attack.t1102.003
logsource:
    category: proxy
detection:
    selection:
        c-uri|contains: '/pwndrop/'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: critical

title: Remote Access Tool - Renamed MeshAgent Execution - MacOS
id: bd3b5eaa-439d-4a42-8f35-a49f5c8a2582
related:
    - id: b471f462-eb0d-4832-be35-28d94bdb4780
      type: similar
    - id: 22c45af6-f590-4d44-bab3-b5b2d2a2b6d9
      type: derived
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the execution of a renamed instance of the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool, MeshAgent.
    RMM tools such as MeshAgent are commonly utilized by IT administrators for legitimate remote support and system management.
    However, malicious actors may exploit these tools by renaming them to bypass detection mechanisms, enabling unauthorized access and control over compromised systems.
references:
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/know-thy-enemy-a-novel-november-case-on-persistent-remote-access
    - https://thecyberexpress.com/ukraine-hit-by-meshagent-malware-campaign/
    - https://wazuh.com/blog/how-to-detect-meshagent-with-wazuh/
    - https://www.security.com/threat-intelligence/medusa-ransomware-attacks
author: Norbert Jaśniewicz (AlphaSOC)
date: 2025-05-19
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1219.002
    - attack.t1036.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: macos
detection:
    selection_meshagent:
        - CommandLine|contains: '--meshServiceName'
        - OriginalFileName|contains: 'meshagent'
    filter_main_legitimate:
        Image|endswith:
            - '/meshagent'
            - '/meshagent_osx64'
    condition: selection_meshagent and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Primary Refresh Token Access Attempt
id: a84fc3b1-c9ce-4125-8e74-bdcdb24021f1
status: test
description: Indicates access attempt to the PRT resource which can be used to move laterally into an organization or perform credential theft
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/id-protection/concept-identity-protection-risks#possible-attempt-to-access-primary-refresh-token-prt
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/architecture/security-operations-user-accounts#unusual-sign-ins
author: Mark Morowczynski '@markmorow', Gloria Lee, '@gleeiamglo'
date: 2023-09-07
tags:
    - attack.t1528
    - attack.credential-access
logsource:
    product: azure
    service: riskdetection
detection:
    selection:
        riskEventType: 'attemptedPrtAccess'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - This detection is low-volume and is seen infrequently in most organizations. When this detection appears it's high risk, and users should be remediated.
level: high

title: Sign-in Failure Due to Conditional Access Requirements Not Met
id: b4a6d707-9430-4f5f-af68-0337f52d5c42
status: test
description: Define a baseline threshold for failed sign-ins due to Conditional Access failures
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/entra/architecture/security-operations-privileged-accounts
author: Yochana Henderson, '@Yochana-H'
date: 2022-06-01
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1110
    - attack.t1078.004
logsource:
    product: azure
    service: signinlogs
detection:
    selection:
        ResultType: 53003
        Resultdescription: Blocked by Conditional Access
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Service Account misconfigured
    - Misconfigured Systems
    - Vulnerability Scanners
level: high

title: Temporary Access Pass Added To An Account
id: fa84aaf5-8142-43cd-9ec2-78cfebf878ce
status: test
description: Detects when a temporary access pass (TAP) is added to an account. TAPs added to priv accounts should be investigated
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/architecture/security-operations-privileged-accounts#changes-to-privileged-accounts
author: Mark Morowczynski '@markmorow', Yochana Henderson, '@Yochana-H'
date: 2022-08-10
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1078.004
logsource:
    product: azure
    service: auditlogs
detection:
    selection:
        properties.message: Admin registered security info
        Status: Admin registered temporary access pass method for user
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Administrator adding a legitimate temporary access pass
level: high

title: Azure Login Bypassing Conditional Access Policies
id: 13f2d3f5-6497-44a7-bf5f-dc13ffafe5dc
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects a successful login to the Microsoft Intune Company Portal which could allow bypassing Conditional Access Policies and InTune device trust using a tool like TokenSmith.
author: Josh Nickels, Marius Rothenbücher
references:
    - https://labs.jumpsec.com/tokensmith-bypassing-intune-compliant-device-conditional-access/
    - https://github.com/JumpsecLabs/TokenSmith
date: 2025-01-08
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1078
logsource:
    service: audit
    product: m365
detection:
    selection:
        Operation: 'UserLoggedIn'
        ApplicationId: '9ba1a5c7-f17a-4de9-a1f1-6178c8d51223'
        ResultStatus: 'Success'
        RequestType: 'Cmsi:Cmsi'
    filter_main_bjectid:
        ObjectId: '0000000a-0000-0000-c000-000000000000' # Microsoft Intune seen when mobile devices are enrolled
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: PowerShell Web Access Installation - PsScript
id: 5f9c7f1a-7c21-4c39-b2f3-8d8006e0e51f
status: test
description: Detects the installation and configuration of PowerShell Web Access, which could be used for remote access and potential abuse
references:
    - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/powershellwebaccess/install-pswawebapplication
    - https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa24-241a
    - https://gist.github.com/MHaggis/7e67b659af9148fa593cf2402edebb41
author: Michael Haag
date: 2024-09-03
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection_install:
        ScriptBlockText|contains: 'Install-WindowsFeature WindowsPowerShellWebAccess'
    selection_config:
        ScriptBlockText|contains: 'Install-PswaWebApplication'
    selection_auth:
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - 'Add-PswaAuthorizationRule'
            - '-UserName *'
            - '-ComputerName *'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate PowerShell Web Access installations by administrators
level: high

title: Allow Service Access Using Security Descriptor Tampering Via Sc.EXE
id: 6c8fbee5-dee8-49bc-851d-c3142d02aa47
related:
    - id: a537cfc3-4297-4789-92b5-345bfd845ad0 # Generic SD tampering
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious DACL modifications to allow access to a service from a suspicious trustee. This can be used to override access restrictions set by previous ACLs.
references:
    - https://twitter.com/0gtweet/status/1628720819537936386
    - https://itconnect.uw.edu/tools-services-support/it-systems-infrastructure/msinf/other-help/understanding-sddl-syntax/
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/secauthz/sid-strings
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-28
modified: 2025-10-22
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1543.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_sc:
        - Image|endswith: '\sc.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'sc.exe'
    selection_sdset:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'sdset'
            - 'A;' # Allow Access
    selection_trustee:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ';IU' # Interactively logged-on user
            - ';SU' # Service logon user
            - ';BA' # Built-in administrators
            - ';SY' # Local system
            - ';WD' # Everyone
    filter_optional_hexnode:
        ParentImage: 'C:\Hexnode\Hexnode Agent\Current\HexnodeAgent.exe'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: PowerShell Web Access Feature Enabled Via DISM
id: 7e8f2d3b-9c1a-4f67-b9e8-8d9006e0e51f
status: test
description: Detects the use of DISM to enable the PowerShell Web Access feature, which could be used for remote access and potential abuse
references:
    - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/dism/enable-windowsoptionalfeature
    - https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa24-241a
    - https://gist.github.com/MHaggis/7e67b659af9148fa593cf2402edebb41
author: Michael Haag
date: 2024-09-03
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1548.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\dism.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'DISM.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'WindowsPowerShellWebAccess'
            - '/online'
            - '/enable-feature'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate PowerShell Web Access installations by administrators
level: high

title: Deny Service Access Using Security Descriptor Tampering Via Sc.EXE
id: 99cf1e02-00fb-4c0d-8375-563f978dfd37
related:
    - id: 98c5aeef-32d5-492f-b174-64a691896d25 # Generic SD tampering
      type: similar
    - id: a537cfc3-4297-4789-92b5-345bfd845ad0 # Specific Technique
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious DACL modifications to deny access to a service that affects critical trustees. This can be used to hide services or make them unstoppable.
references:
    - https://www.sans.org/blog/red-team-tactics-hiding-windows-services/
    - https://itconnect.uw.edu/tools-services-support/it-systems-infrastructure/msinf/other-help/understanding-sddl-syntax/
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/secauthz/sid-strings
author: Jonhnathan Ribeiro, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-16
modified: 2023-02-28
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1543.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_sc:
        - Image|endswith: '\sc.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'sc.exe'
    selection_sdset:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'sdset'
            - 'D;' # Deny Access
    selection_trustee:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ';IU' # Interactively logged-on user
            - ';SU' # Service logon user
            - ';BA' # Built-in administrators
            - ';SY' # Local system
            - ';WD' # Everyone
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Key Manager Access
id: a4694263-59a8-4608-a3a0-6f8d3a51664c
status: test
description: Detects the invocation of the Stored User Names and Passwords dialogue (Key Manager)
references:
    - https://twitter.com/NinjaParanoid/status/1516442028963659777
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-04-21
modified: 2023-02-09
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1555.004
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'keymgr'
            - 'KRShowKeyMgr'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Administrative activity
level: high

title: Remote Access Tool - Anydesk Execution From Suspicious Folder
id: 065b00ca-5d5c-4557-ac95-64a6d0b64d86
related:
    - id: b52e84a3-029e-4529-b09b-71d19dd27e94
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    An adversary may use legitimate desktop support and remote access software, such as Team Viewer, Go2Assist, LogMein, AmmyyAdmin, etc, to establish an interactive command and control channel to target systems within networks.
    These services are commonly used as legitimate technical support software, and may be allowed by application control within a target environment.
    Remote access tools like VNC, Ammyy, and Teamviewer are used frequently when compared with other legitimate software commonly used by adversaries. (Citation: Symantec Living off the Land)
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1219/T1219.md#atomic-test-2---anydesk-files-detected-test-on-windows
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2025/02/24/confluence-exploit-leads-to-lockbit-ransomware/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-05-20
modified: 2025-02-24
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1219.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\AnyDesk.exe'
              - '\AnyDeskMSI.exe'
        - Description: AnyDesk
        - Product: AnyDesk
        - Company: AnyDesk Software GmbH
    filter:
        Image|contains:
            - '\AppData\'
            - 'Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk'
            - 'Program Files\AnyDesk'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of AnyDesk from a non-standard folder
level: high

title: SQLite Chromium Profile Data DB Access
id: 24c77512-782b-448a-8950-eddb0785fc71
status: test
description: Detect usage of the "sqlite" binary to query databases in Chromium-based browsers for potential data stealing.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/84d9edaaaa2c5511144521b0e4af726d1c7276ce/atomics/T1539/T1539.md#atomic-test-2---steal-chrome-cookies-windows
    - https://blog.cyble.com/2022/04/21/prynt-stealer-a-new-info-stealer-performing-clipper-and-keylogger-activities/
author: TropChaud
date: 2022-12-19
modified: 2023-01-19
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1539
    - attack.t1555.003
    - attack.collection
    - attack.t1005
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_sql:
        - Product: SQLite
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\sqlite.exe'
              - '\sqlite3.exe'
    selection_chromium:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\User Data\' # Most common folder for user profile data among Chromium browsers
            - '\Opera Software\' # Opera
            - '\ChromiumViewer\' # Sleipnir (Fenrir)
    selection_data:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'Login Data' # Passwords
            - 'Cookies'
            - 'Web Data' # Credit cards, autofill data
            - 'History'
            - 'Bookmarks'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Remote Access Tool - Renamed MeshAgent Execution - Windows
id: b471f462-eb0d-4832-be35-28d94bdb4780
related:
    - id: bd3b5eaa-439d-4a42-8f35-a49f5c8a2582
      type: similar
    - id: 2fbbe9ff-0afc-470b-bdc0-592198339968
      type: derived
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the execution of a renamed instance of the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool, MeshAgent.
    RMM tools such as MeshAgent are commonly utilized by IT administrators for legitimate remote support and system management.
    However, malicious actors may exploit these tools by renaming them to bypass detection mechanisms, enabling unauthorized access and control over compromised systems.
references:
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/know-thy-enemy-a-novel-november-case-on-persistent-remote-access
    - https://thecyberexpress.com/ukraine-hit-by-meshagent-malware-campaign/
    - https://wazuh.com/blog/how-to-detect-meshagent-with-wazuh/
    - https://www.security.com/threat-intelligence/medusa-ransomware-attacks
author: Norbert Jaśniewicz (AlphaSOC)
date: 2025-05-19
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1219.002
    - attack.t1036.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_meshagent:
        - CommandLine|contains: '--meshServiceName'
        - OriginalFileName|contains: 'meshagent'
    filter_main_legitimate:
        Image|endswith: '\meshagent.exe'
    condition: selection_meshagent and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious BitLocker Access Agent Update Utility Execution
id: 9f38c1db-e2ae-40bf-81d0-5b68f73fb512
related:
    - id: 6e8fe0a8-ba0b-4a93-8f9e-82657e7a5984 # BaaUpdate.exe Suspicious DLL Load
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the execution of the BitLocker Access Agent Update Utility (baaupdate.exe) which is not a common parent process for other processes.
    Suspicious child processes spawned by baaupdate.exe could indicate an attempt at lateral movement via BitLocker DCOM & COM Hijacking.
references:
    - https://github.com/rtecCyberSec/BitlockMove
author: andrewdanis, Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-10-18
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.t1021.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\baaupdate.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\bitsadmin.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\powershell_ise.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\schtasks.exe'
            - '\wmic.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Sensitive File Access Via Volume Shadow Copy Backup
id: f57f8d16-1f39-4dcb-a604-6c73d9b54b3d
status: test
description: |
    Detects a command that accesses the VolumeShadowCopy in order to extract sensitive files such as the Security or SAM registry hives or the AD database (ntds.dit)
references:
    - https://twitter.com/vxunderground/status/1423336151860002816?s=20
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/03e9b8c2e86d6db450e5eceec057d7e369ee2389b9daecaf06331a95410aa5f8/detection
    - https://pentestlab.blog/2018/07/04/dumping-domain-password-hashes/
author: Max Altgelt (Nextron Systems), Tobias Michalski (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-08-09
modified: 2024-01-18
tags:
    - attack.impact
    - attack.t1490
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_1:
        # copy \\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1\Windows\NTDS\NTDS.dit C:\temp\ntds.dit 2>&1
        # There is an additional "\" to escape the special "?"
        CommandLine|contains: '\\\\\?\\GLOBALROOT\\Device\\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy'
    selection_2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\\NTDS.dit'
            - '\\SYSTEM'
            - '\\SECURITY'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: CMSTP UAC Bypass via COM Object Access
id: 4b60e6f2-bf39-47b4-b4ea-398e33cfe253
status: stable
description: Detects UAC Bypass Attempt Using Microsoft Connection Manager Profile Installer Autoelevate-capable COM Objects (e.g. UACMe ID of 41, 43, 58 or 65)
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20190720093911/http://www.endurant.io/cmstp/detecting-cmstp-enabled-code-execution-and-uac-bypass-with-sysmon/
    - https://twitter.com/hFireF0X/status/897640081053364225
    - https://medium.com/falconforce/falconfriday-detecting-uac-bypasses-0xff16-86c2a9107abf
    - https://github.com/hfiref0x/UACME
author: Nik Seetharaman, Christian Burkard (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-07-31
modified: 2024-12-01
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1548.002
    - attack.t1218.003
    - attack.g0069
    - car.2019-04-001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\DllHost.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains:
            - ' /Processid:{3E5FC7F9-9A51-4367-9063-A120244FBEC7}' # cmstplua.dll
            - ' /Processid:{3E000D72-A845-4CD9-BD83-80C07C3B881F}' # CMLUAUTIL
            - ' /Processid:{BD54C901-076B-434E-B6C7-17C531F4AB41}' # EditionUpgradeManagerObj.dll
            - ' /Processid:{D2E7041B-2927-42FB-8E9F-7CE93B6DC937}' # colorui.dll
            - ' /Processid:{E9495B87-D950-4AB5-87A5-FF6D70BF3E90}' # wscui.cpl
        IntegrityLevel:
            - 'High'
            - 'System'
            - 'S-1-16-16384' # System
            - 'S-1-16-12288' # High
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate CMSTP use (unlikely in modern enterprise environments)
level: high

title: SQLite Firefox Profile Data DB Access
id: 4833155a-4053-4c9c-a997-777fcea0baa7
status: test
description: Detect usage of the "sqlite" binary to query databases in Firefox and other Gecko-based browsers for potential data stealing.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1539/T1539.md#atomic-test-1---steal-firefox-cookies-windows
    - https://blog.cyble.com/2022/04/21/prynt-stealer-a-new-info-stealer-performing-clipper-and-keylogger-activities/
author: frack113
date: 2022-04-08
modified: 2023-01-19
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1539
    - attack.collection
    - attack.t1005
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_sql:
        - Product: SQLite
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\sqlite.exe'
              - '\sqlite3.exe'
    selection_firefox:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'cookies.sqlite'
            - 'places.sqlite' # Bookmarks, history
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Remote Access Tool - AnyDesk Silent Installation
id: 114e7f1c-f137-48c8-8f54-3088c24ce4b9
status: test
description: Detects AnyDesk Remote Desktop silent installation. Which can be used by attackers to gain remote access.
references:
    - https://twitter.com/TheDFIRReport/status/1423361119926816776?s=20
    - https://support.anydesk.com/Automatic_Deployment
author: Ján Trenčanský
date: 2021-08-06
modified: 2023-03-05
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1219.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '--install'
            - '--start-with-win'
            - '--silent'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate deployment of AnyDesk
level: high

title: Remote Access Tool - ScreenConnect Server Web Shell Execution
id: b19146a3-25d4-41b4-928b-1e2a92641b1b
status: test
description: Detects potential web shell execution from the ScreenConnect server process.
references:
    - https://blackpointcyber.com/resources/blog/breaking-through-the-screen/
    - https://www.connectwise.com/company/trust/security-bulletins/connectwise-screenconnect-23.9.8
author: Jason Rathbun (Blackpoint Cyber)
date: 2024-02-26
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1190
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\ScreenConnect.Service.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\csc.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Process Access via TrolleyExpress Exclusion
id: 4c0aaedc-154c-4427-ada0-d80ef9c9deb6
status: test
description: Detects a possible process memory dump that uses the white-listed Citrix TrolleyExpress.exe filename as a way to dump the lsass process memory
references:
    - https://twitter.com/_xpn_/status/1491557187168178176
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie831jF0bb0
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-10
modified: 2022-05-13
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218.011
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains:
      # We assume that the lsass.exe process has a process ID that's between 700 and 999 and the dumper uses just the PID as parameter
            - '\TrolleyExpress 7'
            - '\TrolleyExpress 8'
            - '\TrolleyExpress 9'
            - '\TrolleyExpress.exe 7'
            - '\TrolleyExpress.exe 8'
            - '\TrolleyExpress.exe 9'
      # Common dumpers
            - '\TrolleyExpress.exe -ma '
    renamed:
        Image|endswith: '\TrolleyExpress.exe'
    filter_renamed:
        OriginalFileName|contains: 'CtxInstall'
    filter_empty:
        OriginalFileName: null
    condition: selection or ( renamed and not 1 of filter* )
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high