Sigma rules for CVE-2022-0609
202 rules · scoped to cve · back to CVE-2022-0609
Direct rules mention this entity in their title or description. Related rules cover the techniques this entity is known to use.
title: Process Memory Dump Via Comsvcs.DLL
id: 646ea171-dded-4578-8a4d-65e9822892e3
related:
- id: 09e6d5c0-05b8-4ff8-9eeb-043046ec774c
type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects a process memory dump via "comsvcs.dll" using rundll32, covering multiple different techniques (ordinal, minidump function, etc.)
references:
- https://twitter.com/shantanukhande/status/1229348874298388484
- https://twitter.com/pythonresponder/status/1385064506049630211?s=21
- https://twitter.com/Hexacorn/status/1224848930795552769
- https://modexp.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/minidumpwritedump-via-com-services-dll/
- https://twitter.com/SBousseaden/status/1167417096374050817
- https://twitter.com/Wietze/status/1542107456507203586
- https://github.com/Hackndo/lsassy/blob/14d8f8ae596ecf22b449bfe919829173b8a07635/lsassy/dumpmethod/comsvcs.py
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52tAmVLg1KM&t=2070s
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Modexp, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-02-18
modified: 2025-02-23
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1003.001
- car.2013-05-009
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
- CommandLine|contains: 'rundll32'
selection_cli_1:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'comsvcs'
- 'full'
CommandLine|contains:
- '#-'
- '#+'
- '#24'
- '24 '
- 'MiniDump' # Matches MiniDump and MinidumpW
- '#65560' # ordinal is 16 bit ordinal, so if you make the number large enough (don't fit in 16 bit space), then it normally wraps around. for e.g ordinal 24 can be also represented by 65560 (65536+24)
selection_generic:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '24'
- 'comsvcs'
- 'full'
CommandLine|contains:
- ' #'
- ',#'
- ', #'
- '"#'
condition: (selection_img and 1 of selection_cli_*) or selection_generic
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Process Execution From A Potentially Suspicious Folder
id: 3dfd06d2-eaf4-4532-9555-68aca59f57c4
status: test
description: Detects a potentially suspicious execution from an uncommon folder.
references:
- https://github.com/mbevilacqua/appcompatprocessor/blob/6c847937c5a836e2ce2fe2b915f213c345a3c389/AppCompatSearch.txt
- https://www.secureworks.com/research/bronze-butler-targets-japanese-businesses
- https://www.crowdstrike.com/resources/reports/2019-crowdstrike-global-threat-report/
- https://github.com/ThreatHuntingProject/ThreatHunting/blob/cb22598bb70651f88e0285abc8d835757d2cb596/hunts/suspicious_process_creation_via_windows_event_logs.md
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Tim Shelton
date: 2019-01-16
modified: 2024-07-12
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Image|contains:
- ':\Perflogs\'
- ':\Users\All Users\'
- ':\Users\Default\'
- ':\Users\NetworkService\'
- ':\Windows\addins\'
- ':\Windows\debug\'
- ':\Windows\Fonts\'
- ':\Windows\Help\'
- ':\Windows\IME\'
- ':\Windows\Media\'
- ':\Windows\repair\'
- ':\Windows\security\'
- ':\Windows\System32\Tasks\'
- ':\Windows\Tasks\'
- '$Recycle.bin'
- '\config\systemprofile\'
- '\Intel\Logs\'
- '\RSA\MachineKeys\'
filter_optional_ibm:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Users\Public\IBM\ClientSolutions\Start_Programs\'
filter_optional_citrix:
Image|startswith: 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Citrix\UpdaterBinaries\'
Image|endswith: '\CitrixReceiverUpdater.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Taskmgr as LOCAL_SYSTEM
id: 9fff585c-c33e-4a86-b3cd-39312079a65f
status: test
description: Detects the creation of taskmgr.exe process in context of LOCAL_SYSTEM
references:
- Internal Research
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2018-03-18
modified: 2022-05-27
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
User|contains: # covers many language settings
- 'AUTHORI'
- 'AUTORI'
Image|endswith: '\taskmgr.exe'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - XORDump Execution
id: 66e563f9-1cbd-4a22-a957-d8b7c0f44372
status: test
description: Detects suspicious use of XORDump process memory dumping utility
references:
- https://github.com/audibleblink/xordump
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-01-28
modified: 2023-02-08
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1003.001
- attack.credential-access
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\xordump.exe'
- CommandLine|contains:
- ' -process lsass.exe '
- ' -m comsvcs '
- ' -m dbghelp '
- ' -m dbgcore '
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Another tool that uses the command line switches of XORdump
level: high
title: Suspicious DumpMinitool Execution
id: eb1c4225-1c23-4241-8dd4-051389fde4ce
status: test
description: Detects suspicious ways to use the "DumpMinitool.exe" binary
references:
- https://twitter.com/mrd0x/status/1511415432888131586
- https://twitter.com/mrd0x/status/1511489821247684615
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/OtherMSBinaries/DumpMinitool/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-04-06
modified: 2023-04-12
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1003.001
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Image|endswith:
- '\DumpMinitool.exe'
- '\DumpMinitool.x86.exe'
- '\DumpMinitool.arm64.exe'
- OriginalFileName:
- 'DumpMinitool.exe'
- 'DumpMinitool.x86.exe'
- 'DumpMinitool.arm64.exe'
filter_folder:
Image|contains:
- '\Microsoft Visual Studio\'
- '\Extensions\' # https://github.com/microsoft/vstest/blob/b2e2126f1aa7e5753cafe9515563c99ade6a59ce/src/package/nuspec/Microsoft.TestPlatform.Portable.nuspec#L159
susp_flags:
CommandLine|contains: '.txt'
cmd_has_flags:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' Full'
- ' Mini'
- ' WithHeap'
filter_cmd_misses_flags:
CommandLine|contains: '--dumpType'
condition: selection and ( ( not filter_folder ) or susp_flags or ( cmd_has_flags and not filter_cmd_misses_flags ) )
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Potential SysInternals ProcDump Evasion
id: 79b06761-465f-4f88-9ef2-150e24d3d737
status: test
description: Detects uses of the SysInternals ProcDump utility in which ProcDump or its output get renamed, or a dump file is moved or copied to a different name
references:
- https://twitter.com/mrd0x/status/1480785527901204481
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-01-11
modified: 2023-05-09
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1003.001
- attack.credential-access
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_1:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'copy procdump'
- 'move procdump'
selection_2:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'copy '
- '.dmp '
CommandLine|contains:
- '2.dmp'
- 'lsass'
- 'out.dmp'
selection_3:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'copy lsass.exe_' # procdump default pattern e.g. lsass.exe_220111_085234.dmp
- 'move lsass.exe_' # procdump default pattern e.g. lsass.exe_220111_085234.dmp
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- False positives are expected in cases in which ProcDump just gets copied to a different directory without any renaming
level: high
title: System File Execution Location Anomaly
id: e4a6b256-3e47-40fc-89d2-7a477edd6915
related:
- id: be58d2e2-06c8-4f58-b666-b99f6dc3b6cd # Dedicated SvcHost rule
type: derived
status: test
description: |
Detects the execution of a Windows system binary that is usually located in the system folder from an uncommon location.
references:
- https://twitter.com/GelosSnake/status/934900723426439170
- https://asec.ahnlab.com/en/39828/
- https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/inno-setup-malware-redline-stealer-campaign.html
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Patrick Bareiss, Anton Kutepov, oscd.community, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2017-11-27
modified: 2026-02-12
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith:
- '\atbroker.exe'
- '\audiodg.exe'
- '\bcdedit.exe'
- '\bitsadmin.exe'
- '\certreq.exe'
- '\certutil.exe'
- '\cmstp.exe'
- '\conhost.exe'
- '\consent.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\csrss.exe'
- '\dashost.exe'
- '\defrag.exe'
- '\dfrgui.exe' # Was seen used by Lazarus Group - https://asec.ahnlab.com/en/39828/
- '\dism.exe'
- '\dllhost.exe'
- '\dllhst3g.exe'
- '\dwm.exe'
- '\eventvwr.exe'
- '\fsquirt.exe' # was seen used by sidewinder APT - https://securelist.com/sidewinder-apt/114089/
- '\finger.exe'
- '\logonui.exe'
- '\LsaIso.exe'
- '\lsass.exe'
- '\lsm.exe'
- '\msiexec.exe'
- '\ntoskrnl.exe'
- '\powershell_ise.exe'
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\regsvr32.exe'
- '\rundll32.exe'
- '\runonce.exe'
- '\RuntimeBroker.exe'
- '\schtasks.exe'
- '\services.exe'
- '\sihost.exe'
- '\smartscreen.exe'
- '\smss.exe'
- '\spoolsv.exe'
- '\svchost.exe'
- '\taskhost.exe'
- '\taskhostw.exe'
- '\Taskmgr.exe'
- '\userinit.exe'
- '\werfault.exe'
- '\werfaultsecure.exe'
- '\wininit.exe'
- '\winlogon.exe'
- '\winver.exe'
- '\wlanext.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
- '\wsl.exe'
- '\wsmprovhost.exe' # Was seen used by Lazarus Group - https://asec.ahnlab.com/en/39828/
filter_main_generic:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\'
- 'C:\$WinREAgent\'
- 'C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\'
- 'C:\Windows\System32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SystemTemp\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
- 'C:\Windows\uus\'
- 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
filter_optional_system32:
Image|contains: '\SystemRoot\System32\'
filter_main_powershell:
Image|contains:
- 'C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7\'
- 'C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7-preview\'
- 'C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.PowerShellPreview'
- '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\Microsoft.PowerShellPreview' # pwsh installed from Microsoft Store
Image|endswith: '\pwsh.exe'
filter_main_wsl_programfiles:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\MicrosoftCorporationII.WindowsSubsystemForLinux'
- 'C:\Program Files\WSL\'
Image|endswith: '\wsl.exe'
filter_main_wsl_appdata:
Image|startswith: C:\Users\'
Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\'
Image|endswith: '\wsl.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_susp_system_exe_anomaly/info.yml
title: Suspicious MSDT Parent Process
id: 7a74da6b-ea76-47db-92cc-874ad90df734
status: test
description: Detects msdt.exe executed by a suspicious parent as seen in CVE-2022-30190 / Follina exploitation
references:
- https://twitter.com/nao_sec/status/1530196847679401984
- https://app.any.run/tasks/713f05d2-fe78-4b9d-a744-f7c133e3fafb/
author: Nextron Systems
date: 2022-06-01
modified: 2023-02-06
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1218
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_parent:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\cmd.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\regsvr32.exe'
- '\rundll32.exe'
- '\schtasks.exe'
- '\wmic.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
- '\wsl.exe'
# Note: office applications are covered by: 438025f9-5856-4663-83f7-52f878a70a50
selection_msdt:
- Image|endswith: '\msdt.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'msdt.exe'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Windows Update Agent Empty Cmdline
id: 52d097e2-063e-4c9c-8fbb-855c8948d135
status: test
description: |
Detects suspicious Windows Update Agent activity in which a wuauclt.exe process command line doesn't contain any command line flags
references:
- https://redcanary.com/blog/blackbyte-ransomware/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-26
modified: 2023-11-11
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\Wuauclt.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'Wuauclt.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|endswith:
- 'Wuauclt'
- 'Wuauclt.exe'
condition: all of selection*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Calculator Usage
id: 737e618a-a410-49b5-bec3-9e55ff7fbc15
status: test
description: |
Detects suspicious use of 'calc.exe' with command line parameters or in a suspicious directory, which is likely caused by some PoC or detection evasion.
references:
- https://twitter.com/ItsReallyNick/status/1094080242686312448
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-02-09
modified: 2023-11-09
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_1:
CommandLine|contains: '\calc.exe '
selection_2:
Image|endswith: '\calc.exe'
filter_main_known_locations:
Image|contains:
- ':\Windows\System32\'
- ':\Windows\SysWOW64\'
- ':\Windows\WinSxS\'
condition: selection_1 or ( selection_2 and not filter_main_known_locations )
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Potential LSASS Process Dump Via Procdump
id: 5afee48e-67dd-4e03-a783-f74259dcf998
status: stable
description: |
Detects potential credential harvesting attempts through LSASS memory dumps using ProcDump.
This rule identifies suspicious command-line patterns that combine memory dump flags (-ma, -mm, -mp) with LSASS-related process markers.
LSASS (Local Security Authority Subsystem Service) contains sensitive authentication data including plaintext passwords, NTLM hashes, and Kerberos tickets in memory.
Attackers commonly dump LSASS memory to extract credentials for lateral movement and privilege escalation.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/procdump
- https://research.splunk.com/endpoint/3742ebfe-64c2-11eb-ae93-0242ac130002
- https://x.com/wietze/status/1958302556033065292?s=12
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2018-10-30
modified: 2025-10-19
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1003.001
- car.2013-05-009
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_flags:
CommandLine|contains|windash:
- ' -ma '
- ' -mm ' # Mini dump
- ' -mp ' # Miniplus dump
selection_process:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' ls' # Short for lsass
- ' keyiso'
- ' samss'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely, because no one should dump an lsass process memory
- Another tool that uses command line flags similar to ProcDump
level: high
title: Suspicious Child Process Of Wermgr.EXE
id: 396f6630-f3ac-44e3-bfc8-1b161bc00c4e
related:
- id: 5394fcc7-aeb2-43b5-9a09-cac9fc5edcd5
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious Windows Error Reporting manager (wermgr.exe) child process
references:
- https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/j/black-basta-infiltrates-networks-via-qakbot-brute-ratel-and-coba.html
- https://www.echotrail.io/insights/search/wermgr.exe
- https://github.com/binderlabs/DirCreate2System
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-14
modified: 2024-08-29
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1055
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\wermgr.exe'
Image|endswith:
- '\cmd.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\ipconfig.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
- '\net.exe'
- '\net1.exe'
- '\netstat.exe'
- '\nslookup.exe'
- '\powershell_ise.exe'
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\regsvr32.exe'
- '\rundll32.exe'
- '\systeminfo.exe'
- '\whoami.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
filter_main_rundll32:
Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'C:\Windows\system32\WerConCpl.dll'
- 'LaunchErcApp '
CommandLine|contains:
- '-queuereporting'
- '-responsepester'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Renamed ZOHO Dctask64 Execution
id: 340a090b-c4e9-412e-bb36-b4b16fe96f9b
status: test
description: |
Detects a renamed "dctask64.exe" execution, a signed binary by ZOHO Corporation part of ManageEngine Endpoint Central.
This binary can be abused for DLL injection, arbitrary command and process execution.
references:
- https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222088214581825540
- https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222095963789111296
- https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222095371175911424
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-01-28
modified: 2025-01-22
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1055.001
- attack.t1202
- attack.t1218
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Hashes|contains:
- 'IMPHASH=6834B1B94E49701D77CCB3C0895E1AFD'
- 'IMPHASH=1BB6F93B129F398C7C4A76BB97450BBA'
- 'IMPHASH=FAA2AC19875FADE461C8D89DCF2710A3'
- 'IMPHASH=F1039CED4B91572AB7847D26032E6BBF'
filter_main_legit_name:
Image|endswith: '\dctask64.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Sdiagnhost Calling Suspicious Child Process
id: f3d39c45-de1a-4486-a687-ab126124f744
status: test
description: Detects sdiagnhost.exe calling a suspicious child process (e.g. used in exploits for Follina / CVE-2022-30190)
references:
- https://twitter.com/nao_sec/status/1530196847679401984
- https://doublepulsar.com/follina-a-microsoft-office-code-execution-vulnerability-1a47fce5629e
- https://app.any.run/tasks/713f05d2-fe78-4b9d-a744-f7c133e3fafb/
- https://app.any.run/tasks/f420d295-0457-4e9b-9b9e-6732be227583/
- https://app.any.run/tasks/c4117d9a-f463-461a-b90f-4cd258746798/
author: Nextron Systems, @Kostastsale
date: 2022-06-01
modified: 2024-08-23
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
- attack.t1218
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\sdiagnhost.exe'
Image|endswith:
# Add more suspicious LOLBins
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\cmd.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
- '\taskkill.exe'
- '\regsvr32.exe'
- '\rundll32.exe'
# - '\csc.exe' # https://app.any.run/tasks/f420d295-0457-4e9b-9b9e-6732be227583/
- '\calc.exe' # https://app.any.run/tasks/f420d295-0457-4e9b-9b9e-6732be227583/
filter_main_cmd_bits:
Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
CommandLine|contains: 'bits'
filter_main_powershell_noprofile:
Image|endswith: '\powershell.exe'
CommandLine|endswith:
- '-noprofile -'
- '-noprofile'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Process Parents
id: cbec226f-63d9-4eca-9f52-dfb6652f24df
status: test
description: Detects suspicious parent processes that should not have any children or should only have a single possible child program
references:
- https://twitter.com/x86matthew/status/1505476263464607744?s=12
- https://svch0st.medium.com/stats-from-hunting-cobalt-strike-beacons-c17e56255f9b
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-03-21
modified: 2022-09-08
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\minesweeper.exe'
- '\winver.exe'
- '\bitsadmin.exe'
selection_special:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\csrss.exe'
- '\certutil.exe'
# - '\schtasks.exe'
- '\eventvwr.exe'
- '\calc.exe'
- '\notepad.exe'
filter_special:
Image|endswith:
- '\WerFault.exe'
- '\wermgr.exe'
- '\conhost.exe' # csrss.exe, certutil.exe
- '\mmc.exe' # eventvwr.exe
- '\win32calc.exe' # calc.exe
- '\notepad.exe'
filter_null:
Image: null
condition: selection or ( selection_special and not 1 of filter_* )
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Renamed Plink Execution
id: 1c12727d-02bf-45ff-a9f3-d49806a3cf43
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed version of the Plink binary
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2022/06/06/will-the-real-msiexec-please-stand-up-exploit-leads-to-data-exfiltration/
- https://the.earth.li/~sgtatham/putty/0.58/htmldoc/Chapter7.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-06
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- OriginalFileName: 'Plink'
- CommandLine|contains|all:
- ' -l forward'
- ' -P '
- ' -R '
filter:
Image|endswith: '\plink.exe'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: 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: 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: LOL-Binary Copied From System Directory
id: f5d19838-41b5-476c-98d8-ba8af4929ee2
related:
- id: fff9d2b7-e11c-4a69-93d3-40ef66189767
type: derived
status: test
description: |
Detects a suspicious copy operation that tries to copy a known LOLBIN from system (System32, SysWOW64, WinSxS) directories to another on disk in order to bypass detections based on locations.
references:
- https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/8da5b75b6380a41eee3a399c43dfe0d99eeefaa1fd21027a07b1ecaa4cd96fdd?environmentId=120
- https://web.archive.org/web/20180331144337/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2018/03/sanny-malware-delivery-method-updated-in-recently-observed-attacks.html
- https://thedfirreport.com/2023/08/28/html-smuggling-leads-to-domain-wide-ransomware/
- https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/14e722855605ba78dc1d21153f0e1be90e7528149f2cd2d7d6eba8ef27534bdc/behavior
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-08-29
modified: 2025-11-27
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_tools_cmd:
Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
CommandLine|contains: 'copy '
selection_tools_pwsh:
Image|endswith:
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'copy-item'
- ' copy '
- 'cpi '
- ' cp '
selection_tools_other:
- Image|endswith:
- '\robocopy.exe'
- '\xcopy.exe'
- OriginalFileName:
- 'robocopy.exe'
- 'XCOPY.EXE'
selection_target_path:
CommandLine|contains:
- '\System32'
- '\SysWOW64'
- '\WinSxS'
selection_target_lolbin:
CommandLine|contains:
# Note: add more binaries to increase coverage
- '\bitsadmin.exe'
- '\calc.exe'
- '\certutil.exe'
- '\cmdl32.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
- '\rundll32.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
- '\ie4uinit.exe'
condition: 1 of selection_tools_* and all of selection_target_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: File Download Via Bitsadmin To A Suspicious Target Folder
id: 2ddef153-167b-4e89-86b6-757a9e65dcac
related:
- id: 6e30c82f-a9f8-4aab-b79c-7c12bce6f248
type: obsolete
- id: 1cf465a1-2609-4c15-9b66-c32dbe4bfd67
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects usage of bitsadmin downloading a file to a suspicious target folder
references:
- https://blog.netspi.com/15-ways-to-download-a-file/#bitsadmin
- https://isc.sans.edu/diary/22264
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Bitsadmin/
- https://blog.talosintelligence.com/breaking-the-silence-recent-truebot-activity/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-28
modified: 2025-12-10
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1197
- attack.s0190
- attack.t1036.003
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1105
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\bitsadmin.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'bitsadmin.exe'
selection_flags:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' /transfer '
- ' /create '
- ' /addfile '
selection_folder:
CommandLine|contains:
- ':\Perflogs'
- ':\ProgramData\'
- ':\Temp\'
- ':\Users\Public\'
- ':\Windows\'
- '\$Recycle.Bin\'
- '\AppData\Local\'
- '\AppData\Roaming\'
- '\Contacts\'
- '\Desktop\'
- '\Favorites\'
- '\Favourites\'
- '\inetpub\wwwroot\'
- '\Music\'
- '\Pictures\'
- '\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\'
- '\Users\Default\'
- '\Videos\'
- '%ProgramData%'
- '%public%'
- '%temp%'
- '%tmp%'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_bitsadmin_download_susp_targetfolder/info.yml
simulation:
- type: atomic-red-team
name: Windows - BITSAdmin BITS Download
technique: T1105
atomic_guid: a1921cd3-9a2d-47d5-a891-f1d0f2a7a31b
title: Potential Defense Evasion Via Rename Of Highly Relevant Binaries
id: 0ba1da6d-b6ce-4366-828c-18826c9de23e
related:
- id: 36480ae1-a1cb-4eaa-a0d6-29801d7e9142
type: similar
- id: 2569ed8c-1147-498a-9b8c-2ad3656b10ed # Renamed Rundll32 Specific
type: derived
- id: a7a7e0e5-1d57-49df-9c58-9fe5bc0346a2 # Renamed PsExec
type: obsolete
- id: d178a2d7-129a-4ba4-8ee6-d6e1fecd5d20 # Renamed PowerShell
type: obsolete
- id: d4d2574f-ac17-4d9e-b986-aeeae0dc8fe2 # Renamed Rundll32
type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed binary often used by attackers or malware leveraging new Sysmon OriginalFileName datapoint.
references:
- https://mgreen27.github.io/posts/2019/05/12/BinaryRename.html
- https://mgreen27.github.io/posts/2019/05/29/BinaryRename2.html
- https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hk-en/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/megacortex-ransomware-spotted-attacking-enterprise-networks
- https://twitter.com/christophetd/status/1164506034720952320
- https://threatresearch.ext.hp.com/svcready-a-new-loader-reveals-itself/
- https://www.huntress.com/blog/malicious-browser-extention-crashfix-kongtuke
author: Matthew Green - @mgreen27, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), frack113
date: 2019-06-15
modified: 2026-02-12
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.003
- car.2013-05-009
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Description: 'Execute processes remotely'
- Product: 'Sysinternals PsExec'
- Description|startswith:
- 'Windows PowerShell'
- 'pwsh'
- OriginalFileName:
- 'certutil.exe'
- 'cmstp.exe'
- 'cscript.exe'
- 'IE4UINIT.EXE'
- 'finger.exe'
- 'mshta.exe'
- 'msiexec.exe'
- 'msxsl.exe'
- 'powershell_ise.exe'
- 'powershell.exe'
- 'psexec.c' # old versions of psexec (2016 seen)
- 'psexec.exe'
- 'psexesvc.exe'
- 'pwsh.dll'
- 'reg.exe'
- 'regsvr32.exe'
- 'rundll32.exe'
- 'WerMgr'
- 'wmic.exe'
- 'wscript.exe'
filter:
Image|endswith:
- '\certutil.exe'
- '\cmstp.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\ie4uinit.exe'
- '\finger.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
- '\msiexec.exe'
- '\msxsl.exe'
- '\powershell_ise.exe'
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\psexec.exe'
- '\psexec64.exe'
- '\PSEXESVC.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
- '\reg.exe'
- '\regsvr32.exe'
- '\rundll32.exe'
- '\wermgr.exe'
- '\wmic.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Custom applications use renamed binaries adding slight change to binary name. Typically this is easy to spot and add to whitelist
- PsExec installed via Windows Store doesn't contain original filename field (False negative)
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_renamed_binary_highly_relevant/info.yml
title: File With Suspicious Extension Downloaded Via Bitsadmin
id: 5b80a791-ad9b-4b75-bcc1-ad4e1e89c200
status: test
description: Detects usage of bitsadmin downloading a file with a suspicious extension
references:
- https://blog.netspi.com/15-ways-to-download-a-file/#bitsadmin
- https://isc.sans.edu/diary/22264
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Bitsadmin/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-28
modified: 2023-05-30
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1197
- attack.s0190
- attack.t1036.003
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1105
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\bitsadmin.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'bitsadmin.exe'
selection_flags:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' /transfer '
- ' /create '
- ' /addfile '
selection_extension:
CommandLine|contains:
- '.7z'
- '.asax'
- '.ashx'
- '.asmx'
- '.asp'
- '.aspx'
- '.bat'
- '.cfm'
- '.cgi'
- '.chm'
- '.cmd'
- '.dll'
- '.gif'
- '.jpeg'
- '.jpg'
- '.jsp'
- '.jspx'
- '.log'
- '.png'
- '.ps1'
- '.psm1'
- '.rar'
- '.scf'
- '.sct'
- '.txt'
- '.vbe'
- '.vbs'
- '.war'
- '.wsf'
- '.wsh'
- '.xll'
- '.zip'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_bitsadmin_download_susp_extensions/info.yml
simulation:
- type: atomic-red-team
name: Windows - BITSAdmin BITS Download
technique: T1105
atomic_guid: a1921cd3-9a2d-47d5-a891-f1d0f2a7a31b
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: Renamed Msdt.EXE Execution
id: bd1c6866-65fc-44b2-be51-5588fcff82b9
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed "Msdt.exe" binary
references:
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Msdt/
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-03
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
OriginalFileName: 'msdt.exe'
filter:
Image|endswith: '\msdt.exe'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_renamed_msdt/info.yml
title: Renamed Jusched.EXE Execution
id: edd8a48c-1b9f-4ba1-83aa-490338cd1ccb
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed "jusched.exe" as seen used by the cobalt group
references:
- https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/262/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-An-APT-Blueprint-Gaining-New-Visibility-into-Financial-Threats-interactive.pdf
author: Markus Neis, Swisscom
date: 2019-06-04
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Description:
- Java Update Scheduler
- Java(TM) Update Scheduler
filter:
Image|endswith: '\jusched.exe'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious Download From File-Sharing Website Via Bitsadmin
id: 8518ed3d-f7c9-4601-a26c-f361a4256a0c
status: test
description: Detects usage of bitsadmin downloading a file from a suspicious domain
references:
- https://blog.netspi.com/15-ways-to-download-a-file/#bitsadmin
- https://isc.sans.edu/diary/22264
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Bitsadmin/
- https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/ransomware-hive-conti-avoslocker
- https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa22-321a
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/01/17/new-ttps-observed-in-mint-sandstorm-campaign-targeting-high-profile-individuals-at-universities-and-research-orgs/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-28
modified: 2025-12-10
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1197
- attack.s0190
- attack.t1036.003
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1105
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\bitsadmin.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'bitsadmin.exe'
selection_flags:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' /transfer '
- ' /create '
- ' /addfile '
selection_domain:
CommandLine|contains:
- '.githubusercontent.com' # Includes both gists and github repositories / Michael Haag (idea)
- 'anonfiles.com'
- 'cdn.discordapp.com'
- 'ddns.net'
- 'dl.dropboxusercontent.com'
- 'ghostbin.co'
- 'github.com' # bitsadmin /transfer n https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/raw/master/atomics/T1047/bin/calc.dll %PUBLIC%\calc.dll
- 'glitch.me'
- 'gofile.io'
- 'hastebin.com'
- 'mediafire.com'
- 'mega.nz'
- 'onrender.com'
- 'pages.dev'
- 'paste.ee'
- 'pastebin.com'
- 'pastebin.pl'
- 'pastetext.net'
- 'privatlab.com'
- 'privatlab.net'
- 'send.exploit.in'
- 'sendspace.com'
- 'storage.googleapis.com'
- 'storjshare.io'
- 'supabase.co'
- 'temp.sh'
- 'transfer.sh'
- 'trycloudflare.com'
- 'ufile.io'
- 'w3spaces.com'
- 'workers.dev'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Some legitimate apps use this, but limited.
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_bitsadmin_download_file_sharing_domains/info.yml
simulation:
- type: atomic-red-team
name: Windows - BITSAdmin BITS Download
technique: T1105
atomic_guid: a1921cd3-9a2d-47d5-a891-f1d0f2a7a31b
title: Renamed BrowserCore.EXE Execution
id: 8a4519e8-e64a-40b6-ae85-ba8ad2177559
status: test
description: Detects process creation with a renamed BrowserCore.exe (used to extract Azure tokens)
references:
- https://twitter.com/mariuszbit/status/1531631015139102720
author: Max Altgelt (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-02
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1528
- attack.t1036.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
OriginalFileName: BrowserCore.exe
filter_realbrowsercore:
Image|endswith: '\BrowserCore.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Renamed ProcDump Execution
id: 4a0b2c7e-7cb2-495d-8b63-5f268e7bfd67
related:
- id: 03795938-1387-481b-9f4c-3f6241e604fe
type: obsolete
status: test
description: |
Detects the execution of a renamed ProcDump executable.
This often done by attackers or malware in order to evade defensive mechanisms.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/procdump
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-11-18
modified: 2024-06-25
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.003
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_ofn:
OriginalFileName: 'procdump'
selection_cli_dump_flag:
CommandLine|contains|windash:
- ' -ma ' # Full Dump
- ' -mp ' # Mini Plus
selection_cli_eula_flag:
# Note: Even though the "accepteula" flag isn't required. We add it to avoid collision with similar utilities.
CommandLine|contains|windash: ' /accepteula'
filter_main_known_names:
Image|endswith:
- '\procdump.exe'
- '\procdump64.exe'
condition: (selection_ofn or all of selection_cli_*) and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Procdump illegally bundled with legitimate software.
- Administrators who rename binaries (should be investigated).
level: high
title: Suspicious Download From Direct IP Via Bitsadmin
id: 99c840f2-2012-46fd-9141-c761987550ef
related:
- id: 90f138c1-f578-4ac3-8c49-eecfd847c8b7
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects usage of bitsadmin downloading a file using an URL that contains an IP
references:
- https://blog.netspi.com/15-ways-to-download-a-file/#bitsadmin
- https://isc.sans.edu/diary/22264
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Bitsadmin/
- https://blog.talosintelligence.com/breaking-the-silence-recent-truebot-activity/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-28
modified: 2023-02-15
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.execution
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1197
- attack.s0190
- attack.t1036.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\bitsadmin.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'bitsadmin.exe'
selection_flags:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' /transfer '
- ' /create '
- ' /addfile '
selection_extension:
CommandLine|contains:
- '://1'
- '://2'
- '://3'
- '://4'
- '://5'
- '://6'
- '://7'
- '://8'
- '://9'
filter_seven_zip:
CommandLine|contains: '://7-' # For https://7-zip.org/
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_bitsadmin_download_direct_ip/info.yml
title: Renamed Office Binary Execution
id: 0b0cd537-fc77-4e6e-a973-e53495c1083d
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a renamed office binary
references:
- https://infosec.exchange/@sbousseaden/109542254124022664
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-20
modified: 2025-12-09
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- OriginalFileName:
- 'Excel.exe'
- 'MSACCESS.EXE'
- 'MSPUB.EXE'
- 'OneNote.exe'
- 'OneNoteM.exe'
- 'OUTLOOK.EXE'
- 'POWERPNT.EXE'
- 'WinWord.exe'
- 'Olk.exe'
- Description:
- 'Microsoft Access'
- 'Microsoft Excel'
- 'Microsoft OneNote'
- 'Microsoft Outlook'
- 'Microsoft PowerPoint'
- 'Microsoft Publisher'
- 'Microsoft Word'
- 'Sent to OneNote Tool'
filter_main_legit_names:
Image|endswith:
- '\EXCEL.exe'
- '\excelcnv.exe'
- '\MSACCESS.exe'
- '\MSPUB.EXE'
- '\ONENOTE.EXE'
- '\ONENOTEM.EXE'
- '\OUTLOOK.EXE'
- '\POWERPNT.EXE'
- '\WINWORD.exe'
- '\OLK.EXE'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Potential WerFault ReflectDebugger Registry Value Abuse
id: 0cf2e1c6-8d10-4273-8059-738778f981ad
related:
- id: fabfb3a7-3ce1-4445-9c7c-3c27f1051cdd
type: derived
status: test
description: Detects potential WerFault "ReflectDebugger" registry value abuse for persistence.
references:
- https://cocomelonc.github.io/malware/2022/11/02/malware-pers-18.html
- https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2018/08/31/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-85/
author: X__Junior
date: 2023-05-18
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.003
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|endswith: '\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting\Hangs\ReflectDebugger'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Scheduled Task Creation Masquerading as System Processes
id: 9f8573c9-22b4-40e3-89c1-72bc2b8d49ab
status: experimental
description: Detects the creation of scheduled tasks that involve system processes, which may indicate malicious actors masquerading as or abusing these processes to execute payloads or maintain persistence.
references:
- https://tria.ge/241015-l98snsyeje/behavioral2
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-02-05
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.persistence
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1053.005
- attack.t1036.004
- attack.t1036.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'schtasks.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|windash: ' /create '
CommandLine|contains:
- ' audiodg'
- ' conhost'
- ' dwm.exe'
- ' explorer'
- ' lsass'
- ' lsm'
- ' mmc'
- ' msiexec'
- ' regsvr32'
- ' rundll32'
- ' services'
- ' spoolsv'
- ' svchost'
- ' taskeng'
- ' taskhost'
- ' wininit'
- ' winlogon'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Legitimate system administration tasks scheduling trusted system processes.
level: high
title: Suspicious Process Masquerading As SvcHost.EXE
id: be58d2e2-06c8-4f58-b666-b99f6dc3b6cd
related:
- id: 01d2e2a1-5f09-44f7-9fc1-24faa7479b6d
type: similar
- id: e4a6b256-3e47-40fc-89d2-7a477edd6915
type: similar
status: test
description: |
Detects a suspicious process that is masquerading as the legitimate "svchost.exe" by naming its binary "svchost.exe" and executing from an uncommon location.
Adversaries often disguise their malicious binaries by naming them after legitimate system processes like "svchost.exe" to evade detection.
references:
- https://tria.ge/240731-jh4crsycnb/behavioral2
- https://redcanary.com/blog/threat-detection/process-masquerading/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2024-08-07
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith: '\svchost.exe'
filter_main_img_location:
Image:
- 'C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\svchost.exe'
filter_main_ofn:
OriginalFileName: 'svchost.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_svchost_masqueraded_execution/info.yml
title: Uncommon Svchost Command Line Parameter
id: f17211f1-1f24-4d0c-829f-31e28dc93cdd
status: experimental
description: |
Detects instances of svchost.exe running with an unusual or uncommon command line parameter by excluding known legitimate or common patterns.
This could point at a file masquerading as svchost, a process injection, or hollowing of a legitimate svchost instance.
references:
- https://cardinalops.com/blog/the-art-of-anomaly-hunting-patterns-detection/
- https://www.security.com/threat-intelligence/blackbyte-exbyte-ransomware
- https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/apt41-initiates-global-intrusion-campaign-using-multiple-exploits/
- https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2018/03/08064518/Carbanak_APT_eng.pdf
author: Liran Ravich
date: 2025-11-14
modified: 2026-03-23
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.005
- attack.t1055
- attack.t1055.012
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
# Example of command to simulate: "C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe" calc.exe
Image|endswith: '\svchost.exe'
filter_main_flags:
CommandLine|re: '-k\s\w{1,64}(?:\s?(?:-p|-s))?'
filter_main_empty:
CommandLine: ''
filter_main_null:
CommandLine: null
filter_optional_defender:
ParentImage|endswith: '\MsMpEng.exe'
CommandLine|contains: 'svchost.exe'
filter_optional_mrt:
ParentImage|endswith: '\MRT.exe'
CommandLine: 'svchost.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Potential MsiExec Masquerading
id: e22a6eb2-f8a5-44b5-8b44-a2dbd47b1144
status: test
description: Detects the execution of msiexec.exe from an uncommon directory
references:
- https://twitter.com/200_okay_/status/1194765831911215104
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-11-14
modified: 2023-02-21
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1036.005
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
- Image|endswith: '\msiexec.exe'
- OriginalFileName: '\msiexec.exe'
filter:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\Windows\System32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
- 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Flash Player Update from Suspicious Location
id: 4922a5dd-6743-4fc2-8e81-144374280997
status: test
description: Detects a flashplayer update from an unofficial location
references:
- https://gist.github.com/roycewilliams/a723aaf8a6ac3ba4f817847610935cfb
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2017-10-25
modified: 2022-08-08
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1189
- attack.execution
- attack.t1204.002
- attack.t1036.005
logsource:
category: proxy
detection:
selection:
- c-uri|contains: '/flash_install.php'
- c-uri|endswith: '/install_flash_player.exe'
filter:
cs-host|endswith: '.adobe.com'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Unknown flash download locations
level: high
title: OpenCanary - TFTP Request
id: b4e6b016-a2ac-4759-ad85-8000b300d61e
status: test
description: Detects instances where a TFTP service on an OpenCanary node has had a request.
references:
- https://opencanary.readthedocs.io/en/latest/starting/configuration.html#services-configuration
- https://github.com/thinkst/opencanary/blob/a0896adfcaf0328cfd5829fe10d2878c7445138e/opencanary/logger.py#L52
author: Security Onion Solutions
date: 2024-03-08
tags:
- attack.exfiltration
- attack.t1041
logsource:
category: application
product: opencanary
detection:
selection:
logtype: 10001
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: OpenCanary - NMAP NULL Scan
id: 68b8547b-107f-43f3-97fb-900a7d63c190
status: experimental
description: Detects instances where an OpenCanary node has been targeted by a NMAP NULL Scan
references:
- https://opencanary.readthedocs.io/en/latest/starting/configuration.html#services-configuration
- https://github.com/thinkst/opencanary/blob/a0896adfcaf0328cfd5829fe10d2878c7445138e/opencanary/logger.py#L52
author: Marco Pedrinazzi (@pedrinazziM)
date: 2026-01-06
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1046
logsource:
category: application
product: opencanary
detection:
selection:
logtype: 5003
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: OpenCanary - NMAP OS Scan
id: e8a677fd-248c-4eab-94df-de2f6f645884
status: experimental
description: Detects instances where an OpenCanary node has been targeted by a NMAP OS Scan
references:
- https://opencanary.readthedocs.io/en/latest/starting/configuration.html#services-configuration
- https://github.com/thinkst/opencanary/blob/a0896adfcaf0328cfd5829fe10d2878c7445138e/opencanary/logger.py#L52
author: Marco Pedrinazzi (@pedrinazziM)
date: 2026-01-06
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1046
logsource:
category: application
product: opencanary
detection:
selection:
logtype: 5002
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: OpenCanary - NMAP FIN Scan
id: eae8c0c8-e5da-450a-9d7d-66aa56cd26b6
status: experimental
description: Detects instances where an OpenCanary node has been targeted by a NMAP FIN Scan
references:
- https://opencanary.readthedocs.io/en/latest/starting/configuration.html#services-configuration
- https://github.com/thinkst/opencanary/blob/a0896adfcaf0328cfd5829fe10d2878c7445138e/opencanary/logger.py#L52
author: Marco Pedrinazzi (@pedrinazziM)
date: 2026-01-06
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1046
logsource:
category: application
product: opencanary
detection:
selection:
logtype: 5005
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: OpenCanary - NMAP XMAS Scan
id: d7553d7b-f485-479c-b192-cdac6edd83a4
status: experimental
description: Detects instances where an OpenCanary node has been targeted by a NMAP XMAS Scan
references:
- https://opencanary.readthedocs.io/en/latest/starting/configuration.html#services-configuration
- https://github.com/thinkst/opencanary/blob/a0896adfcaf0328cfd5829fe10d2878c7445138e/opencanary/logger.py#L52
author: Marco Pedrinazzi (@pedrinazziM)
date: 2026-01-06
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1046
logsource:
category: application
product: opencanary
detection:
selection:
logtype: 5004
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: OpenCanary - Host Port Scan (SYN Scan)
id: 974be8d2-283e-4033-ab08-7505b84204d0
status: experimental
description: Detects instances where an OpenCanary node has been targeted by a SYN port scan.
references:
- https://opencanary.readthedocs.io/en/latest/starting/configuration.html#services-configuration
- https://github.com/thinkst/opencanary/blob/a0896adfcaf0328cfd5829fe10d2878c7445138e/opencanary/logger.py#L52
author: Marco Pedrinazzi (@pedrinazziM)
date: 2026-01-06
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1046
logsource:
category: application
product: opencanary
detection:
selection:
logtype: 5001
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: HackTool - WinPwn Execution - ScriptBlock
id: 851fd622-b675-4d26-b803-14bc7baa517a
related:
- id: d557dc06-62e8-4468-a8e8-7984124908ce
type: similar
status: test
description: |
Detects scriptblock text keywords indicative of potential usge of the tool WinPwn. A tool for Windows and Active Directory reconnaissance and exploitation.
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2023-12-04
references:
- https://github.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn
- https://www.publicnow.com/view/EB87DB49C654D9B63995FAD4C9DE3D3CC4F6C3ED?1671634841
- https://reconshell.com/winpwn-tool-for-internal-windows-pentesting-and-ad-security/
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/4d6c4e8e23d465af7a2388620cfe3f8c76e16cf0/atomics/T1082/T1082.md
- https://grep.app/search?q=winpwn&filter[repo][0]=redcanaryco/atomic-red-team
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.discovery
- attack.execution
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.t1046
- attack.t1082
- attack.t1106
- attack.t1518
- attack.t1548.002
- attack.t1552.001
- attack.t1555
- attack.t1555.003
logsource:
category: ps_script
product: windows
definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
selection:
ScriptBlockText|contains:
- 'Offline_Winpwn'
- 'WinPwn '
- 'WinPwn.exe'
- 'WinPwn.ps1'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- As the script block is a blob of text. False positive may occur with scripts that contain the keyword as a reference or simply use it for detection.
level: high
title: HackTool - WinPwn Execution
id: d557dc06-62e8-4468-a8e8-7984124908ce
related:
- id: 851fd622-b675-4d26-b803-14bc7baa517a
type: similar
status: test
description: |
Detects commandline keywords indicative of potential usge of the tool WinPwn. A tool for Windows and Active Directory reconnaissance and exploitation.
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2023-12-04
references:
- https://github.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn
- https://www.publicnow.com/view/EB87DB49C654D9B63995FAD4C9DE3D3CC4F6C3ED?1671634841
- https://reconshell.com/winpwn-tool-for-internal-windows-pentesting-and-ad-security/
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/4d6c4e8e23d465af7a2388620cfe3f8c76e16cf0/atomics/T1082/T1082.md
- https://grep.app/search?q=winpwn&filter[repo][0]=redcanaryco/atomic-red-team
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.discovery
- attack.execution
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.t1046
- attack.t1082
- attack.t1106
- attack.t1518
- attack.t1548.002
- attack.t1552.001
- attack.t1555
- attack.t1555.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'Offline_Winpwn'
- 'WinPwn '
- 'WinPwn.exe'
- 'WinPwn.ps1'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - winPEAS Execution
id: 98b53e78-ebaf-46f8-be06-421aafd176d9
status: test
description: WinPEAS is a script that search for possible paths to escalate privileges on Windows hosts. The checks are explained on book.hacktricks.xyz
references:
- https://github.com/carlospolop/PEASS-ng
- https://book.hacktricks.xyz/windows-hardening/windows-local-privilege-escalation
author: Georg Lauenstein (sure[secure])
date: 2022-09-19
modified: 2023-03-23
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1082
- attack.t1087
- attack.t1046
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- OriginalFileName: 'winPEAS.exe'
- Image|endswith:
- '\winPEASany_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASany.exe'
- '\winPEASx64_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASx64.exe'
- '\winPEASx86_ofs.exe'
- '\winPEASx86.exe'
selection_cli_option:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' applicationsinfo' # Search installed applications information
- ' browserinfo' # Search browser information
- ' eventsinfo' # Display interesting events information
- ' fileanalysis' # Search specific files that can contains credentials and for regexes inside files
- ' filesinfo' # Search generic files that can contains credentials
- ' processinfo' # Search processes information
- ' servicesinfo' # Search services information
- ' windowscreds' # Search windows credentials
selection_cli_dl:
CommandLine|contains: 'https://github.com/carlospolop/PEASS-ng/releases/latest/download/'
selection_cli_specific:
- ParentCommandLine|endswith: ' -linpeas'
- CommandLine|endswith: ' -linpeas'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
title: Remote DCOM/WMI Lateral Movement
id: 68050b10-e477-4377-a99b-3721b422d6ef
status: test
description: Detects remote RPC calls that performs remote DCOM operations. These could be abused for lateral movement via DCOM or WMI.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-srvs/accf23b0-0f57-441c-9185-43041f1b0ee9
- 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.lateral-movement
- attack.execution
- attack.t1021.003
- attack.t1047
logsource:
product: rpc_firewall
category: application
definition: 'Requirements: install and apply the RPC Firewall to all processes with "audit:true action:block uuid:367abb81-9844-35f1-ad32-98f038001003'
detection:
selection:
EventLog: RPCFW
EventID: 3
InterfaceUuid:
- 4d9f4ab8-7d1c-11cf-861e-0020af6e7c57
- 99fcfec4-5260-101b-bbcb-00aa0021347a
- 000001a0-0000-0000-c000-000000000046
- 00000131-0000-0000-c000-000000000046
- 00000143-0000-0000-c000-000000000046
- 00000000-0000-0000-c000-000000000046
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Some administrative tasks on remote host
level: high
title: WMImplant Hack Tool
id: 8028c2c3-e25a-46e3-827f-bbb5abf181d7
status: test
description: Detects parameters used by WMImplant
references:
- https://github.com/FortyNorthSecurity/WMImplant
author: NVISO
date: 2020-03-26
modified: 2022-12-25
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1047
- attack.t1059.001
logsource:
product: windows
category: ps_script
definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
selection:
ScriptBlockText|contains:
- 'WMImplant'
- ' change_user '
- ' gen_cli '
- ' command_exec '
- ' disable_wdigest '
- ' disable_winrm '
- ' enable_wdigest '
- ' enable_winrm '
- ' registry_mod '
- ' remote_posh '
- ' sched_job '
- ' service_mod '
- ' process_kill '
# - ' process_start '
- ' active_users '
- ' basic_info '
# - ' drive_list '
# - ' installed_programs '
- ' power_off '
- ' vacant_system '
- ' logon_events '
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Administrative scripts that use the same keywords.
level: high
title: Suspicious Encoded Scripts in a WMI Consumer
id: 83844185-1c5b-45bc-bcf3-b5bf3084ca5b
status: test
description: Detects suspicious encoded payloads in WMI Event Consumers
references:
- https://github.com/RiccardoAncarani/LiquidSnake
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-09-01
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.execution
- attack.t1047
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1546.003
logsource:
product: windows
category: wmi_event
detection:
selection_destination:
Destination|base64offset|contains:
- 'WriteProcessMemory'
- 'This program cannot be run in DOS mode'
- 'This program must be run under Win32'
condition: selection_destination
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: Suspicious WmiPrvSE Child Process
id: 8a582fe2-0882-4b89-a82a-da6b2dc32937
related:
- id: 692f0bec-83ba-4d04-af7e-e884a96059b6
type: similar
- id: d21374ff-f574-44a7-9998-4a8c8bf33d7d
type: similar
- id: 18cf6cf0-39b0-4c22-9593-e244bdc9a2d4
type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects suspicious and uncommon child processes of WmiPrvSE
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2021/03/29/sodinokibi-aka-revil-ransomware/
- https://github.com/vadim-hunter/Detection-Ideas-Rules/blob/02bcbfc2bfb8b4da601bb30de0344ae453aa1afe/Threat%20Intelligence/The%20DFIR%20Report/20210329_Sodinokibi_(aka_REvil)_Ransomware.yaml
- https://blog.osarmor.com/319/onenote-attachment-delivers-asyncrat-malware/
- https://twitter.com/ForensicITGuy/status/1334734244120309760
author: Vadim Khrykov (ThreatIntel), Cyb3rEng, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-08-23
modified: 2023-11-10
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1047
- attack.t1204.002
- attack.t1218.010
logsource:
product: windows
category: process_creation
detection:
selection_parent:
ParentImage|endswith: '\wbem\WmiPrvSE.exe'
selection_children_1:
# TODO: Add more LOLBINs or suspicious processes that make sens in your environment
Image|endswith:
- '\certutil.exe'
- '\cscript.exe'
- '\mshta.exe'
- '\msiexec.exe'
- '\regsvr32.exe'
- '\rundll32.exe'
- '\verclsid.exe'
- '\wscript.exe'
selection_children_2:
# This is in a separate selection due to the nature of FP generated with CMD
Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'cscript'
- 'mshta'
- 'powershell'
- 'pwsh'
- 'regsvr32'
- 'rundll32'
- 'wscript'
filter_main_werfault:
Image|endswith: '\WerFault.exe'
filter_main_wmiprvse:
Image|endswith: '\WmiPrvSE.exe' # In some legitimate case WmiPrvSE was seen spawning itself
filter_main_msiexec:
Image|endswith: '\msiexec.exe'
CommandLine|contains: '/i '
condition: selection_parent and 1 of selection_children_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high
title: HackTool - Potential Impacket Lateral Movement Activity
id: 10c14723-61c7-4c75-92ca-9af245723ad2
related:
- id: e31f89f7-36fb-4697-8ab6-48823708353b
type: obsolete
status: stable
description: Detects wmiexec/dcomexec/atexec/smbexec from Impacket framework
references:
- https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/blob/8b1a99f7c715702eafe3f24851817bb64721b156/examples/wmiexec.py
- https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/blob/8b1a99f7c715702eafe3f24851817bb64721b156/examples/atexec.py
- https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/blob/8b1a99f7c715702eafe3f24851817bb64721b156/examples/smbexec.py
- https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/blob/8b1a99f7c715702eafe3f24851817bb64721b156/examples/dcomexec.py
- https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/current/suspicious-cmd-execution-via-wmi.html
author: Ecco, oscd.community, Jonhnathan Ribeiro, Tim Rauch
date: 2019-09-03
modified: 2023-02-21
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1047
- attack.lateral-movement
- attack.t1021.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_other:
# *** wmiexec.py
# parent is wmiprvse.exe
# examples:
# cmd.exe /Q /c whoami 1> \\127.0.0.1\ADMIN$\__1567439113.54 2>&1
# cmd.exe /Q /c cd 1> \\127.0.0.1\ADMIN$\__1567439113.54 2>&1
# *** dcomexec.py -object MMC20
# parent is mmc.exe
# example:
# "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" /Q /c cd 1> \\127.0.0.1\ADMIN$\__1567442499.05 2>&1
# *** dcomexec.py -object ShellBrowserWindow
# runs %SystemRoot%\System32\rundll32.exe shell32.dll,SHCreateLocalServerRunDll {c08afd90-f2a1-11d1-8455-00a0c91f3880} but parent command is explorer.exe
# example:
# "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" /Q /c cd \ 1> \\127.0.0.1\ADMIN$\__1567520103.71 2>&1
# *** smbexec.py
# parent is services.exe
# example:
# C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe /Q /c echo tasklist ^> \\127.0.0.1\C$\__output 2^>^&1 > C:\Windows\TEMP\execute.bat & C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe /Q /c C:\Windows\TEMP\execute.bat & del C:\Windows\TEMP\execute.bat
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\wmiprvse.exe' # wmiexec
- '\mmc.exe' # dcomexec MMC
- '\explorer.exe' # dcomexec ShellBrowserWindow
- '\services.exe' # smbexec
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'cmd.exe'
- '/Q'
- '/c'
- '\\\\127.0.0.1\\'
- '&1'
selection_atexec:
ParentCommandLine|contains:
- 'svchost.exe -k netsvcs' # atexec on win10 (parent is "C:\Windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs")
- 'taskeng.exe' # atexec on win7 (parent is "taskeng.exe {AFA79333-694C-4BEE-910E-E57D9A3518F6} S-1-5-18:NT AUTHORITY\System:Service:")
# cmd.exe /C tasklist /m > C:\Windows\Temp\bAJrYQtL.tmp 2>&1
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'cmd.exe'
- '/C'
- 'Windows\Temp\'
- '&1'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: high