title: Potential Persistence Via Microsoft Office Add-In
id: 8e1cb247-6cf6-42fa-b440-3f27d57e9936
status: test
description: Detects potential persistence activity via startup add-ins that load when Microsoft Office starts (.wll/.xll are simply .dll fit for Word or Excel).
references:
    - Internal Research
    - https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/add-in-opportunities-for-office-persistence
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/4ae9580a1a8772db87a1b6cdb0d03e5af231e966/atomics/T1137.006/T1137.006.md
author: NVISO
date: 2020-05-11
modified: 2023-02-08
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1137.006
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_wlldropped:
        TargetFilename|contains: '\Microsoft\Word\Startup\'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.wll'
    selection_xlldropped:
        TargetFilename|contains: '\Microsoft\Excel\Startup\'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.xll'
    selection_xladropped:
        TargetFilename|contains: 'Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART\'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.xlam'
    selection_generic:
        TargetFilename|contains: '\Microsoft\Addins\'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.xlam'
            - '.xla'
            - '.ppam'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate add-ins
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via Microsoft Office Startup Folder
id: 0e20c89d-2264-44ae-8238-aeeaba609ece
status: test
description: Detects creation of Microsoft Office files inside of one of the default startup folders in order to achieve persistence.
references:
    - https://insight-jp.nttsecurity.com/post/102hojk/operation-restylink-apt-campaign-targeting-japanese-companies
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot/excel/use-startup-folders
author: Max Altgelt (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-02
modified: 2023-06-22
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1137
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_word_paths:
        - TargetFilename|contains: '\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP'
        - TargetFilename|contains|all:
              - '\Office'
              - '\Program Files'
              - '\STARTUP'
    selection_word_extension:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.doc'
            - '.docm'
            - '.docx'
            - '.dot'
            - '.dotm'
            - '.rtf'
    selection_excel_paths:
        - TargetFilename|contains: '\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART'
        - TargetFilename|contains|all:
              - '\Office'
              - '\Program Files'
              - '\XLSTART'
    selection_excel_extension:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.xls'
            - '.xlsm'
            - '.xlsx'
            - '.xlt'
            - '.xltm'
    filter_main_office:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\WINWORD.exe'
            - '\EXCEL.exe'
    condition: (all of selection_word_* or all of selection_excel_*) and not filter_main_office
falsepositives:
    - Loading a user environment from a backup or a domain controller
    - Synchronization of templates
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via Mpnotify
id: 92772523-d9c1-4c93-9547-b0ca500baba3
status: test
description: Detects when an attacker register a new SIP provider for persistence and defense evasion
references:
    - https://persistence-info.github.io/Data/mpnotify.html
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggY3srD9dYs&ab_channel=GrzegorzTworek
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-07-21
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.persistence
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\mpnotify'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Might trigger if a legitimate new SIP provider is registered. But this is not a common occurrence in an environment and should be investigated either way
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via MyComputer Registry Keys
id: 8fbe98a8-8f9d-44f8-aa71-8c572e29ef06
status: test
description: Detects modification to the "Default" value of the "MyComputer" key and subkeys to point to a custom binary that will be launched whenever the associated action is executed (see reference section for example)
references:
    - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2017/01/18/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-55/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-09
modified: 2024-01-11
tags:
    - attack.persistence
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer'
        TargetObject|endswith: '(Default)'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely but if you experience FPs add specific processes and locations you would like to monitor for
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: 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: 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 PlistBuddy
id: 65d506d3-fcfe-4071-b4b2-bcefe721bbbb
status: test
description: Detects potential persistence activity using LaunchAgents or LaunchDaemons via the PlistBuddy utility
references:
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/clipping-silver-sparrows-wings/
    - https://www.manpagez.com/man/8/PlistBuddy/
author: Sohan G (D4rkCiph3r)
date: 2023-02-18
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1543.001
    - attack.t1543.004
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: macos
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '/PlistBuddy'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'RunAtLoad'
            - 'true'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'LaunchAgents'
            - 'LaunchDaemons'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

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

title: Potential Persistence Via Security Descriptors - ScriptBlock
id: 2f77047c-e6e9-4c11-b088-a3de399524cd
status: test
description: Detects usage of certain functions and keywords that are used to manipulate security descriptors in order to potentially set a backdoor. As seen used in the DAMP project.
references:
    - https://github.com/HarmJ0y/DAMP
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-01-05
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.defense-impairment
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection:
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - 'win32_Trustee'
            - 'win32_Ace'
            - '.AccessMask'
            - '.AceType'
            - '.SetSecurityDescriptor'
        ScriptBlockText|contains:
            - '\Lsa\JD'
            - '\Lsa\Skew1'
            - '\Lsa\Data'
            - '\Lsa\GBG'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via Shim Database In Uncommon Location
id: 6b6976a3-b0e6-4723-ac24-ae38a737af41
status: test
description: Detects the installation of a new shim database where the file is located in a non-default location
references:
    - https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/05/fin7-shim-databases-persistence.html
    - https://andreafortuna.org/2018/11/12/process-injection-and-persistence-using-application-shimming/
    - https://www.blackhat.com/docs/asia-14/materials/Erickson/Asia-14-Erickson-Persist-It-Using-And-Abusing-Microsofts-Fix-It-Patches.pdf
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-08-01
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1546.011
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains|all:
            - '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\InstalledSDB\'
            - '\DatabasePath'
    filter_main_known_locations:
        Details|contains: ':\Windows\AppPatch\Custom'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Persistence Via TypedPaths
id: 086ae989-9ca6-4fe7-895a-759c5544f247
status: test
description: Detects modification addition to the 'TypedPaths' key in the user or admin registry from a non standard application. Which might indicate persistence attempt
references:
    - https://twitter.com/dez_/status/1560101453150257154
    - https://forensafe.com/blogs/typedpaths.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-22
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.persistence
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\TypedPaths\'
    filter:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\explorer.exe'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential Pikabot C2 Activity
id: cae6cee6-0244-44d2-84ed-e65f548eb7dc
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of rundll32 that leads to an external network connection.
    The malware Pikabot has been seen to use this technique to initiate C2-communication through hard-coded Windows binaries.
references:
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/d72af640b71b8e3eca3eba660dd7c7f029ff8852bcacaa379e7b6c57cf4d9b44
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/6bb4cdbaef03b732a93559a58173e7f16b29bfb159a1065fae9185000ff23b4b
    - https://github.com/pr0xylife/Pikabot/blob/7f7723a74ca325ec54c6e61e076acce9a4b20538/Pikabot_06.12.2023.txt
author: Andreas Braathen (mnemonic.io)
date: 2023-10-27
modified: 2024-01-26
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1573
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: network_connection
    definition: 'Requirements: By default the network_connection type event might not contain the ParentImage. Make sure you collect such fields in order to use this rule'
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            # Note: Only add processes seen used by Pikabot to avoid collision with other strains of malware
            - '\SearchFilterHost.exe'
            - '\SearchProtocolHost.exe'
            - '\sndvol.exe'
            - '\wermgr.exe'
            - '\wwahost.exe'
        Protocol: tcp
        Initiated: 'true'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential Pikabot Discovery Activity
id: 698d4431-514f-4c82-af4d-cf573872a9f5
status: test
description: |
    Detects system discovery activity carried out by Pikabot, such as incl. network, user info and domain groups.
    The malware Pikabot has been seen to use this technique as part of its C2-botnet registration with a short collection time frame (less than 1 minute).
references:
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/72f1a5476a845ea02344c9b7edecfe399f64b52409229edaf856fcb9535e3242
    - https://tria.ge/231023-lpw85she57/behavioral2
author: Andreas Braathen (mnemonic.io)
date: 2023-10-27
modified: 2024-01-26
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1016
    - attack.t1049
    - attack.t1087
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
    definition: 'Requirements: By default the process_creation type event might not contain the GrandParentImage. Make sure you collect such fields in order to use this rule'
detection:
    selection_parent:
        - GrandParentImage|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        - ParentImage|endswith:
              - '\SearchFilterHost.exe'
              - '\SearchProtocolHost.exe'
    selection_child:
        CommandLine:
            # Note: Only add strings as seen used by Pikabot to avoid collision with other strains of malware
            - 'ipconfig.exe /all'
            - 'netstat.exe -aon'
            - 'whoami.exe /all'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential Pikabot Hollowing Activity
id: d8937fe7-42d5-4b4d-8178-e089c908f63f
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of rundll32 that leads to the invocation of legitimate Windows binaries.
    The malware Pikabot has been seen to use this technique for process hollowing through hard-coded Windows binaries
references:
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/b6e8910fb9b3bb1fcddefd35ff0ed8624930d30d6977e11808c8330415685a62
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/6bb4cdbaef03b732a93559a58173e7f16b29bfb159a1065fae9185000ff23b4b
    - https://github.com/pr0xylife/Pikabot/blob/7f7723a74ca325ec54c6e61e076acce9a4b20538/Pikabot_06.12.2023.txt
author: Andreas Braathen (mnemonic.io)
date: 2023-10-27
modified: 2024-01-26
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055.012
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            # Note: Only add processes seen used by Pikabot to avoid collision with other strains of malware
            - '\SearchFilterHost.exe'
            - '\SearchProtocolHost.exe'
            - '\sndvol.exe'
            - '\wermgr.exe'
            - '\wwahost.exe'
    filter_main_legit_sndvol:
        Image|endswith: '\sndvol.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains: 'mmsys.cpl'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential PlugX Activity
id: aeab5ec5-be14-471a-80e8-e344418305c2
status: test
description: Detects the execution of an executable that is typically used by PlugX for DLL side loading starting from an uncommon location
references:
    - http://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2016/03/10/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-36/
    - https://countuponsecurity.com/2017/06/07/threat-hunting-in-the-enterprise-with-appcompatprocessor/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2017-06-12
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.s0013
    - attack.t1574.001
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_cammute:
        Image|endswith: '\CamMute.exe'
    filter_cammute:
        Image|contains:
            - '\Lenovo\Communication Utility\'
            - '\Lenovo\Communications Utility\'
    selection_chrome_frame:
        Image|endswith: '\chrome_frame_helper.exe'
    filter_chrome_frame:
        Image|contains: '\Google\Chrome\application\'
    selection_devemu:
        Image|endswith: '\dvcemumanager.exe'
    filter_devemu:
        Image|contains: '\Microsoft Device Emulator\'
    selection_gadget:
        Image|endswith: '\Gadget.exe'
    filter_gadget:
        Image|contains: '\Windows Media Player\'
    selection_hcc:
        Image|endswith: '\hcc.exe'
    filter_hcc:
        Image|contains: '\HTML Help Workshop\'
    selection_hkcmd:
        Image|endswith: '\hkcmd.exe'
    filter_hkcmd:
        Image|contains:
            - '\System32\'
            - '\SysNative\'
            - '\SysWow64\'
    selection_mc:
        Image|endswith: '\Mc.exe'
    filter_mc:
        Image|contains:
            - '\Microsoft Visual Studio'
            - '\Microsoft SDK'
            - '\Windows Kit'
    selection_msmpeng:
        Image|endswith: '\MsMpEng.exe'
    filter_msmpeng:
        Image|contains:
            - '\Microsoft Security Client\'
            - '\Windows Defender\'
            - '\AntiMalware\'
    selection_msseces:
        Image|endswith: '\msseces.exe'
    filter_msseces:
        Image|contains:
            - '\Microsoft Security Center\'
            - '\Microsoft Security Client\'
            - '\Microsoft Security Essentials\'
    selection_oinfo:
        Image|endswith: '\OInfoP11.exe'
    filter_oinfo:
        Image|contains: '\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\'
    selection_oleview:
        Image|endswith: '\OleView.exe'
    filter_oleview:
        Image|contains:
            - '\Microsoft Visual Studio'
            - '\Microsoft SDK'
            - '\Windows Kit'
            - '\Windows Resource Kit\'
    selection_rc:
        Image|endswith: '\rc.exe'
    filter_rc:
        Image|contains:
            - '\Microsoft Visual Studio'
            - '\Microsoft SDK'
            - '\Windows Kit'
            - '\Windows Resource Kit\'
            - '\Microsoft.NET\'
    condition: ( selection_cammute and not filter_cammute ) or ( selection_chrome_frame and not filter_chrome_frame ) or ( selection_devemu and not filter_devemu ) or ( selection_gadget and not filter_gadget ) or ( selection_hcc and not filter_hcc ) or ( selection_hkcmd and not filter_hkcmd ) or ( selection_mc and not filter_mc ) or ( selection_msmpeng and not filter_msmpeng ) or ( selection_msseces and not filter_msseces ) or ( selection_oinfo and not filter_oinfo ) or ( selection_oleview and not filter_oleview ) or ( selection_rc and not filter_rc )
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential PowerShell Command Line Obfuscation
id: d7bcd677-645d-4691-a8d4-7a5602b780d1
status: test
description: Detects the PowerShell command lines with special characters
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-powershell-abuse?slide=64
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov (idea), Vasiliy Burov (rule), oscd.community, Tim Shelton (fp)
date: 2020-10-15
modified: 2024-04-15
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'pwsh.dll'
    selection_re:
        # TODO: Optimize for PySIGMA
        - CommandLine|re: '\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+.*\+'
        - CommandLine|re: '\{.*\{.*\{.*\{.*\{.*\{.*\{.*\{.*\{.*\{'
        - CommandLine|re: '\^.*\^.*\^.*\^.*\^'
        - CommandLine|re: '`.*`.*`.*`.*`'
    filter_optional_amazonSSM:
        ParentImage: C:\Program Files\Amazon\SSM\ssm-document-worker.exe
    filter_optional_defender_atp:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'new EventSource("Microsoft.Windows.Sense.Client.Management"'
            - 'public static extern bool InstallELAMCertificateInfo(SafeFileHandle handle);'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Amazon SSM Document Worker
    - Windows Defender ATP
level: high

title: Potential PowerShell Execution Policy Tampering - ProcCreation
id: cf2e938e-9a3e-4fe8-a347-411642b28a9f
related:
    - id: fad91067-08c5-4d1a-8d8c-d96a21b37814 # ProcCreation Registry
      type: similar
    - id: 87e3c4e8-a6a8-4ad9-bb4f-46e7ff99a180 # ProcCreation Cmdlet
      type: similar
    - id: 61d0475c-173f-4844-86f7-f3eebae1c66b # PowerShell ScriptBlock
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects changes to the PowerShell execution policy registry key in order to bypass signing requirements for script execution from the CommandLine
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/set-executionpolicy?view=powershell-7.3
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-01-11
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_path:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell\ExecutionPolicy'
            - '\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\PowerShell\ExecutionPolicy'
    selection_values:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'Bypass'
            - 'RemoteSigned'
            - 'Unrestricted'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential PowerShell Execution Via DLL
id: 6812a10b-60ea-420c-832f-dfcc33b646ba
status: test
description: |
    Detects potential PowerShell execution from a DLL instead of the usual PowerShell process as seen used in PowerShdll.
    This detection assumes that PowerShell commands are passed via the CommandLine.
references:
    - https://github.com/p3nt4/PowerShdll/blob/62cfa172fb4e1f7f4ac00ca942685baeb88ff356/README.md
author: Markus Neis, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2018-08-25
modified: 2024-03-07
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218.011
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\InstallUtil.exe'
              - '\RegAsm.exe'
              - '\RegSvcs.exe'
              - '\regsvr32.exe'
              - '\rundll32.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'InstallUtil.exe'
              - 'RegAsm.exe'
              - 'RegSvcs.exe'
              - 'REGSVR32.EXE'
              - 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'Default.GetString'
            - 'DownloadString'
            - 'FromBase64String'
            - 'ICM '
            - 'IEX '
            - 'Invoke-Command'
            - 'Invoke-Expression'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential PowerShell Obfuscation Via Reversed Commands
id: b6b49cd1-34d6-4ead-b1bf-176e9edba9a4
status: test
description: Detects the presence of reversed PowerShell commands in the CommandLine. This is often used as a method of obfuscation by attackers
references:
    - https://2019.offzone.moscow/ru/report/hunting-for-powershell-abuses/
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-powershell-abuse?slide=66
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov (idea), Vasiliy Burov (rule), oscd.community, Tim Shelton
date: 2020-10-11
modified: 2023-05-31
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'pwsh.dll'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'hctac'
            - 'kaerb'
            - 'dnammoc'
            - 'ekovn' # Also covers 'ekovni'
            - 'eliFd'
            - 'rahc'
            - 'etirw'
            - 'golon'
            - 'tninon'
            - 'eddih'
            - 'tpircS'
            - 'ssecorp'
            - 'llehsrewop'
            - 'esnopser'
            - 'daolnwod'
            - 'tneilCbeW'
            - 'tneilc'
            - 'ptth'
            - 'elifotevas'
            - '46esab'
            - 'htaPpmeTteG'
            - 'tcejbO'
            - 'maerts'
            - 'hcaerof'
            - 'retupmoc'
    filter_main_encoded_keyword:
        # We exclude usage of encoded commands as they might generate FPs as shown here:
        #   https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/pull/2720
        #   https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/4270
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -EncodedCommand '
            - ' -enc '
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential PowerShell Obfuscation Via WCHAR/CHAR
id: e312efd0-35a1-407f-8439-b8d434b438a6
status: test
description: Detects suspicious encoded character syntax often used for defense evasion
references:
    - https://twitter.com/0gtweet/status/1281103918693482496
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-07-09
modified: 2025-03-03
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.t1027
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '[char]0x'
            - '(WCHAR)0x'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Powershell ReverseShell Connection
id: edc2f8ae-2412-4dfd-b9d5-0c57727e70be
status: stable
description: Detects usage of the "TcpClient" class. Which can be abused to establish remote connections and reverse-shells. As seen used by the Nishang "Invoke-PowerShellTcpOneLine" reverse shell and other.
references:
    - https://www.volexity.com/blog/2021/03/02/active-exploitation-of-microsoft-exchange-zero-day-vulnerabilities/
    - https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/03/02/hafnium-targeting-exchange-servers/
    - https://github.com/samratashok/nishang/blob/414ee1104526d7057f9adaeee196d91ae447283e/Shells/Invoke-PowerShellTcpOneLine.ps1
author: FPT.EagleEye, wagga, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-03-03
modified: 2023-04-05
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'pwsh.dll'
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' Net.Sockets.TCPClient'
            - '.GetStream('
            - '.Write('
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - In rare administrative cases, this function might be used to check network connectivity
level: high

title: Potential PrintNightmare Exploitation Attempt
id: 5b2bbc47-dead-4ef7-8908-0cf73fcbecbf
status: test
description: Detect DLL deletions from Spooler Service driver folder. This might be a potential exploitation attempt of CVE-2021-1675
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20210629055600/https://github.com/hhlxf/PrintNightmare/
    - https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675
author: Bhabesh Raj
date: 2021-07-01
modified: 2023-02-17
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574
    - cve.2021-1675
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: file_delete
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\spoolsv.exe'
        TargetFilename|contains: 'C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64\3\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Privilege Escalation Attempt Via .Exe.Local Technique
id: 07a99744-56ac-40d2-97b7-2095967b0e03
status: test
description: Detects potential privilege escalation attempt via the creation of the "*.Exe.Local" folder inside the "System32" directory in order to sideload "comctl32.dll"
references:
    - https://github.com/binderlabs/DirCreate2System
    - https://github.com/sailay1996/awesome_windows_logical_bugs/blob/60cbb23a801f4c3195deac1cc46df27c225c3d07/dir_create2system.txt
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Subhash P (@pbssubhash)
date: 2022-12-16
modified: 2022-12-19
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|startswith:
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\logonUI.exe.local'
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\werFault.exe.local'
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\consent.exe.local'
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\narrator.exe.local'
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\wermgr.exe.local'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '\comctl32.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Privilege Escalation To LOCAL SYSTEM
id: 207b0396-3689-42d9-8399-4222658efc99
related:
    - id: 8834e2f7-6b4b-4f09-8906-d2276470ee23 # PsExec specific rule
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects unknown program using commandline flags usually used by tools such as PsExec and PAExec to start programs with SYSTEM Privileges
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/psexec
    - https://www.poweradmin.com/paexec/
    - https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/10/kegtap-and-singlemalt-with-a-ransomware-chaser.html
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-05-22
modified: 2024-03-05
tags:
    - attack.resource-development
    - attack.t1587.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        # Escalation to LOCAL_SYSTEM
        CommandLine|contains|windash:
            # Note that you don't need to add the ".exe" part when using psexec/paexec
            # The "-" can also be replaced with "/"
            # The order of args isn't important
            # "cmd" can be replaced by "powershell", "pwsh" or any other console like software
            - ' -s cmd'
            - ' -s -i cmd'
            - ' -i -s cmd'
            # Pwsh (For PowerShell 7)
            - ' -s pwsh'
            - ' -s -i pwsh'
            - ' -i -s pwsh'
            # PowerShell (For PowerShell 5)
            - ' -s powershell'
            - ' -s -i powershell'
            - ' -i -s powershell'
    filter_main_exclude_coverage:
        # This filter exclude strings covered by 8834e2f7-6b4b-4f09-8906-d2276470ee23
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'paexec'
            - 'PsExec'
            - 'accepteula'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Weird admins that rename their tools
    - Software companies that bundle PsExec/PAExec with their software and rename it, so that it is less embarrassing
level: high

title: Potential Privilege Escalation Using Symlink Between Osk and Cmd
id: e9b61244-893f-427c-b287-3e708f321c6b
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a symbolic link between "cmd.exe" and the accessibility on-screen keyboard binary (osk.exe) using "mklink". This technique provides an elevated command prompt to the user from the login screen without the need to log in.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/5c1e6f1b4fafd01c8d1ece85f510160fc1275fbf/atomics/T1546.008/T1546.008.md
    - https://ss64.com/nt/mklink.html
author: frack113
date: 2022-12-11
modified: 2022-12-20
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1546.008
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'Cmd.Exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'mklink'
            - '\osk.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_cmd_mklink_osk_cmd/info.yml

title: Potential Privilege Escalation via Local Kerberos Relay over LDAP
id: 749c9f5e-b353-4b90-a9c1-05243357ca4b
status: test
description: |
    Detects a suspicious local successful logon event where the Logon Package is Kerberos, the remote address is set to localhost, and the target user SID is the built-in local Administrator account.
    This may indicate an attempt to leverage a Kerberos relay attack variant that can be used to elevate privilege locally from a domain joined limited user to local System privileges.
references:
    - https://twitter.com/sbousseaden/status/1518976397364056071?s=12&t=qKO5eKHvWhAP19a50FTZ7g
    - https://github.com/elastic/detection-rules/blob/5fe7833312031a4787e07893e27e4ea7a7665745/rules/_deprecated/privilege_escalation_krbrelayup_suspicious_logon.toml#L38
author: Elastic, @SBousseaden
date: 2022-04-27
modified: 2024-08-13
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1548
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4624
        LogonType: 3
        AuthenticationPackageName: 'Kerberos'
        IpAddress: '127.0.0.1'
        TargetUserSid|startswith: 'S-1-5-21-'
        TargetUserSid|endswith: '-500'
    filter_main_ip_null:
        IpPort: '0'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Privilege Escalation via Service Permissions Weakness
id: 0f9c21f1-6a73-4b0e-9809-cb562cb8d981
status: test
description: Detect modification of services configuration (ImagePath, FailureCommand and ServiceDLL) in registry by processes with Medium integrity level
references:
    - https://speakerdeck.com/heirhabarov/hunting-for-privilege-escalation-in-windows-environment
    - https://pentestlab.blog/2017/03/31/insecure-registry-permissions/
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov
date: 2019-10-26
modified: 2024-12-01
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.011
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        IntegrityLevel:
            - 'Medium'
            - 'S-1-16-8192'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'ControlSet'
            - 'services'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\ImagePath'
            - '\FailureCommand'
            - '\ServiceDll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

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

title: Potential Provisioning Registry Key Abuse For Binary Proxy Execution
id: 2a4b3e61-9d22-4e4a-b60f-6e8f0cde6f25
related:
    - id: 7f5d1c9a-3e83-48df-95a7-2b98aae6c13c # CLI Generic
      type: similar
    - id: f9999590-1f94-4a34-a91e-951e47bedefd # CLI Abuse
      type: similar
    - id: 7021255e-5db3-4946-a8b9-0ba7a4644a69 # Registry
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects potential abuse of the provisioning registry key for indirect command execution through "Provlaunch.exe".
references:
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Provlaunch/
    - https://twitter.com/0gtweet/status/1674399582162153472
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2023-08-08
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains: 'SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Provisioning\Commands\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Provisioning Registry Key Abuse For Binary Proxy Execution - REG
id: 7021255e-5db3-4946-a8b9-0ba7a4644a69
related:
    - id: 7f5d1c9a-3e83-48df-95a7-2b98aae6c13c # CLI Generic
      type: similar
    - id: f9999590-1f94-4a34-a91e-951e47bedefd # CLI Abuse
      type: similar
    - id: 2a4b3e61-9d22-4e4a-b60f-6e8f0cde6f25 # CLI Registry
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects potential abuse of the provisioning registry key for indirect command execution through "Provlaunch.exe".
references:
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Provlaunch/
    - https://twitter.com/0gtweet/status/1674399582162153472
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2023-08-02
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
    definition: 'Requirements: The registry key "\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Provisioning\Commands\" and its subkey must be monitored'
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Provisioning\Commands\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential PsExec Remote Execution
id: ea011323-7045-460b-b2d7-0f7442ea6b38
status: test
description: Detects potential psexec command that initiate execution on a remote systems via common commandline flags used by the utility
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/psexec
    - https://www.poweradmin.com/paexec/
    - https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/10/kegtap-and-singlemalt-with-a-ransomware-chaser.html
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-28
modified: 2025-09-01
tags:
    - attack.resource-development
    - attack.t1587.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        # Accepting EULA in commandline - often used in automated attacks
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'accepteula'
            - ' -u '
            - ' -p '
            - ' \\\\'
    filter_main_localhost:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\\\\localhost'
            - '\\\\127.'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Qakbot Registry Activity
id: 1c8e96cd-2bed-487d-9de0-b46c90cade56
status: test
description: Detects a registry key used by IceID in a campaign that distributes malicious OneNote files
references:
    - https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/onenote-growing-threat-malware-distribution
author: Hieu Tran
date: 2023-03-13
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1112
logsource:
    category: registry_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Software\firm\soft\Name'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Qakbot Rundll32 Execution
id: cf879ffb-793a-4753-9a14-bc8f37cc90df
status: test
description: Detects specific process tree behavior of a "rundll32" execution often linked with potential Qakbot activity.
references:
    - https://github.com/pr0xylife/Qakbot/
author: X__Junior (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-24
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - detection.emerging-threats
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_paths:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            # Note: Only add processes seen used by Qakbot to avoid collision with other strains of malware
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\curl.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            # Note: Only add paths seen used by Qakbot to avoid collision with other strains of malware
            - ':\ProgramData\'
            - ':\Users\Public\'
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\'
    selection_extension:
        CommandLine|contains: '.dll'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Potential RCE Exploitation Attempt In NodeJS
id: 97661d9d-2beb-4630-b423-68985291a8af
status: test
description: Detects process execution related errors in NodeJS. If the exceptions are caused due to user input then they may suggest an RCE vulnerability.
references:
    - https://www.wix.engineering/post/threat-and-vulnerability-hunting-with-application-server-error-logs
author: Moti Harmats
date: 2023-02-11
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1190
logsource:
    category: application
    product: nodejs
    definition: 'Requirements: application error logs must be collected (with LOG_LEVEL=ERROR and above)'
detection:
    keywords:
        - 'node:child_process'
    condition: keywords
falsepositives:
    - Puppeteer invocation exceptions often contain child_process related errors, that doesn't necessarily mean that the app is vulnerable.
level: high

title: Potential RDP Tunneling Via Plink
id: f38ce0b9-5e97-4b47-a211-7dc8d8b871da
related:
    - id: f7d7ebd5-a016-46e2-9c54-f9932f2d386d # ssh.exe
      type: similar
status: test
description: Execution of plink to perform data exfiltration and tunneling
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/07/26/malicious-iis-extensions-quietly-open-persistent-backdoors-into-servers/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-04
modified: 2023-01-27
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1572
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_a:
        Image|endswith: '\plink.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: ':127.0.0.1:3389'
    selection_b1:
        Image|endswith: '\plink.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: ':3389'
    selection_b2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -P 443'
            - ' -P 22'
    condition: selection_a or all of selection_b*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential RDP Tunneling Via SSH
id: f7d7ebd5-a016-46e2-9c54-f9932f2d386d
related:
    - id: f38ce0b9-5e97-4b47-a211-7dc8d8b871da # plink.exe
      type: similar
status: test
description: Execution of ssh.exe to perform data exfiltration and tunneling through RDP
references:
    - https://www.absolomb.com/2018-01-26-Windows-Privilege-Escalation-Guide/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-12
modified: 2023-01-25
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1572
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\ssh.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: ':3389'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Ransomware Activity Using LegalNotice Message
id: 8b9606c9-28be-4a38-b146-0e313cc232c1
status: test
description: Detect changes to the "LegalNoticeCaption" or "LegalNoticeText" registry values where the message set contains keywords often used in ransomware ransom messages
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/5c1e6f1b4fafd01c8d1ece85f510160fc1275fbf/atomics/T1491.001/T1491.001.md
author: frack113
date: 2022-12-11
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.impact
    - attack.t1491.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: registry_set
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains:
            - '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\LegalNoticeCaption'
            - '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\LegalNoticeText'
        Details|contains:
            - 'encrypted'
            - 'Unlock-Password'
            - 'paying'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Raspberry Robin Aclui Dll SideLoading
id: 0f3a9db2-c17a-480e-a723-d1f1c547ab6a
status: test
description: |
    Detects potential sideloading of malicious "aclui.dll" by OleView.This behavior was observed in Raspberry-Robin variants reported by chekpoint research on Feburary 2024.
references:
    - https://research.checkpoint.com/2024/raspberry-robin-keeps-riding-the-wave-of-endless-1-days/
    - https://globetech.biz/index.php/2023/05/19/evading-edr-by-dll-sideloading-in-csharp/
    - https://decoded.avast.io/threatintel/apt-treasure-trove-avast-suspects-chinese-apt-group-mustang-panda-is-collecting-data-from-burmese-government-agencies-and-opposition-groups/
    - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2016/03/10/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-36/
    - https://strontic.github.io/xcyclopedia/library/aclui.dll-F883E9CA757B622B032FDCA5BF33D0DF.html
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2024-07-31
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\OleView.exe'
        ImageLoaded|endswith: '\aclui.dll'
    filter_main_legit_oleview_paths:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SDKs\'
    filter_optional_known_oleview_paths:
        Image|contains: '\Windows Resource Kit\'
    filter_main_is_signed:
        Signed: 'true'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Raspberry Robin CPL Execution Activity
id: 92020b88-9caf-464f-bad8-cd0fb0aa2a81
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of a ".CPL" file located in the user temp directory via the Shell32 DLL "Control_RunDLL" export function.
    This behavior was observed in multiple Raspberry-Robin variants.
references:
    - https://tria.ge/240226-fhbe7sdc39/behavioral1
    - https://bazaar.abuse.ch/browse/signature/RaspberryRobin/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2024-03-07
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218.011
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    # Example: "C:\Windows\system32\rundll32.exe" Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL "C:\Users\xxxx\AppData\Local\Temp\xxxx.CPL"
    selection_parent_img:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\control.exe'
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'shell32.dll'
            - 'Control_RunDLL'
            - '.CPL'
    selection_path:
        CommandLine|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Raspberry Robin Dot Ending File
id: a35c97c8-d9c4-4c89-a3e7-533dc0bcb73a
status: test
description: Detects commandline containing reference to files ending with a "." This scheme has been seen used by raspberry-robin
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/10/27/raspberry-robin-worm-part-of-larger-ecosystem-facilitating-pre-ransomware-activity/
date: 2022-10-28
modified: 2023-02-05
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        # Example 1: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/fig-3f-raspberryrobin-runonce.png
        # Example 2: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/fig-5f-odbcconf.png
        # Example 3: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/fig-6f-fauppod-command-line.png
        CommandLine|re: \\[a-zA-Z0-9]{1,32}\.[a-zA-Z0-9]{1,6}\.[ "']{1}  # cannot match on end-of-line because of FPs with bind DNS notation
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Rcdll.DLL Sideloading
id: 6e78b74f-c762-4800-82ad-f66787f10c8a
status: test
description: Detects potential DLL sideloading of rcdll.dll
references:
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/23/c/iron-tiger-sysupdate-adds-linux-targeting.html
author: X__Junior (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-03-13
modified: 2023-03-15
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ImageLoaded|endswith: '\rcdll.dll'
    filter:
        ImageLoaded|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential Recon Activity Using DriverQuery.EXE
id: 9fc3072c-dc8f-4bf7-b231-18950000fadd
related:
    - id: a20def93-0709-4eae-9bd2-31206e21e6b2
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detect usage of the "driverquery" utility to perform reconnaissance on installed drivers
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2023/01/09/unwrapping-ursnifs-gifts/
    - https://www.vmray.com/cyber-security-blog/analyzing-ursnif-behavior-malware-sandbox/
    - https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/01/saigon-mysterious-ursnif-fork.html
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-01-19
modified: 2023-09-29
tags:
    - attack.discovery
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: 'driverquery.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'drvqry.exe'
    selection_parent:
        - ParentImage|endswith:
              - '\cscript.exe'
              - '\mshta.exe'
              - '\regsvr32.exe'
              - '\rundll32.exe'
              - '\wscript.exe'
        - ParentImage|contains:
              - '\AppData\Local\'
              - '\Users\Public\'
              - '\Windows\Temp\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate usage by some scripts might trigger this as well
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_driverquery_recon/info.yml

title: Potential Reconnaissance For Cached Credentials Via Cmdkey.EXE
id: 07f8bdc2-c9b3-472a-9817-5a670b872f53
status: test
description: Detects usage of cmdkey to look for cached credentials on the system
references:
    - https://www.peew.pw/blog/2017/11/26/exploring-cmdkey-an-edge-case-for-privilege-escalation
    - https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754243(v=ws.11).aspx
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/b27a3cb25025161d49ac861cb216db68c46a3537/atomics/T1003.005/T1003.005.md#atomic-test-1---cached-credential-dump-via-cmdkey
author: jmallette, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-01-16
modified: 2024-03-05
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.005
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\cmdkey.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'cmdkey.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: ' -l'
    condition: all of selection*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administrative tasks
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_cmdkey_recon/info.yml
simulation:
    - type: atomic-red-team
      name: Cached Credential Dump via Cmdkey
      technique: T1003.005
      atomic_guid: 56506854-89d6-46a3-9804-b7fde90791f9

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

title: Potential Remote PowerShell Session Initiated
id: c539afac-c12a-46ed-b1bd-5a5567c9f045
status: test
description: |
    Detects a process that initiated a network connection over ports 5985 or 5986 from a non-network service account.
    This could potentially indicates a remote PowerShell connection.
references:
    - https://threathunterplaybook.com/hunts/windows/190511-RemotePwshExecution/notebook.html
author: Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g
date: 2019-09-12
modified: 2024-02-02
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.t1021.006
logsource:
    category: network_connection
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        DestinationPort:
            - 5985
            - 5986
        Initiated: 'true' # only matches of the initiating system can be evaluated
        SourceIsIpv6: 'false'
    filter_main_service_users:
        - User|contains: # covers many language settings for Network Service. Please expand
              - 'NETWORK SERVICE'
              - 'NETZWERKDIENST'
              - 'SERVICIO DE RED'
              - 'SERVIZIO DI RETE'
        - User|contains|all:
              - 'SERVICE R'
              - 'SEAU'
    filter_main_localhost:
        SourceIp:
            - '::1'
            - '127.0.0.1'
        DestinationIp:
            - '::1'
            - '127.0.0.1'
    filter_optional_avast:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Avast Software\Avast\AvastSvc.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Avast Software\Avast\AvastSvc.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate usage of remote PowerShell, e.g. remote administration and monitoring.
    - Network Service user name of a not-covered localization
level: high

title: Potential Remote SquiblyTwo Technique Execution
id: 8d63dadf-b91b-4187-87b6-34a1114577ea
related:
    - id: 06ce37c2-61ab-4f05-9ff5-b1a96d18ae32
      type: similar
    - id: 05c36dd6-79d6-4a9a-97da-3db20298ab2d
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects potential execution of the SquiblyTwo technique that leverages Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
    to execute malicious code remotely. This technique bypasses application whitelisting by using wmic.exe to process
    malicious XSL (eXtensible Stylesheet Language) scripts that can contain embedded JScript or VBScript.
    The attack typically works by fetching XSL content from a remote source (using HTTP/HTTPS) and executing it
    with full trust privileges directly in memory, avoiding disk-based detection mechanisms. This is a common
    LOLBin (Living Off The Land Binary) technique used for defense evasion and code execution.
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20190209154607/https://subt0x11.blogspot.com/2018/04/wmicexe-whitelisting-bypass-hacking.html
    - https://twitter.com/mattifestation/status/986280382042595328 # Deleted
    - https://atomicredteam.io/defense-evasion/T1220/
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Wmic/
    - https://x.com/byrne_emmy12099/status/1932346420226658668
author: Markus Neis, Florian Roth, Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-01-16
modified: 2026-01-24
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1047
    - attack.t1220
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.005
    - attack.t1059.007
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_pe:
        - Image|endswith: '\wmic.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'wmic.exe'
        - Hashes|contains:  # Sysmon field hashes contains all types
              - 'IMPHASH=1B1A3F43BF37B5BFE60751F2EE2F326E'
              - 'IMPHASH=37777A96245A3C74EB217308F3546F4C'
              - 'IMPHASH=9D87C9D67CE724033C0B40CC4CA1B206'
              - 'IMPHASH=B12619881D79C3ACADF45E752A58554A'
              - 'IMPHASH=16A48C3CABF98A9DC1BF02C07FE1EA00'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '/format:'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '://'
            - '\\\\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential RemoteFXvGPUDisablement.EXE Abuse
id: f65e22f9-819e-4f96-9c7b-498364ae7a25
related:
    - id: a6fc3c46-23b8-4996-9ea2-573f4c4d88c5 # ProcCreation
      type: similar
    - id: 38a7625e-b2cb-485d-b83d-aff137d859f4 # PS Module
      type: similar
    - id: cacef8fc-9d3d-41f7-956d-455c6e881bc5 # PS ScriptBlock
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects PowerShell module creation where the module Contents are set to "function Get-VMRemoteFXPhysicalVideoAdapter". This could be a sign of potential abuse of  the "RemoteFXvGPUDisablement.exe" binary which is known to be vulnerable to module load-order hijacking.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1218/T1218.md
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/AtomicTestHarnesses/blob/7e1e4da116801e3d6fcc6bedb207064577e40572/TestHarnesses/T1218_SignedBinaryProxyExecution/InvokeRemoteFXvGPUDisablementCommand.ps1
author: frack113, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-07-13
modified: 2023-05-09
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: powershell-classic
    definition: fields have to be extract from event
detection:
    selection:
        Data|contains: 'ModuleContents=function Get-VMRemoteFXPhysicalVideoAdapter {'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential RemoteFXvGPUDisablement.EXE Abuse - PowerShell Module
id: 38a7625e-b2cb-485d-b83d-aff137d859f4
related:
    - id: a6fc3c46-23b8-4996-9ea2-573f4c4d88c5 # ProcCreation
      type: similar
    - id: f65e22f9-819e-4f96-9c7b-498364ae7a25 # PS Classic
      type: similar
    - id: cacef8fc-9d3d-41f7-956d-455c6e881bc5 # PS ScriptBlock
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects PowerShell module creation where the module Contents are set to "function Get-VMRemoteFXPhysicalVideoAdapter". This could be a sign of potential abuse of the "RemoteFXvGPUDisablement.exe" binary which is known to be vulnerable to module load-order hijacking.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1218/T1218.md
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/AtomicTestHarnesses/blob/7e1e4da116801e3d6fcc6bedb207064577e40572/TestHarnesses/T1218_SignedBinaryProxyExecution/InvokeRemoteFXvGPUDisablementCommand.ps1
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), frack113
date: 2021-07-13
modified: 2023-05-09
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_module
    definition: 0ad03ef1-f21b-4a79-8ce8-e6900c54b65b
detection:
    selection:
        Payload|contains: 'ModuleContents=function Get-VMRemoteFXPhysicalVideoAdapter {'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high