title: Exploited CVE-2020-10189 Zoho ManageEngine
id: 846b866e-2a57-46ee-8e16-85fa92759be7
status: test
description: Detects the exploitation of Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central Java Deserialization vulnerability reported as CVE-2020-10189
references:
    - https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/03/apt41-initiates-global-intrusion-campaign-using-multiple-exploits.html
    - https://vulmon.com/exploitdetails?qidtp=exploitdb&qid=48224
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-03-25
modified: 2023-01-21
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1190
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.t1059.003
    - attack.s0190
    - cve.2020-10189
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: 'DesktopCentral_Server\jre\bin\java.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\bitsadmin.exe'
            - '\systeminfo.exe'
            - '\net.exe'
            - '\net1.exe'
            - '\reg.exe'
            - '\query.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Exploiting SetupComplete.cmd CVE-2019-1378
id: 1c373b6d-76ce-4553-997d-8c1da9a6b5f5
status: test
description: Detects exploitation attempt of privilege escalation vulnerability via SetupComplete.cmd and PartnerSetupComplete.cmd described in CVE-2019-1378
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20200530031708/https://www.embercybersecurity.com/blog/cve-2019-1378-exploiting-an-access-control-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-in-windows-10-update-assistant-wua
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), oscd.community, Jonhnathan Ribeiro
date: 2019-11-15
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1068
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.003
    - attack.t1574
    - cve.2019-1378
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '/c'
            - 'C:\Windows\Setup\Scripts\'
        ParentCommandLine|endswith:
            - 'SetupComplete.cmd'
            - 'PartnerSetupComplete.cmd'
    filter:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
            - 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
            - 'C:\Windows\Setup\'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Explorer NOUACCHECK Flag
id: 534f2ef7-e8a2-4433-816d-c91bccde289b
status: test
description: Detects suspicious starts of explorer.exe that use the /NOUACCHECK flag that allows to run all sub processes of that newly started explorer.exe without any UAC checks
references:
    - https://twitter.com/ORCA6665/status/1496478087244095491
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-23
modified: 2022-04-21
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.t1548.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '/NOUACCHECK'
    filter_dc_logon:
        - ParentCommandLine: 'C:\Windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p -s Schedule'
        - ParentImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe' # coarse filter needed for ID 4688 Events
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Domain Controller User Logon
    - Unknown how many legitimate software products use that method
level: high

title: FakeUpdates/SocGholish Activity
id: 97805087-93ab-4203-b5cb-287cda6aecaa
status: test
description: Detects initial execution of FakeUpdates/SocGholish malware via wscript that later executes commands via cmd or powershell.
references:
    - https://twitter.com/th3_protoCOL/status/1536788652889497600
    - https://twitter.com/1ZRR4H/status/1537501582727778304
author: '@kostastsale'
date: 2022-06-16
modified: 2024-08-23
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\wscript.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains|all:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp'
            - '.zip'
            - 'update'
            - '.js'
        ParentCommandLine|contains:
            - 'Chrome'
            - 'Edge'
            - 'Firefox'
            - 'Opera'
            - 'Brave' # Not seen in campaigns
            - 'Vivaldi' # Not seen in campaigns
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Fax Service DLL Search Order Hijack
id: 828af599-4c53-4ed2-ba4a-a9f835c434ea
status: test
description: The Fax service attempts to load ualapi.dll, which is non-existent. An attacker can then (side)load their own malicious DLL using this service.
references:
    - https://windows-internals.com/faxing-your-way-to-system/
author: NVISO
date: 2020-05-04
modified: 2022-06-02
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\fxssvc.exe'
        ImageLoaded|endswith: 'ualapi.dll'
    filter:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: File Creation In Suspicious Directory By Msdt.EXE
id: 318557a5-150c-4c8d-b70e-a9910e199857
status: test
description: Detects msdt.exe creating files in suspicious directories which could be a sign of exploitation of either Follina or Dogwalk vulnerabilities
references:
    - https://irsl.medium.com/the-trouble-with-microsofts-troubleshooters-6e32fc80b8bd
    - https://msrc-blog.microsoft.com/2022/05/30/guidance-for-cve-2022-30190-microsoft-support-diagnostic-tool-vulnerability/
author: Vadim Varganov, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-24
modified: 2023-02-23
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1547.001
    - cve.2022-30190
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\msdt.exe'
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '\Desktop\'
            - '\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\'
            - 'C:\PerfLogs\'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\'
            - 'C:\Users\Public\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: File Creation Related To RAT Clients
id: 2f3039c8-e8fe-43a9-b5cf-dcd424a2522d
status: experimental
description: |
    File .conf created related to VenomRAT, AsyncRAT and Lummac samples observed in the wild.
references:
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/c9f9f193409217f73cc976ad078c6f8bf65d3aabcf5fad3e5a47536d47aa6761
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/e96a0c1bc5f720d7f0a53f72e5bb424163c943c24a437b1065957a79f5872675
author: Joseliyo Sanchez, @Joseliyo_Jstnk
date: 2024-12-19
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    # VT Query: behaviour_files:"\\AppData\\Roaming\\DataLogs\\DataLogs.conf"
    # VT Query: behaviour_files:"DataLogs.conf" or behaviour_files:"hvnc.conf" or behaviour_files:"dcrat.conf"
    selection_required:
        TargetFilename|contains: '\AppData\Roaming\'
    selection_variants:
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '\mydata\'
            - '\datalogs\'
            - '\hvnc\'
            - '\dcrat\'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '\datalogs.conf'
            - '\hvnc.conf'
            - '\dcrat.conf'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate software creating a file with the same name
level: high

title: File Download with Headless Browser
id: 0e8cfe08-02c9-4815-a2f8-0d157b7ed33e
related:
    - id: ef9dcfed-690c-4c5d-a9d1-482cd422225c
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects execution of chromium based browser in headless mode using the "dump-dom" command line to download files
references:
    - https://twitter.com/mrd0x/status/1478234484881436672?s=12
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/23/e/managed-xdr-investigation-of-ducktail-in-trend-micro-vision-one.html
author: Sreeman, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-01-04
modified: 2025-10-07
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1105
    - attack.t1564.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\brave.exe'
            - '\chrome.exe'
            - '\msedge.exe'
            - '\opera.exe'
            - '\vivaldi.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '--headless'
            - 'dump-dom'
            - 'http'
    filter_optional_edge_1:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeCore\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeCore\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\msedge.exe'
            - '\msedgewebview2.exe'
            - '\MicrosoftEdge.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '--headless --disable-gpu --disable-extensions --disable-plugins --mute-audio --no-first-run --incognito --aggressive-cache-discard --dump-dom'
    filter_optional_edge_2:
        Image|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\'
            - '\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\msedge.exe'
            - '\MicrosoftEdge.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '--headless --disable-gpu --disable-extensions --disable-plugins --mute-audio --no-first-run --incognito --aggressive-cache-discard --dump-dom'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_browsers_chromium_headless_file_download/info.yml

title: File Explorer Folder Opened Using Explorer Folder Shortcut Via Shell
id: c3d76afc-93df-461e-8e67-9b2bad3f2ac4
status: test
description: |
    Detects the initial execution of "cmd.exe" which spawns "explorer.exe" with the appropriate command line arguments for opening the "My Computer" folder.
author: '@Kostastsale'
references:
    - https://ss64.com/nt/shell.html
date: 2022-12-22
modified: 2024-08-23
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1135
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: 'shell:mycomputerfolder'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_explorer_folder_shortcut_via_shell_binary/info.yml

title: File With Uncommon Extension Created By An Office Application
id: c7a74c80-ba5a-486e-9974-ab9e682bc5e4
status: test
description: Detects the creation of files with an executable or script extension by an Office application.
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
author: Vadim Khrykov (ThreatIntel), Cyb3rEng (Rule), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-08-23
modified: 2025-10-17
tags:
    - attack.t1204.002
    - attack.execution
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    # Note: Please add more file extensions to the logic of your choice.
    selection1:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\excel.exe'
            - '\msaccess.exe'
            - '\mspub.exe'
            - '\powerpnt.exe'
            - '\visio.exe'
            - '\winword.exe'
    selection2:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.bat'
            - '.cmd'
            - '.com'
            - '.dll'
            - '.exe'
            - '.hta'
            - '.ocx'
            - '.proj'
            - '.ps1'
            - '.scf'
            - '.scr'
            - '.sys'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
            - '.wsf'
            - '.wsh'
    filter_main_localassembly:
        TargetFilename|contains: '\AppData\Local\assembly\tmp\'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.dll'
    filter_optional_webservicecache: # matches e.g. directory with name *.microsoft.com
        TargetFilename|contains|all:
            - 'C:\Users\'
            - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\'
            - '\WebServiceCache\AllUsers'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.com'
    filter_optional_webex:
        Image|endswith: '\winword.exe'
        TargetFilename|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\webexdelta\'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.dll'
            - '.exe'
    filter_optional_backstageinappnavcache: # matches e.g. C:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\BackstageInAppNavCache\[email protected]
        TargetFilename|contains|all:
            - 'C:\Users\'
            - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\'
            - '\BackstageInAppNavCache\'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.com'
    condition: all of selection* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: FileFix - Command Evidence in TypedPaths
id: 4fee3d51-8069-4a4c-a0f7-924fcaff2c70
related:
    - id: 4be03877-d5b6-4520-85c9-a5911c0a656c
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects commonly-used chained commands and strings in the most recent 'url' value of the 'TypedPaths' key, which could be indicative of a user being targeted by the FileFix technique.
references:
    - https://x.com/russianpanda9xx/status/1940831134759506029
    - https://mrd0x.com/filefix-clickfix-alternative/
    - https://www.scpx.com.au/2025/11/16/decades-old-finger-protocol-abused-in-clickfix-malware-attacks/
author: Alfie Champion (delivr.to), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-07-05
modified: 2025-11-19
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1204.004
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_base:
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\TypedPaths\url1'
        Details|contains|all:
            - '#'
            - 'http'
    selection_cmd:
        - Details|contains:
              # Add more suspicious keywords
              - 'account'
              - 'anti-bot'
              - 'botcheck'
              - 'captcha'
              - 'challenge'
              - 'confirmation'
              - 'fraud'
              - 'human'
              - 'identification'
              - 'identificator'
              - 'identity'
              - 'robot'
              - 'validation'
              - 'verification'
              - 'verify'
        - Details|contains:
              - '%comspec%'
              - 'bitsadmin'
              - 'certutil'
              - 'cmd'
              - 'cscript'
              - 'curl'
              - 'finger'
              - 'mshta'
              - 'powershell'
              - 'pwsh'
              - 'regsvr32'
              - 'rundll32'
              - 'schtasks'
              - 'wget'
              - 'wscript'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Fireball Archer Install
id: 3d4aebe0-6d29-45b2-a8a4-3dfde586a26d
status: test
description: Detects Archer malware invocation via rundll32
references:
    - https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/9b4971349ae85aa09c0a69852ed3e626c954954a3927b3d1b6646f139b930022/analysis/
    - https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/9b4971349ae85aa09c0a69852ed3e626c954954a3927b3d1b6646f139b930022?environmentId=100
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2017-06-03
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218.011
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'rundll32.exe'
            - 'InstallArcherSvc'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Forest Blizzard APT - Custom Protocol Handler Creation
id: 5cdeb555-65de-4767-99fe-e26807465148
status: test
description: |
    Detects the setting of a custom protocol handler with the name "rogue".
    Seen being created by Forest Blizzard APT as reported by MSFT.
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/04/22/analyzing-forest-blizzards-custom-post-compromise-tool-for-exploiting-cve-2022-38028-to-obtain-credentials/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-04-23
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1547.001
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\PROTOCOLS\\Handler\rogue\CLSID'
        Details: '{026CC6D7-34B2-33D5-B551-CA31EB6CE345}'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Forest Blizzard APT - Custom Protocol Handler DLL Registry Set
id: d807056b-0e00-4cec-b7f8-b8b7518e382b
status: test
description: |
    Detects the setting of the DLL that handles the custom protocol handler.
    Seen being created by Forest Blizzard APT as reported by MSFT.
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/04/22/analyzing-forest-blizzards-custom-post-compromise-tool-for-exploiting-cve-2022-38028-to-obtain-credentials/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-04-23
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1547.001
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\CLSID\{026CC6D7-34B2-33D5-B551-CA31EB6CE345}\Server'
        Details|endswith: '.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Forest Blizzard APT - File Creation Activity
id: b92d1d19-f5c9-4ed6-bbd5-7476709dc389
status: test
description: |
    Detects the creation of specific files inside of ProgramData directory.
    These files were seen being created by Forest Blizzard as described by MSFT.
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/04/22/analyzing-forest-blizzards-custom-post-compromise-tool-for-exploiting-cve-2022-38028-to-obtain-credentials/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-04-23
modified: 2024-07-11
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685.001
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_programdata_driver_store:
        TargetFilename|startswith:
            - 'C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\Adobe\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\Comms\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\Intel\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\Kaspersky Lab\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\Bitdefender\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\ESET\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\NVIDIA\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\UbiSoft\v'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\Steam\v'
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '\prnms003.inf_'
            - '\prnms009.inf_'
    selection_programdata_main:
        TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\'
    selection_programdata_files_1:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.save'
            - '\doit.bat'
            - '\execute.bat'
            - '\servtask.bat'
        # Hashes|contains: '7d51e5cc51c43da5deae5fbc2dce9b85c0656c465bb25ab6bd063a503c1806a9' # Uncommon this if you collect hash information inf file events
    selection_programdata_files_2:
        TargetFilename|contains: '\wayzgoose'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.dll'
    condition: selection_programdata_driver_store or (selection_programdata_main and 1 of selection_programdata_files_*)
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Forfiles.EXE Child Process Masquerading
id: f53714ec-5077-420e-ad20-907ff9bb2958
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of "forfiles" from a non-default location, in order to potentially spawn a custom "cmd.exe" from the current working directory.
references:
    - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2023/12/31/1-little-known-secret-of-forfiles-exe/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Anish Bogati
date: 2024-01-05
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        # Notes:
        #   - The parent must not have CLI options
        #   - The Child Image must be named "cmd" as its hardcoded in the "forfiles" binary
        #   - The Child CLI will always contains "/c echo" as its hardcoded in the original "forfiles" binary
        ParentCommandLine|endswith:
            - '.exe'
            - '.exe"'
        Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
        CommandLine|startswith: '/c echo "'
    filter_main_parent_not_sys:
        ParentImage|contains:
            - ':\Windows\System32\'
            - ':\Windows\SysWOW64\'
        ParentImage|endswith: '\forfiles.exe'
        Image|contains:
            - ':\Windows\System32\'
            - ':\Windows\SysWOW64\'
        Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Formbook Process Creation
id: 032f5fb3-d959-41a5-9263-4173c802dc2b
status: test
description: Detects Formbook like process executions that inject code into a set of files in the System32 folder, which executes a special command command line to delete the dropper from the AppData Temp folder. We avoid false positives by excluding all parent process with command line parameters.
references:
    - https://inquest.net/blog/2018/06/22/a-look-at-formbook-stealer
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/388d5802-aa48-4826-b069-250420504758/
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/8e22486b-5edc-4cef-821c-373e945f296c/
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/62bb01ae-25a4-4180-b278-8e464a90b8d7/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), oscd.community, Jonhnathan Ribeiro
date: 2019-09-30
modified: 2022-10-06
tags:
    - attack.resource-development
    - attack.t1587.001
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection1:
        # Parent command line should not contain a space value
        # This avoids false positives not caused by process injection
        # e.g. wscript.exe /B sysmon-install.vbs
        ParentCommandLine|startswith:
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
        ParentCommandLine|endswith: '.exe'
    selection2:
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - '/c'
              - 'del'
              - 'C:\Users\'
              - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - '/c'
              - 'del'
              - 'C:\Users\'
              - '\Desktop\'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - '/C'
              - 'type nul >'
              - 'C:\Users\'
              - '\Desktop\'
    selection3:
        CommandLine|endswith: '.exe'
    condition: all of selection*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: FunkLocker Ransomware File Creation
id: 2c76a22b-702d-48fd-8fa9-e41e2fe203b3
status: experimental
description: Detects the creation of files with the ".funksec" extension, which is appended to encrypted files by the FunkLocker ransomware.
references:
    - https://www.broadcom.com/support/security-center/protection-bulletin/funksec-ransomware
    - https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/31853-funklocker-funksec-ransomware
author: Saiprashanth Pulisetti ( @Prashanthblogs)
date: 2025-08-08
tags:
    - attack.impact
    - attack.t1486
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.funksec'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: GAC DLL Loaded Via Office Applications
id: 90217a70-13fc-48e4-b3db-0d836c5824ac
status: test
description: Detects any GAC DLL being loaded by an Office Product
references:
    - https://medium.com/threatpunter/detecting-adversary-tradecraft-with-image-load-event-logging-and-eql-8de93338c16
author: Antonlovesdnb
date: 2020-02-19
modified: 2023-02-10
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1204.002
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\excel.exe'
            - '\mspub.exe'
            - '\onenote.exe'
            - '\onenoteim.exe' # Just in case
            - '\outlook.exe'
            - '\powerpnt.exe'
            - '\winword.exe'
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\assembly\GAC_MSIL'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate macro usage. Add the appropriate filter according to your environment
level: high

title: Goofy Guineapig Backdoor IOC
id: f0bafe60-1240-4798-9e60-4364b97e6bad
status: test
description: Detects malicious indicators seen used by the Goofy Guineapig malware
references:
    - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/static-assets/documents/malware-analysis-reports/goofy-guineapig/NCSC-MAR-Goofy-Guineapig.pdf
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-14
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - detection.emerging-threats
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename:
            - 'C:\ProgramData\GoogleUpdate\config.dat'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\GoogleUpdate\GoogleUpdate.exe'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\GoogleUpdate\GoogleUpdate\tmp.bat'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\GoogleUpdate\goopdate.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Grixba Malware Reconnaissance Activity
id: af688c76-4ce4-4309-bfdd-e896f01acf27
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects execution of the Grixba reconnaissance tool based on suspicious command-line parameter combinations.
    This tool is used by the Play ransomware group for network enumeration, data gathering, and event log clearing.
references:
    - https://fieldeffect.com/blog/grixba-play-ransomware-impersonates-sentinelone
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2025/09/08/blurring-the-lines-intrusion-shows-connection-with-three-major-ransomware-gangs/
author: yxinmiracle, Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-11-26
tags:
    - attack.reconnaissance
    - attack.t1595.001
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1046
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_mode_flag:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '-m '
            - '-mode '
            - '-m:'
            - '-mode:'
    selection_input_flag:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '-i '
            - '-input '
            - '-i:'
            - '-input:'
    selection_scan_value:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'scan '
            - 'scanall '
    selection_input_options:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ':f '
            - ':r '
            - ':s '
            - ' f '
            - ' r '
            - ' s '
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate tools that use similar command-line argument structures (e.g., a tool with '--mode scan' and '--input file.txt') could trigger this rule. However, the specific combinations are indicative of reconnaissance or defense evasion.
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules-emerging-threats/2025/Malware/Grixba/proc_creation_win_malware_grixba_recon/info.yml

title: HTML Help HH.EXE Suspicious Child Process
id: 52cad028-0ff0-4854-8f67-d25dfcbc78b4
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious child process of a Microsoft HTML Help (HH.exe)
references:
    - https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/chm-badness-delivers-a-banking-trojan/
    - https://github.com/elastic/protections-artifacts/commit/746086721fd385d9f5c6647cada1788db4aea95f#diff-27939090904026cc396b0b629c8e4314acd6f5dac40a676edbc87f4567b47eb7
    - https://www.ptsecurity.com/ww-en/analytics/pt-esc-threat-intelligence/higaisa-or-winnti-apt-41-backdoors-old-and-new/
    - https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/unintentional-leak-glimpse-attack-vectors-apt37
author: Maxim Pavlunin, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-04-01
modified: 2023-04-12
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1047
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.t1059.003
    - attack.t1059.005
    - attack.t1059.007
    - attack.t1218
    - attack.t1218.001
    - attack.t1218.010
    - attack.t1218.011
    - attack.t1566
    - attack.t1566.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\hh.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\CertReq.exe'
            - '\CertUtil.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\installutil.exe'
            - '\MSbuild.exe'
            - '\MSHTA.EXE'
            - '\msiexec.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\schtasks.exe'
            - '\wmic.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - ADCSPwn Execution
id: cd8c163e-a19b-402e-bdd5-419ff5859f12
status: test
description: Detects command line parameters used by ADCSPwn, a tool to escalate privileges in an active directory network by coercing authenticate from machine accounts and relaying to the certificate service
references:
    - https://github.com/bats3c/ADCSPwn
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-07-31
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1557.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' --adcs '
            - ' --port '
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: HackTool - Covenant PowerShell Launcher
id: c260b6db-48ba-4b4a-a76f-2f67644e99d2
status: test
description: Detects suspicious command lines used in Covenant luanchers
references:
    - https://posts.specterops.io/covenant-v0-5-eee0507b85ba
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Jonhnathan Ribeiro, oscd.community
date: 2020-06-04
modified: 2023-02-21
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.t1564.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_1:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '-Sta'
            - '-Nop'
            - '-Window'
            - 'Hidden'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '-Command'
            - '-EncodedCommand'
    selection_2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'sv o (New-Object IO.MemorySteam);sv d '
            - 'mshta file.hta'
            - 'GruntHTTP'
            - '-EncodedCommand cwB2ACAAbwAgA'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
level: high

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

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

title: HackTool - CrackMapExec File Indicators
id: 736ffa74-5f6f-44ca-94ef-1c0df4f51d2a
related:
    - id: 9433ff9c-5d3f-4269-99f8-95fc826ea489
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects file creation events with filename patterns used by CrackMapExec.
references:
    - https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-03-11
modified: 2024-06-27
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection_path:
        TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\Windows\Temp\' # The disk extension is hardcoded in the tool.
    selection_names_str:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '\temp.ps1' # https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/blob/3c3e412193cb6d3237abe90c543e5d995bfa4447/cme/modules/keepass_trigger.py#L42C41-L42C68
            - '\msol.ps1' # https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/blob/3c3e412193cb6d3237abe90c543e5d995bfa4447/cme/modules/msol.py#L48C98-L48C106
    selection_names_re:
        - TargetFilename|re: '\\[0-9a-f]{8}-[0-9a-f]{4}-[0-9a-f]{4}-[0-9a-f]{4}-[0-9a-f]{12}\.txt$' # https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/blob/3c3e412193cb6d3237abe90c543e5d995bfa4447/cme/protocols/wmi/wmiexec.py#L86
        - TargetFilename|re: '\\[a-zA-Z]{8}\.tmp$' # https://github.com/byt3bl33d3r/CrackMapExec/blob/3c3e412193cb6d3237abe90c543e5d995bfa4447/cme/protocols/smb/atexec.py#L145C19-L146
    condition: selection_path and 1 of selection_names_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - CrackMapExec Process Patterns
id: f26307d8-14cd-47e3-a26b-4b4769f24af6
status: test
description: Detects suspicious process patterns found in logs when CrackMapExec is used
references:
    - https://mpgn.gitbook.io/crackmapexec/smb-protocol/obtaining-credentials/dump-lsass
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-03-12
modified: 2023-02-13
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_lsass_dump1:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'tasklist /fi '
            - 'Imagename eq lsass.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'cmd.exe /c '
            - 'cmd.exe /r '
            - 'cmd.exe /k '
            - 'cmd /c '
            - 'cmd /r '
            - 'cmd /k '
        User|contains: # covers many language settings
            - 'AUTHORI'
            - 'AUTORI'
    selection_lsass_dump2:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'do rundll32.exe C:\windows\System32\comsvcs.dll, MiniDump'
            - '\Windows\Temp\'
            - ' full'
            - '%%B'
    selection_procdump:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'tasklist /v /fo csv'
            - 'findstr /i "lsass"'
    condition: 1 of selection*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

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

title: HackTool - Empire PowerShell Launch Parameters
id: 79f4ede3-402e-41c8-bc3e-ebbf5f162581
status: test
description: Detects suspicious powershell command line parameters used in Empire
references:
    - https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/c2ba61ca8d2031dad0cfc1d5770ba723e8b710db/lib/common/helpers.py#L165
    - https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/e37fb2eef8ff8f5a0a689f1589f424906fe13055/lib/modules/powershell/persistence/powerbreach/deaduser.py#L191
    - https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/e37fb2eef8ff8f5a0a689f1589f424906fe13055/lib/modules/powershell/persistence/powerbreach/resolver.py#L178
    - https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/e37fb2eef8ff8f5a0a689f1589f424906fe13055/data/module_source/privesc/Invoke-EventVwrBypass.ps1#L64
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-04-20
modified: 2023-02-21
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -NoP -sta -NonI -W Hidden -Enc '
            - ' -noP -sta -w 1 -enc '
            - ' -NoP -NonI -W Hidden -enc '
            - ' -noP -sta -w 1 -enc'
            - ' -enc  SQB'
            - ' -nop -exec bypass -EncodedCommand '
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Other tools that incidentally use the same command line parameters
level: high

title: HackTool - Hashcat Password Cracker Execution
id: 39b31e81-5f5f-4898-9c0e-2160cfc0f9bf
status: test
description: Execute Hashcat.exe with provided SAM file from registry of Windows and Password list to crack against
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1110.002/T1110.002.md#atomic-test-1---password-cracking-with-hashcat
    - https://hashcat.net/wiki/doku.php?id=hashcat
author: frack113
date: 2021-12-27
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1110.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith: '\hashcat.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '-a '
            - '-m 1000 '
            - '-r '
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Tools that use similar command line flags and values
level: high

title: HackTool - HollowReaper Execution
id: 85d23b42-9a9d-4f8f-b3d7-d2733c1d58f5
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects usage of HollowReaper, a process hollowing shellcode launcher used for stealth payload execution through process hollowing.
    It replaces the memory of a legitimate process with custom shellcode, allowing the attacker to execute payloads under the guise of trusted binaries.
references:
    - https://github.com/vari-sh/RedTeamGrimoire/tree/b5e7635d34db6e1f0398d8847e8f293186e947c5/HollowReaper
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-07-01
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055.012
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\HollowReaper.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - Htran/NATBypass Execution
id: f5e3b62f-e577-4e59-931e-0a15b2b94e1e
status: test
description: Detects executable names or flags used by Htran or Htran-like tools (e.g. NATBypass)
references:
    - https://github.com/HiwinCN/HTran
    - https://github.com/cw1997/NATBypass
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-27
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1090
    - attack.s0040
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\htran.exe'
            - '\lcx.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.exe -tran '
            - '.exe -slave '
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - Hydra Password Bruteforce Execution
id: aaafa146-074c-11eb-adc1-0242ac120002
status: test
description: Detects command line parameters used by Hydra password guessing hack tool
references:
    - https://github.com/vanhauser-thc/thc-hydra
author: Vasiliy Burov
date: 2020-10-05
modified: 2023-02-04
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1110
    - attack.t1110.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '-u '
            - '-p '
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '^USER^'
            - '^PASS^'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Software that uses the caret encased keywords PASS and USER in its command line
level: high

title: HackTool - Impacket File Indicators
id: 03f4ca17-de95-428d-a75a-4ee78b047256
related:
    - id: 6e2a900a-ced9-4e4a-a9c2-13e706f9518a
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: Detects file creation events with filename patterns used by Impacket.
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2025/05/19/another-confluence-bites-the-dust-falling-to-elpaco-team-ransomware/
    - https://github.com/fortra/impacket
author: "The DFIR Report, IrishDeath"
date: 2025-05-19
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection_names_re:
        TargetFilename|re: '\\sessionresume_[a-zA-Z]{8}$' # https://github.com/fortra/impacket/blob/ead516a1209742efc7ac550707a9304ba08681e9/impacket/examples/secretsdump.py#L1925C38-L1925C51
    condition: selection_names_re
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - Impacket Tools Execution
id: 4627c6ae-6899-46e2-aa0c-6ebcb1becd19
status: test
description: Detects the execution of different compiled Windows binaries of the impacket toolset (based on names or part of their names - could lead to false positives)
references:
    - https://github.com/ropnop/impacket_static_binaries/releases/tag/0.9.21-dev-binaries
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-07-24
modified: 2023-02-07
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.execution
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1557.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - Image|contains:
              - '\goldenPac'
              - '\karmaSMB'
              - '\kintercept'
              - '\ntlmrelayx'
              - '\rpcdump'
              - '\samrdump'
              - '\secretsdump'
              - '\smbexec'
              - '\smbrelayx'
              - '\wmiexec'
              - '\wmipersist'
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\atexec_windows.exe'
              - '\dcomexec_windows.exe'
              - '\dpapi_windows.exe'
              - '\findDelegation_windows.exe'
              - '\GetADUsers_windows.exe'
              - '\GetNPUsers_windows.exe'
              - '\getPac_windows.exe'
              - '\getST_windows.exe'
              - '\getTGT_windows.exe'
              - '\GetUserSPNs_windows.exe'
              - '\ifmap_windows.exe'
              - '\mimikatz_windows.exe'
              - '\netview_windows.exe'
              - '\nmapAnswerMachine_windows.exe'
              - '\opdump_windows.exe'
              - '\psexec_windows.exe'
              - '\rdp_check_windows.exe'
              - '\sambaPipe_windows.exe'
              - '\smbclient_windows.exe'
              - '\smbserver_windows.exe'
              - '\sniff_windows.exe'
              - '\sniffer_windows.exe'
              - '\split_windows.exe'
              - '\ticketer_windows.exe'
              # - '\addcomputer_windows.exe'
              # - '\esentutl_windows.exe'
              # - '\getArch_windows.exe'
              # - '\lookupsid_windows.exe'
              # - '\mqtt_check_windows.exe'
              # - '\mssqlclient_windows.exe'
              # - '\mssqlinstance_windows.exe'
              # - '\ntfs-read_windows.exe'
              # - '\ping_windows.exe'
              # - '\ping6_windows.exe'
              # - '\raiseChild_windows.exe'
              # - '\reg_windows.exe'
              # - '\registry-read_windows.exe'
              # - '\services_windows.exe'
              # - '\wmiquery_windows.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of the impacket tools
level: high

title: HackTool - Mimikatz Execution
id: a642964e-bead-4bed-8910-1bb4d63e3b4d
status: test
description: Detection well-known mimikatz command line arguments
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
    - https://tools.thehacker.recipes/mimikatz/modules
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, oscd.community, David ANDRE (additional keywords), Tim Shelton
date: 2019-10-22
modified: 2023-02-21
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.005
    - attack.t1003.006
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_tools_name:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'DumpCreds'
            - 'mimikatz'
    selection_function_names: # To cover functions from modules that are not in module_names
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '::aadcookie' # misc module
            - '::detours' # misc module
            - '::memssp' # misc module
            - '::mflt' # misc module
            - '::ncroutemon' # misc module
            - '::ngcsign' # misc module
            - '::printnightmare' # misc module
            - '::skeleton' # misc module
            - '::preshutdown'  # service module
            - '::mstsc'  # ts module
            - '::multirdp'  # ts module
    selection_module_names:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'rpc::'
            - 'token::'
            - 'crypto::'
            - 'dpapi::'
            - 'sekurlsa::'
            - 'kerberos::'
            - 'lsadump::'
            - 'privilege::'
            - 'process::'
            - 'vault::'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: HackTool - NPPSpy Hacktool Usage
id: cad1fe90-2406-44dc-bd03-59d0b58fe722
status: test
description: Detects the use of NPPSpy hacktool that stores cleartext passwords of users that logged in to a local file
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1003/T1003.md#atomic-test-2---credential-dumping-with-nppspy
    - https://twitter.com/0gtweet/status/1465282548494487554
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-11-29
modified: 2024-06-27
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '\NPPSpy.txt'
            - '\NPPSpy.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - NetExec Execution
id: 7638e5fe-600c-4289-a968-f49dd537ec7d
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects execution of the hacktool NetExec.
    NetExec (formerly CrackMapExec) is a widely used post-exploitation tool designed for Active Directory penetration testing and network enumeration
    In enterprise environments, the use of NetExec is considered suspicious or potentially malicious because it enables attackers to enumerate hosts, exploit network services, and move laterally across systems.
    Threat actors and red teams commonly use NetExec to identify vulnerable systems, harvest credentials, and execute commands remotely.
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2025/12/17/cats-got-your-files-lynx-ransomware/
    - https://github.com/Pennyw0rth/NetExec
    - https://www.netexec.wiki/
author: Chirag Damani
date: 2026-03-29
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1018
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.t1021
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\nxc.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' ftp '
            - ' ldap '
            - ' mssql '
            - ' nfs '
            - ' rdp '
            - ' smb '
            - ' ssh '
            - ' vnc '
            - ' winrm '
            - ' wmi '
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of NetExec by security professionals or system administrators for network assessment and management.
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_hktl_netexec/info.yml

title: HackTool - NetExec File Indicators
id: efc21479-9e83-41da-8cf1-122e06ba8db3
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects file creation events indicating NetExec (nxc.exe) execution on the local machine.
    NetExec is a PyInstaller-bundled binary that extracts its embedded data files to a "_MEI<random>" directory
    under the Temp folder upon execution. Files dropped under the "\nxc\" sub-directory of that
    extraction path are unique to NetExec and serve as reliable on-disk indicators of execution.
    NetExec (formerly CrackMapExec) is a widely used post-exploitation and lateral movement tool used for
    Active Directory enumeration, credential harvesting, and remote code execution.
references:
    - https://github.com/Pennyw0rth/NetExec
    - https://www.netexec.wiki/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-04-08
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1021.002
    - attack.t1059.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        - Image|contains: '\nxc-windows-latest\'
        - TargetFilename|contains|all:
              - '\Temp\_MEI'
              - '\nxc\data\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/file/file_event/file_event_win_hktl_netexec_file_indicators/info.yml

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

title: HackTool - Potential Remote Credential Dumping Activity Via CrackMapExec Or Impacket-Secretsdump
id: 6e2a900a-ced9-4e4a-a9c2-13e706f9518a
status: test
description: Detects default filenames output from the execution of CrackMapExec and Impacket-secretsdump against an endpoint.
references:
    - https://github.com/Porchetta-Industries/CrackMapExec
    - https://github.com/fortra/impacket/blob/ff8c200fd040b04d3b5ff05449646737f836235d/examples/secretsdump.py
author: SecurityAura
date: 2022-11-16
modified: 2024-06-27
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\svchost.exe'
        # CommandLine|contains: 'RemoteRegistry' # Uncomment this line if you collect CommandLine data for files events from more accuracy
        TargetFilename|re: '\\Windows\\System32\\[a-zA-Z0-9]{8}\.tmp$'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - Powerup Write Hijack DLL
id: 602a1f13-c640-4d73-b053-be9a2fa58b96
status: test
description: |
    Powerup tool's Write Hijack DLL exploits DLL hijacking for privilege escalation.
    In it's default mode, it builds a self deleting .bat file which executes malicious command.
    The detection rule relies on creation of the malicious bat file (debug.bat by default).
references:
    - https://powersploit.readthedocs.io/en/latest/Privesc/Write-HijackDll/
author: Subhash Popuri (@pbssubhash)
date: 2021-08-21
modified: 2024-06-27
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
        TargetFilename|endswith: '.bat'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Any powershell script that creates bat files # highly unlikely (untested)
level: high

title: HackTool - Pypykatz Credentials Dumping Activity
id: a29808fd-ef50-49ff-9c7a-59a9b040b404
status: test
description: Detects the usage of "pypykatz" to obtain stored credentials. Adversaries may attempt to extract credential material from the Security Account Manager (SAM) database through Windows registry where the SAM database is stored
references:
    - https://github.com/skelsec/pypykatz
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1003.002/T1003.002.md#atomic-test-2---registry-parse-with-pypykatz
author: frack113
date: 2022-01-05
modified: 2023-02-05
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - \pypykatz.exe
            - \python.exe
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'live'
            - 'registry'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - Quarks PwDump Execution
id: 0685b176-c816-4837-8e7b-1216f346636b
status: test
description: Detects usage of the Quarks PwDump tool via commandline arguments
references:
    - https://github.com/quarkslab/quarkspwdump
    - https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/seedworm-apt-iran-middle-east
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-09-05
modified: 2023-02-05
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith: '\QuarksPwDump.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine:
            - ' -dhl'
            - ' --dump-hash-local'
            - ' -dhdc'
            - ' --dump-hash-domain-cached'
            - ' --dump-bitlocker'
            - ' -dhd '
            - ' --dump-hash-domain '
            - '--ntds-file'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: HackTool - RedMimicry Winnti Playbook Execution
id: 95022b85-ff2a-49fa-939a-d7b8f56eeb9b
status: test
description: Detects actions caused by the RedMimicry Winnti playbook a automated breach emulations utility
references:
    - https://redmimicry.com/posts/redmimicry-winnti/
author: Alexander Rausch
date: 2020-06-24
modified: 2023-03-01
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1106
    - attack.t1059.003
    - attack.t1218.011
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'gthread-3.6.dll'
            - '\Windows\Temp\tmp.bat'
            - 'sigcmm-2.4.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - RemoteKrbRelay SMB Relay Secrets Dump Module Indicators
id: 3ab79e90-9fab-4cdf-a7b2-6522bc742adb
status: test
description: Detects the creation of file with specific names used by RemoteKrbRelay SMB Relay attack module.
references:
    - https://github.com/CICADA8-Research/RemoteKrbRelay/blob/19ec76ba7aa50c2722b23359bc4541c0a9b2611c/Exploit/RemoteKrbRelay/Relay/Attacks/RemoteRegistry.cs#L31-L40
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-06-27
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1219.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - ':\windows\temp\sam.tmp'
            - ':\windows\temp\sec.tmp'
            - ':\windows\temp\sys.tmp'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: HackTool - SOAPHound Execution
id: e92a4287-e072-4a40-9739-370c106bb750
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of SOAPHound, a .NET tool for collecting Active Directory data, using specific command-line arguments that may indicate an attempt to extract sensitive AD information.
references:
    - https://github.com/FalconForceTeam/SOAPHound
    - https://medium.com/falconforce/soaphound-tool-to-collect-active-directory-data-via-adws-165aca78288c
author: '@kostastsale'
date: 2024-01-26
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1087
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_1:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' --buildcache '
            - ' --bhdump '
            - ' --certdump '
            - ' --dnsdump '
    selection_2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -c '
            - ' --cachefilename '
            - ' -o '
            - ' --outputdirectory'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: HackTool - SafetyKatz Dump Indicator
id: e074832a-eada-4fd7-94a1-10642b130e16
status: test
description: Detects default lsass dump filename generated by SafetyKatz.
references:
    - https://github.com/GhostPack/SafetyKatz
    - https://github.com/GhostPack/SafetyKatz/blob/715b311f76eb3a4c8d00a1bd29c6cd1899e450b7/SafetyKatz/Program.cs#L63
author: Markus Neis
date: 2018-07-24
modified: 2024-06-27
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith: '\Temp\debug.bin'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Rare legitimate files with similar filename structure
level: high

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