Sigma is the open generic signature format for SIEM systems. Each rule below converts to native syntax for Splunk, Elastic, Sentinel, and other SIEMs. Expand any rule to see its raw YAML.
Detects execution of 7z in order to compress a file with a ".dmp"/".dump" extension, which could be a step in a process of dump file exfiltration.
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id ec570e53-4c76-45a9-804d-dc3f355ff7a7
view Sigma YAML
title: 7Zip Compressing Dump Files
id: ec570e53-4c76-45a9-804d-dc3f355ff7a7
related:
- id: 1ac14d38-3dfc-4635-92c7-e3fd1c5f5bfc
type: derived
status: test
description: Detects execution of 7z in order to compress a file with a ".dmp"/".dump" extension, which could be a step in a process of dump file exfiltration.
references:
- https://thedfirreport.com/2022/09/26/bumblebee-round-two/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-09-27
modified: 2023-09-12
tags:
- attack.collection
- attack.t1560.001
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Description|contains: '7-Zip'
- Image|endswith:
- '\7z.exe'
- '\7zr.exe'
- '\7za.exe'
- OriginalFileName:
- '7z.exe'
- '7za.exe'
selection_extension:
CommandLine|contains:
- '.dmp'
- '.dump'
- '.hdmp'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Legitimate use of 7z with a command line in which ".dmp" or ".dump" appears accidentally
- Legitimate use of 7z to compress WER ".dmp" files for troubleshooting
level: medium
medium
A New Trust Was Created To A Domain
Addition of domains is seldom and should be verified for legitimacy.
status stableauthor Thomas Patzkeid 0255a820-e564-4e40-af2b-6ac61160335c
view Sigma YAML
title: A New Trust Was Created To A Domain
id: 0255a820-e564-4e40-af2b-6ac61160335c
status: stable
description: Addition of domains is seldom and should be verified for legitimacy.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4706
author: Thomas Patzke
date: 2019-12-03
modified: 2024-01-16
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1098
logsource:
product: windows
service: security
detection:
selection:
EventID: 4706
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate extension of domain structure
level: medium
medium
A Rule Has Been Deleted From The Windows Firewall Exception List
Detects when a single rules or all of the rules have been deleted from the Windows Defender Firewall
status testauthor frack113id c187c075-bb3e-4c62-b4fa-beae0ffc211f
view Sigma YAML
title: A Rule Has Been Deleted From The Windows Firewall Exception List
id: c187c075-bb3e-4c62-b4fa-beae0ffc211f
status: test
description: Detects when a single rules or all of the rules have been deleted from the Windows Defender Firewall
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-r2-and-2008/dd364427(v=ws.10)
author: frack113
date: 2022-02-19
modified: 2024-08-29
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1686.003
logsource:
product: windows
service: firewall-as
detection:
selection:
EventID:
- 2006 # A rule has been deleted in the Windows Defender Firewall exception list
- 2052 # A rule has been deleted in the Windows Defender Firewall exception list. (Windows 11)
filter_main_generic:
ModifyingApplication|startswith:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
- 'C:\Program Files\'
- 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
filter_main_svchost:
ModifyingApplication: 'C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe'
filter_optional_msmpeng:
ModifyingApplication|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\'
ModifyingApplication|endswith: '\MsMpEng.exe'
filter_main_null:
ModifyingApplication: null
filter_main_empty:
ModifyingApplication: ''
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
level: medium
medium
ADExplorer Writing Complete AD Snapshot Into .dat File
Detects the dual use tool ADExplorer writing a complete AD snapshot into a .dat file. This can be used by attackers to extract data for Bloodhound, usernames for password spraying or use the meta data for social engineering. The snapshot doesn't contain password hashes but there have been cases, where administrators put passwords in the comment field.
status experimentalauthor Arnim Rupp (Nextron Systems), Thomas Patzkeid 0a1255c5-d732-4b62-ac02-b5152d34fb83
view Sigma YAML
title: ADExplorer Writing Complete AD Snapshot Into .dat File
id: 0a1255c5-d732-4b62-ac02-b5152d34fb83
related:
- id: 9212f354-7775-4e28-9c9f-8f0a4544e664
type: similar
status: experimental
description: Detects the dual use tool ADExplorer writing a complete AD snapshot into a .dat file. This can be used by attackers to extract data for Bloodhound, usernames for password spraying or use the meta data for social engineering. The snapshot doesn't contain password hashes but there have been cases, where administrators put passwords in the comment field.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/sysinternals/downloads/adexplorer
- https://github.com/c3c/ADExplorerSnapshot.py/tree/f700904defac330802bbfedd1d8ffd9248f4ee24
- https://www.packetlabs.net/posts/scattered-spider-is-a-young-ransomware-gang-exploiting-large-corporations/
- https://www.nccgroup.com/us/research-blog/lapsus-recent-techniques-tactics-and-procedures/
- https://trustedsec.com/blog/adexplorer-on-engagements
author: Arnim Rupp (Nextron Systems), Thomas Patzke
date: 2025-07-09
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1087.002
- attack.t1069.002
- attack.t1482
logsource:
category: file_event
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith:
- '\ADExp.exe'
- '\ADExplorer.exe'
- '\ADExplorer64.exe'
- '\ADExplorer64a.exe'
TargetFilename|endswith: '.dat'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate use of ADExplorer by administrators creating .dat snapshots
level: medium
medium
ADFS Database Named Pipe Connection By Uncommon Tool
Detects suspicious local connections via a named pipe to the AD FS configuration database (Windows Internal Database).
Used to access information such as the AD FS configuration settings which contains sensitive information used to sign SAML tokens.
status testauthor Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0gid 1ea13e8c-03ea-409b-877d-ce5c3d2c1cb3
view Sigma YAML
title: ADFS Database Named Pipe Connection By Uncommon Tool
id: 1ea13e8c-03ea-409b-877d-ce5c3d2c1cb3
status: test
description: |
Detects suspicious local connections via a named pipe to the AD FS configuration database (Windows Internal Database).
Used to access information such as the AD FS configuration settings which contains sensitive information used to sign SAML tokens.
references:
- https://github.com/Azure/Azure-Sentinel/blob/f99542b94afe0ad2f19a82cc08262e7ac8e1428e/Detections/SecurityEvent/ADFSDBNamedPipeConnection.yaml
- https://o365blog.com/post/adfs/
- https://github.com/Azure/SimuLand
author: Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g
date: 2021-10-08
modified: 2023-11-30
tags:
- attack.collection
- attack.t1005
logsource:
product: windows
category: pipe_created
definition: 'Note that you have to configure logging for Named Pipe Events in Sysmon config (Event ID 17 and Event ID 18). The basic configuration is in popular sysmon configuration (https://github.com/SwiftOnSecurity/sysmon-config), but it is worth verifying. You can also use other repo, e.g. https://github.com/Neo23x0/sysmon-config, https://github.com/olafhartong/sysmon-modular. How to test detection? You can check powershell script from this site https://svch0st.medium.com/guide-to-named-pipes-and-hunting-for-cobalt-strike-pipes-dc46b2c5f575'
detection:
selection:
PipeName: '\MICROSOFT##WID\tsql\query'
filter_main_generic:
Image|endswith:
- ':\Windows\System32\mmc.exe'
- ':\Windows\system32\svchost.exe'
- ':\Windows\System32\wsmprovhost.exe'
- ':\Windows\SysWOW64\mmc.exe'
- ':\Windows\SysWOW64\wsmprovhost.exe'
- ':\Windows\WID\Binn\sqlwriter.exe'
- '\AzureADConnect.exe'
- '\Microsoft.Identity.Health.Adfs.PshSurrogate.exe'
- '\Microsoft.IdentityServer.ServiceHost.exe'
- '\Microsoft.Tri.Sensor.exe'
- '\sqlservr.exe'
- '\tssdis.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
ADS Zone.Identifier Deleted By Uncommon Application
Detects the deletion of the "Zone.Identifier" ADS by an uncommon process. Attackers can leverage this in order to bypass security restrictions that make use of the ADS such as Microsoft Office apps.
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id 3109530e-ab47-4cc6-a953-cac5ebcc93ae
view Sigma YAML
title: ADS Zone.Identifier Deleted By Uncommon Application
id: 3109530e-ab47-4cc6-a953-cac5ebcc93ae
related:
- id: 7eac0a16-5832-4e81-865f-0268a6d19e4b
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects the deletion of the "Zone.Identifier" ADS by an uncommon process. Attackers can leverage this in order to bypass security restrictions that make use of the ADS such as Microsoft Office apps.
references:
- https://securityliterate.com/how-malware-abuses-the-zone-identifier-to-circumvent-detection-and-analysis/
- Internal Research
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-09-04
modified: 2025-07-04
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1070.004
logsource:
product: windows
category: file_delete
detection:
selection:
TargetFilename|endswith: ':Zone.Identifier'
filter_main_generic:
# Note: in some envs this activity might be performed by other software. Apply additional filters as necessary
Image:
- 'C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7-preview\pwsh.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7\pwsh.exe'
- 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
- 'C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\explorer.exe'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe'
filter_optional_browsers_chrome:
Image:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe'
filter_optional_browsers_firefox:
Image:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe'
filter_optional_browsers_msedge:
Image:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe'
- 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Other third party applications not listed.
level: medium
medium
ADSI-Cache File Creation By Uncommon Tool
Detects the creation of an "Active Directory Schema Cache File" (.sch) file by an uncommon tool.
status testauthor xknow @xknow_infosec, Tim Sheltonid 75bf09fa-1dd7-4d18-9af9-dd9e492562eb
view Sigma YAML
title: ADSI-Cache File Creation By Uncommon Tool
id: 75bf09fa-1dd7-4d18-9af9-dd9e492562eb
status: test
description: Detects the creation of an "Active Directory Schema Cache File" (.sch) file by an uncommon tool.
references:
- https://medium.com/@ivecodoe/detecting-ldapfragger-a-newly-released-cobalt-strike-beacon-using-ldap-for-c2-communication-c274a7f00961
- https://blog.fox-it.com/2020/03/19/ldapfragger-command-and-control-over-ldap-attributes/
- https://github.com/fox-it/LDAPFragger
author: xknow @xknow_infosec, Tim Shelton
date: 2019-03-24
modified: 2023-10-18
tags:
- attack.t1001.003
- attack.command-and-control
logsource:
product: windows
category: file_event
detection:
selection:
TargetFilename|contains: '\Local\Microsoft\Windows\SchCache\'
TargetFilename|endswith: '.sch'
filter_main_generic:
- Image|endswith:
- ':\Program Files\Cylance\Desktop\CylanceSvc.exe'
- ':\Windows\CCM\CcmExec.exe'
- ':\windows\system32\dllhost.exe'
- ':\Windows\system32\dsac.exe'
- ':\Windows\system32\efsui.exe'
- ':\windows\system32\mmc.exe'
- ':\windows\system32\svchost.exe'
- ':\Windows\System32\wbem\WmiPrvSE.exe'
- ':\windows\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe'
- Image|contains:
- ':\Windows\ccmsetup\autoupgrade\ccmsetup' # C:\Windows\ccmsetup\autoupgrade\ccmsetup.TMC00002.40.exe
- ':\Program Files\SentinelOne\Sentinel Agent' # C:\Program Files\SentinelOne\Sentinel Agent 21.7.7.40005\SentinelAgent.exe
filter_main_office:
Image|contains|all:
- ':\Program Files\'
- '\Microsoft Office'
Image|endswith: '\OUTLOOK.EXE'
filter_optional_ldapwhoami:
Image|endswith: '\LANDesk\LDCLient\ldapwhoami.exe'
filter_optional_citrix:
# Example:
# TargetFilename=C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\SchCache\REDACTED.com.sch
Image|endswith: ':\Program Files\Citrix\Receiver StoreFront\Services\DefaultDomainServices\Citrix.DeliveryServices.DomainServices.ServiceHost.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Other legimate tools, which do ADSI (LDAP) operations, e.g. any remoting activity by MMC, Powershell, Windows etc.
level: medium
medium
AWL Bypass with Winrm.vbs and Malicious WsmPty.xsl/WsmTxt.xsl
Detects execution of attacker-controlled WsmPty.xsl or WsmTxt.xsl via winrm.vbs and copied cscript.exe (can be renamed)
status testauthor Julia Fomina, oscd.communityid 074e0ded-6ced-4ebd-8b4d-53f55908119d
view Sigma YAML
title: AWL Bypass with Winrm.vbs and Malicious WsmPty.xsl/WsmTxt.xsl
id: 074e0ded-6ced-4ebd-8b4d-53f55908119d
status: test
description: Detects execution of attacker-controlled WsmPty.xsl or WsmTxt.xsl via winrm.vbs and copied cscript.exe (can be renamed)
references:
- https://posts.specterops.io/application-whitelisting-bypass-and-arbitrary-unsigned-code-execution-technique-in-winrm-vbs-c8c24fb40404
author: Julia Fomina, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-06
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1216
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
contains_format_pretty_arg:
CommandLine|contains:
- 'format:pretty'
- 'format:"pretty"'
- 'format:"text"'
- 'format:text'
image_from_system_folder:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\Windows\System32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
contains_winrm:
CommandLine|contains: 'winrm'
condition: contains_winrm and (contains_format_pretty_arg and not image_from_system_folder)
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: medium
medium
AWL Bypass with Winrm.vbs and Malicious WsmPty.xsl/WsmTxt.xsl - File
Detects execution of attacker-controlled WsmPty.xsl or WsmTxt.xsl via winrm.vbs and copied cscript.exe (can be renamed)
status testauthor Julia Fomina, oscd.communityid d353dac0-1b41-46c2-820c-d7d2561fc6ed
view Sigma YAML
title: AWL Bypass with Winrm.vbs and Malicious WsmPty.xsl/WsmTxt.xsl - File
id: d353dac0-1b41-46c2-820c-d7d2561fc6ed
related:
- id: 074e0ded-6ced-4ebd-8b4d-53f55908119d
type: derived
status: test
description: Detects execution of attacker-controlled WsmPty.xsl or WsmTxt.xsl via winrm.vbs and copied cscript.exe (can be renamed)
references:
- https://posts.specterops.io/application-whitelisting-bypass-and-arbitrary-unsigned-code-execution-technique-in-winrm-vbs-c8c24fb40404
author: Julia Fomina, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-06
modified: 2022-11-28
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1216
logsource:
product: windows
category: file_event
detection:
system_files:
TargetFilename|endswith:
- 'WsmPty.xsl'
- 'WsmTxt.xsl'
in_system_folder:
TargetFilename|startswith:
- 'C:\Windows\System32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
condition: system_files and not in_system_folder
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: medium
medium
AWS Bucket Deleted
Detects the deletion of S3 buckets in AWS CloudTrail logs.
Monitoring the deletion of S3 buckets is critical for security and data integrity, as it may indicate potential data loss or unauthorized access attempts.
status experimentalauthor Ivan Saakov, Nasreddine Bencherchaliid 39c9f26d-6e3b-4dbb-9c7a-4154b0281112
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS Bucket Deleted
id: 39c9f26d-6e3b-4dbb-9c7a-4154b0281112
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the deletion of S3 buckets in AWS CloudTrail logs.
Monitoring the deletion of S3 buckets is critical for security and data integrity, as it may indicate potential data loss or unauthorized access attempts.
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/API/API_DeleteBucket.html
- https://awscli.amazonaws.com/v2/documentation/api/latest/reference/s3api/delete-bucket.html
author: Ivan Saakov, Nasreddine Bencherchali
date: 2025-10-19
tags:
- attack.stealth
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection_event_name:
eventName: 'DeleteBucket'
selection_status_success:
errorCode: 'Success'
selection_status_null:
errorCode: null
condition: selection_event_name and 1 of selection_status_*
falsepositives:
- During maintenance operations or testing, authorized administrators may delete S3 buckets as part of routine data management or cleanup activities.
level: medium
medium
AWS CloudTrail Important Change
Detects disabling, deleting and updating of a Trail
status testauthor vitaliy0x1id 4db60cc0-36fb-42b7-9b58-a5b53019fb74
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS CloudTrail Important Change
id: 4db60cc0-36fb-42b7-9b58-a5b53019fb74
status: test
description: Detects disabling, deleting and updating of a Trail
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/awscloudtrail/latest/userguide/best-practices-security.html
author: vitaliy0x1
date: 2020-01-21
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1685.002
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection_source:
eventSource: cloudtrail.amazonaws.com
eventName:
- StopLogging
- UpdateTrail
- DeleteTrail
condition: selection_source
falsepositives:
- Valid change in a Trail
level: medium
medium
AWS Console GetSigninToken Potential Abuse
Detects potentially suspicious events involving "GetSigninToken".
An adversary using the "aws_consoler" tool can leverage this console API to create temporary federated credential that help obfuscate which AWS credential is compromised (the original access key) and enables the adversary to pivot from the AWS CLI to console sessions without the need for MFA using the new access key issued in this request.
status testauthor Chester Le Bron (@123Le_Bron)id f8103686-e3e8-46f3-be72-65f7fcb4aa53
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS Console GetSigninToken Potential Abuse
id: f8103686-e3e8-46f3-be72-65f7fcb4aa53
status: test
description: |
Detects potentially suspicious events involving "GetSigninToken".
An adversary using the "aws_consoler" tool can leverage this console API to create temporary federated credential that help obfuscate which AWS credential is compromised (the original access key) and enables the adversary to pivot from the AWS CLI to console sessions without the need for MFA using the new access key issued in this request.
references:
- https://github.com/NetSPI/aws_consoler
- https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/analysis-of-intrusion-campaign-targeting-telecom-and-bpo-companies/
author: Chester Le Bron (@123Le_Bron)
date: 2024-02-26
tags:
- attack.lateral-movement
- attack.t1021.007
- attack.t1550.001
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: 'signin.amazonaws.com'
eventName: 'GetSigninToken'
filter_main_console_ua:
userAgent|contains: 'Jersey/${project.version}'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- GetSigninToken events will occur when using AWS SSO portal to login and will generate false positives if you do not filter for the expected user agent(s), see filter. Non-SSO configured roles would be abnormal and should be investigated.
level: medium
medium
AWS ConsoleLogin Failed Authentication
Detects failed AWS console login attempts due to authentication failures. Monitoring these events is crucial for identifying potential brute-force attacks or unauthorized access attempts to AWS accounts.
status experimentalauthor Ivan Saakov, Nasreddine Bencherchaliid 6393e346-1977-46ef-8987-ad414a145fad
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS ConsoleLogin Failed Authentication
id: 6393e346-1977-46ef-8987-ad414a145fad
status: experimental
description: |
Detects failed AWS console login attempts due to authentication failures. Monitoring these events is crucial for identifying potential brute-force attacks or unauthorized access attempts to AWS accounts.
references:
- https://naikordian.github.io/blog/posts/brute-force-aws-console/
- https://help.fortinet.com/fsiem/Public_Resource_Access/7_2_1/rules/PH_RULE_AWS_Management_Console_Brute_Force_of_Root_User_Identity.htm
- https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/splunk/attack_data/master/datasets/attack_techniques/T1110.001/aws_login_failure/aws_cloudtrail_events.json
author: Ivan Saakov, Nasreddine Bencherchali
date: 2025-10-19
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1110
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventName: 'ConsoleLogin'
errorMessage: 'Failed authentication'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate failed login attempts by authorized users. Investigate the source of repeated failed login attempts.
level: medium
medium
AWS EC2 Disable EBS Encryption
Identifies disabling of default Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) encryption in the current region.
Disabling default encryption does not change the encryption status of your existing volumes.
status stableauthor Sittikorn Sid 16124c2d-e40b-4fcc-8f2c-5ab7870a2223
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS EC2 Disable EBS Encryption
id: 16124c2d-e40b-4fcc-8f2c-5ab7870a2223
status: stable
description: |
Identifies disabling of default Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) encryption in the current region.
Disabling default encryption does not change the encryption status of your existing volumes.
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/APIReference/API_DisableEbsEncryptionByDefault.html
author: Sittikorn S
date: 2021-06-29
modified: 2021-08-20
tags:
- attack.impact
- attack.t1486
- attack.t1565
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: ec2.amazonaws.com
eventName: DisableEbsEncryptionByDefault
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- System Administrator Activities
- DEV, UAT, SAT environment. You should apply this rule with PROD account only.
level: medium
medium
AWS ECS Task Definition That Queries The Credential Endpoint
Detects when an Elastic Container Service (ECS) Task Definition includes a command to query the credential endpoint.
This can indicate a potential adversary adding a backdoor to establish persistence or escalate privileges.
status testauthor Darin Smithid b94bf91e-c2bf-4047-9c43-c6810f43baad
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS ECS Task Definition That Queries The Credential Endpoint
id: b94bf91e-c2bf-4047-9c43-c6810f43baad
status: test
description: |
Detects when an Elastic Container Service (ECS) Task Definition includes a command to query the credential endpoint.
This can indicate a potential adversary adding a backdoor to establish persistence or escalate privileges.
references:
- https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu/blob/866376cd711666c775bbfcde0524c817f2c5b181/pacu/modules/ecs__backdoor_task_def/main.py
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonECS/latest/APIReference/API_RegisterTaskDefinition.html
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonECS/latest/developerguide/task-iam-roles.html
author: Darin Smith
date: 2022-06-07
modified: 2023-04-24
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1525
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: 'ecs.amazonaws.com'
eventName:
- 'DescribeTaskDefinition'
- 'RegisterTaskDefinition'
- 'RunTask'
requestParameters.containerDefinitions.command|contains: '$AWS_CONTAINER_CREDENTIALS_RELATIVE_URI'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Task Definition being modified to request credentials from the Task Metadata Service for valid reasons
level: medium
medium
AWS EFS Fileshare Modified or Deleted
Detects when a EFS Fileshare is modified or deleted.
You can't delete a file system that is in use.
If the file system has any mount targets, the adversary must first delete them, so deletion of a mount will occur before deletion of a fileshare.
status testauthor Austin Songer @austinsongerid 25cb1ba1-8a19-4a23-a198-d252664c8cef
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS EFS Fileshare Modified or Deleted
id: 25cb1ba1-8a19-4a23-a198-d252664c8cef
status: test
description: |
Detects when a EFS Fileshare is modified or deleted.
You can't delete a file system that is in use.
If the file system has any mount targets, the adversary must first delete them, so deletion of a mount will occur before deletion of a fileshare.
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/efs/latest/ug/API_DeleteFileSystem.html
author: Austin Songer @austinsonger
date: 2021-08-15
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.impact
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: elasticfilesystem.amazonaws.com
eventName: DeleteFileSystem
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
AWS EFS Fileshare Mount Modified or Deleted
Detects when a EFS Fileshare Mount is modified or deleted. An adversary breaking any file system using the mount target that is being deleted, which might disrupt instances or applications using those mounts.
status testauthor Austin Songer @austinsongerid 6a7ba45c-63d8-473e-9736-2eaabff79964
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS EFS Fileshare Mount Modified or Deleted
id: 6a7ba45c-63d8-473e-9736-2eaabff79964
status: test
description: Detects when a EFS Fileshare Mount is modified or deleted. An adversary breaking any file system using the mount target that is being deleted, which might disrupt instances or applications using those mounts.
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/efs/latest/ug/API_DeleteMountTarget.html
author: Austin Songer @austinsonger
date: 2021-08-15
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.impact
- attack.t1485
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: elasticfilesystem.amazonaws.com
eventName: DeleteMountTarget
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
AWS EnableRegion Command Monitoring
Detects the use of the EnableRegion command in AWS CloudTrail logs.
While AWS has 30+ regions, some of them are enabled by default, others must be explicitly enabled in each account separately.
There may be situations where security monitoring does not cover some new AWS regions.
Monitoring the EnableRegion command is important for identifying potential persistence mechanisms employed by adversaries, as enabling additional regions can facilitate continued access and operations within an AWS environment.
status experimentalauthor Ivan Saakov, Sergey Zelenskiyid a5ffb6ea-c784-4e01-b30a-deb6e58ca2ab
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS EnableRegion Command Monitoring
id: a5ffb6ea-c784-4e01-b30a-deb6e58ca2ab
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the use of the EnableRegion command in AWS CloudTrail logs.
While AWS has 30+ regions, some of them are enabled by default, others must be explicitly enabled in each account separately.
There may be situations where security monitoring does not cover some new AWS regions.
Monitoring the EnableRegion command is important for identifying potential persistence mechanisms employed by adversaries, as enabling additional regions can facilitate continued access and operations within an AWS environment.
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/accounts/latest/reference/API_EnableRegion.html
- https://awscli.amazonaws.com/v2/documentation/api/2.14.0/reference/account/enable-region.html
author: Ivan Saakov, Sergey Zelenskiy
date: 2025-10-19
tags:
- attack.persistence
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventName: 'EnableRegion'
eventSource: 'account.amazonaws.com'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate use of the EnableRegion command by authorized administrators.
level: medium
medium
AWS IAM Backdoor Users Keys
Detects AWS API key creation for a user by another user.
Backdoored users can be used to obtain persistence in the AWS environment.
Also with this alert, you can detect a flow of AWS keys in your org.
status testauthor falokerid 0a5177f4-6ca9-44c2-aacf-d3f3d8b6e4d2
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS IAM Backdoor Users Keys
id: 0a5177f4-6ca9-44c2-aacf-d3f3d8b6e4d2
status: test
description: |
Detects AWS API key creation for a user by another user.
Backdoored users can be used to obtain persistence in the AWS environment.
Also with this alert, you can detect a flow of AWS keys in your org.
references:
- https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu/blob/866376cd711666c775bbfcde0524c817f2c5b181/pacu/modules/iam__backdoor_users_keys/main.py
author: faloker
date: 2020-02-12
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.t1098
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection_source:
eventSource: iam.amazonaws.com
eventName: CreateAccessKey
filter:
userIdentity.arn|contains: responseElements.accessKey.userName
condition: selection_source and not filter
falsepositives:
- Adding user keys to their own accounts (the filter cannot cover all possible variants of user naming)
- AWS API keys legitimate exchange workflows
level: medium
medium
AWS Key Pair Import Activity
Detects the import of SSH key pairs into AWS EC2, which may indicate an attacker attempting to gain unauthorized access to instances. This activity could lead to initial access, persistence, or privilege escalation, potentially compromising sensitive data and operations.
status experimentalauthor Ivan Saakovid 92f84194-8d9a-4ee0-8699-c30bfac59780
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS Key Pair Import Activity
id: 92f84194-8d9a-4ee0-8699-c30bfac59780
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the import of SSH key pairs into AWS EC2, which may indicate an attacker attempting to gain unauthorized access to instances. This activity could lead to initial access, persistence, or privilege escalation, potentially compromising sensitive data and operations.
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/APIReference/API_ImportKeyPair.html
author: Ivan Saakov
date: 2024-12-19
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1078
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: 'ec2.amazonaws.com'
eventName: 'ImportKeyPair'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative actions by authorized users importing keys for valid purposes.
- Automated processes for infrastructure setup may trigger this alert.
- Verify the user identity, user agent, and source IP address to ensure they are expected.
level: medium
medium
AWS RDS Master Password Change
Detects the change of database master password. It may be a part of data exfiltration.
status testauthor falokerid 8a63cdd4-6207-414a-85bc-7e032bd3c1a2
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS RDS Master Password Change
id: 8a63cdd4-6207-414a-85bc-7e032bd3c1a2
status: test
description: Detects the change of database master password. It may be a part of data exfiltration.
references:
- https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu/blob/866376cd711666c775bbfcde0524c817f2c5b181/pacu/modules/rds__explore_snapshots/main.py
author: faloker
date: 2020-02-12
modified: 2022-10-05
tags:
- attack.exfiltration
- attack.t1020
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection_source:
eventSource: rds.amazonaws.com
responseElements.pendingModifiedValues.masterUserPassword|contains: '*'
eventName: ModifyDBInstance
condition: selection_source
falsepositives:
- Benign changes to a db instance
level: medium
medium
AWS Root Credentials
Detects AWS root account usage
status testauthor vitaliy0x1id 8ad1600d-e9dc-4251-b0ee-a65268f29add
Detects when S3 bucket versioning is disabled. Threat actors use this technique during AWS ransomware incidents prior to deleting S3 objects.
status testauthor Sean Johnstone | Unit 42id a136ac98-b2bc-4189-a14d-f0d0388e57a7
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS S3 Bucket Versioning Disable
id: a136ac98-b2bc-4189-a14d-f0d0388e57a7
status: test
description: Detects when S3 bucket versioning is disabled. Threat actors use this technique during AWS ransomware incidents prior to deleting S3 objects.
references:
- https://invictus-ir.medium.com/ransomware-in-the-cloud-7f14805bbe82
author: Sean Johnstone | Unit 42
date: 2023-10-28
tags:
- attack.impact
- attack.t1490
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: s3.amazonaws.com
eventName: PutBucketVersioning
requestParameters|contains: 'Suspended'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- AWS administrator legitimately disabling bucket versioning
level: medium
medium
AWS SAML Provider Deletion Activity
Detects the deletion of an AWS SAML provider, potentially indicating malicious intent to disrupt administrative or security team access.
An attacker can remove the SAML provider for the information security team or a team of system administrators, to make it difficult for them to work and investigate at the time of the attack and after it.
status experimentalauthor Ivan Saakovid ccd6a6c8-bb4e-4a91-9d2a-07e632819374
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS SAML Provider Deletion Activity
id: ccd6a6c8-bb4e-4a91-9d2a-07e632819374
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the deletion of an AWS SAML provider, potentially indicating malicious intent to disrupt administrative or security team access.
An attacker can remove the SAML provider for the information security team or a team of system administrators, to make it difficult for them to work and investigate at the time of the attack and after it.
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/APIReference/API_DeleteSAMLProvider.html
author: Ivan Saakov
date: 2024-12-19
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1078.004
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.initial-access
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1531
- attack.impact
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: 'iam.amazonaws.com'
eventName: 'DeleteSAMLProvider'
status: 'success'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Automated processes using tools like Terraform may trigger this alert.
- Legitimate administrative actions by authorized system administrators could cause this alert. Verify the user identity, user agent, and hostname to ensure they are expected.
- Deletions by unfamiliar users should be investigated. If the behavior is known and expected, it can be exempted from the rule.
level: medium
medium
AWS STS GetCallerIdentity Enumeration Via TruffleHog
Detects the use of TruffleHog for AWS credential validation by identifying GetCallerIdentity API calls where the userAgent indicates TruffleHog.
Threat actors leverage TruffleHog to enumerate and validate exposed AWS keys.
Successful exploitation allows threat actors to confirm the validity of compromised AWS credentials, facilitating further unauthorized access and actions within the AWS environment.
status experimentalauthor Adan Alvarez @adanalvarezid 9b1b8e9b-0a5d-4af1-9d2f-4c4b6e7c2c9d
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS STS GetCallerIdentity Enumeration Via TruffleHog
id: 9b1b8e9b-0a5d-4af1-9d2f-4c4b6e7c2c9d
status: experimental
description: |
Detects the use of TruffleHog for AWS credential validation by identifying GetCallerIdentity API calls where the userAgent indicates TruffleHog.
Threat actors leverage TruffleHog to enumerate and validate exposed AWS keys.
Successful exploitation allows threat actors to confirm the validity of compromised AWS credentials, facilitating further unauthorized access and actions within the AWS environment.
references:
- https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/tr-crimson-collective-a-new-threat-group-observed-operating-in-the-cloud/
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/STS/latest/APIReference/API_GetCallerIdentity.html
- https://github.com/trufflesecurity/trufflehog
author: Adan Alvarez @adanalvarez
date: 2025-10-12
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1087.004
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventSource: 'sts.amazonaws.com'
eventName: 'GetCallerIdentity'
userAgent|contains: 'TruffleHog'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate internal security scanning or key validation that intentionally uses TruffleHog. Authorize and filter known scanner roles, IP ranges, or assumed roles as needed.
level: medium
medium
AWS Snapshot Backup Exfiltration
Detects the modification of an EC2 snapshot's permissions to enable access from another account
status testauthor Darin Smithid abae8fec-57bd-4f87-aff6-6e3db989843d
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS Snapshot Backup Exfiltration
id: abae8fec-57bd-4f87-aff6-6e3db989843d
status: test
description: Detects the modification of an EC2 snapshot's permissions to enable access from another account
references:
- https://www.justice.gov/file/1080281/download
author: Darin Smith
date: 2021-05-17
modified: 2021-08-19
tags:
- attack.exfiltration
- attack.t1537
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection_source:
eventSource: ec2.amazonaws.com
eventName: ModifySnapshotAttribute
condition: selection_source
falsepositives:
- Valid change to a snapshot's permissions
level: medium
medium
AWS Successful Console Login Without MFA
Detects successful AWS console logins that were performed without Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
This alert can be used to identify potential unauthorized access attempts, as logging in without MFA can indicate compromised credentials or misconfigured security settings.
status experimentalauthor Thuya@Hacktilizer, Ivan Saakovid 77caf516-34e5-4df9-b4db-20744fea0a60
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS Successful Console Login Without MFA
id: 77caf516-34e5-4df9-b4db-20744fea0a60
status: experimental
description: |
Detects successful AWS console logins that were performed without Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
This alert can be used to identify potential unauthorized access attempts, as logging in without MFA can indicate compromised credentials or misconfigured security settings.
references:
- https://securitylabs.datadoghq.com/cloud-security-atlas/vulnerabilities/iam-user-without-mfa/
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/awscloudtrail/latest/userguide/cloudtrail-event-reference-aws-console-sign-in-events.html
author: Thuya@Hacktilizer, Ivan Saakov
date: 2025-10-18
modified: 2025-10-21
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1078.004
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection:
eventName: 'ConsoleLogin'
additionalEventData.MFAUsed: 'NO'
responseElements.ConsoleLogin: 'Success'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: medium
medium
AWS Suspicious SAML Activity
Identifies when suspicious SAML activity has occurred in AWS. An adversary could gain backdoor access via SAML.
status testauthor Austin Songerid f43f5d2f-3f2a-4cc8-b1af-81fde7dbaf0e
view Sigma YAML
title: AWS Suspicious SAML Activity
id: f43f5d2f-3f2a-4cc8-b1af-81fde7dbaf0e
status: test
description: Identifies when suspicious SAML activity has occurred in AWS. An adversary could gain backdoor access via SAML.
references:
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/APIReference/API_UpdateSAMLProvider.html
- https://docs.aws.amazon.com/STS/latest/APIReference/API_AssumeRoleWithSAML.html
author: Austin Songer
date: 2021-09-22
modified: 2022-12-18
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.lateral-movement
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1078
- attack.t1548
- attack.t1550
- attack.t1550.001
logsource:
product: aws
service: cloudtrail
detection:
selection_sts:
eventSource: 'sts.amazonaws.com'
eventName: 'AssumeRoleWithSAML'
selection_iam:
eventSource: 'iam.amazonaws.com'
eventName: 'UpdateSAMLProvider'
condition: 1 of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Automated processes that uses Terraform may lead to false positives.
- SAML Provider could be updated by a system administrator. Verify whether the user identity, user agent, and/or hostname should be making changes in your environment.
- SAML Provider being updated from unfamiliar users should be investigated. If known behavior is causing false positives, it can be exempted from the rule.
level: medium
medium
Abusing Print Executable
Attackers can use print.exe for remote file copy
status testauthor Furkan CALISKAN, @caliskanfurkan_, @oscd_initiativeid bafac3d6-7de9-4dd9-8874-4a1194b493ed
view Sigma YAML
title: Abusing Print Executable
id: bafac3d6-7de9-4dd9-8874-4a1194b493ed
status: test
description: Attackers can use print.exe for remote file copy
references:
- https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Print/
- https://twitter.com/Oddvarmoe/status/985518877076541440
author: 'Furkan CALISKAN, @caliskanfurkan_, @oscd_initiative'
date: 2020-10-05
modified: 2022-07-07
tags:
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1218
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith: '\print.exe'
CommandLine|startswith: 'print'
CommandLine|contains|all:
- '/D'
- '.exe'
filter_print:
CommandLine|contains: 'print.exe'
condition: selection and not filter_print
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Access To Crypto Currency Wallets By Uncommon Applications
Detects file access requests to crypto currency files by uncommon processes.
Could indicate potential attempt of crypto currency wallet stealing.
status testauthor X__Junior (Nextron Systems)id f41b0311-44f9-44f0-816d-dd45e39d4bc8
view Sigma YAML
title: Access To Crypto Currency Wallets By Uncommon Applications
id: f41b0311-44f9-44f0-816d-dd45e39d4bc8
status: test
description: |
Detects file access requests to crypto currency files by uncommon processes.
Could indicate potential attempt of crypto currency wallet stealing.
references:
- Internal Research
author: X__Junior (Nextron Systems)
date: 2024-07-29
tags:
- attack.t1003
- attack.credential-access
logsource:
category: file_access
product: windows
definition: 'Requirements: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-File ETW provider'
detection:
selection:
- FileName|contains:
- '\AppData\Roaming\Ethereum\keystore\'
- '\AppData\Roaming\EthereumClassic\keystore\'
- '\AppData\Roaming\monero\wallets\'
- FileName|endswith:
- '\AppData\Roaming\Bitcoin\wallet.dat'
- '\AppData\Roaming\BitcoinABC\wallet.dat'
- '\AppData\Roaming\BitcoinSV\wallet.dat'
- '\AppData\Roaming\DashCore\wallet.dat'
- '\AppData\Roaming\DogeCoin\wallet.dat'
- '\AppData\Roaming\Litecoin\wallet.dat'
- '\AppData\Roaming\Ripple\wallet.dat'
- '\AppData\Roaming\Zcash\wallet.dat'
filter_main_system:
Image: System
filter_main_generic:
# This filter is added to avoid large amount of FP with 3rd party software. You should remove this in favour of specific filter per-application
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
- 'C:\Program Files\'
- 'C:\Windows\system32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
filter_optional_defender:
Image|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\'
Image|endswith:
- '\MpCopyAccelerator.exe'
- '\MsMpEng.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Malware Software
- Backup software
- Legitimate software installed on partitions other than "C:\"
- Searching software such as "everything.exe"
level: medium
medium
Access To Potentially Sensitive Sysvol Files By Uncommon Applications
Detects file access requests to potentially sensitive files hosted on the Windows Sysvol share.
status testauthor frack113id d51694fe-484a-46ac-92d6-969e76d60d10
view Sigma YAML
title: Access To Potentially Sensitive Sysvol Files By Uncommon Applications
id: d51694fe-484a-46ac-92d6-969e76d60d10
related:
- id: 8344c19f-a023-45ff-ad63-a01c5396aea0
type: derived
status: test
description: Detects file access requests to potentially sensitive files hosted on the Windows Sysvol share.
references:
- https://github.com/vletoux/pingcastle
author: frack113
date: 2023-12-21
modified: 2024-07-29
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1552.006
logsource:
category: file_access
product: windows
definition: 'Requirements: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-File ETW provider'
detection:
selection:
FileName|startswith: '\\'
FileName|contains|all:
- '\sysvol\'
- '\Policies\'
FileName|endswith:
- 'audit.csv'
- 'Files.xml'
- 'GptTmpl.inf'
- 'groups.xml'
- 'Registry.pol'
- 'Registry.xml'
- 'scheduledtasks.xml'
- 'scripts.ini'
- 'services.xml'
filter_main_generic:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
- 'C:\Program Files\'
- 'C:\Windows\system32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
filter_main_explorer:
Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Access To Windows Credential History File By Uncommon Applications
Detects file access requests to the Windows Credential History File by an uncommon application.
This can be a sign of credential stealing. Example case would be usage of mimikatz "dpapi::credhist" function
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id 7a2a22ea-a203-4cd3-9abf-20eb1c5c6cd2
view Sigma YAML
title: Access To Windows Credential History File By Uncommon Applications
id: 7a2a22ea-a203-4cd3-9abf-20eb1c5c6cd2
status: test
description: |
Detects file access requests to the Windows Credential History File by an uncommon application.
This can be a sign of credential stealing. Example case would be usage of mimikatz "dpapi::credhist" function
references:
- https://tools.thehacker.recipes/mimikatz/modules/dpapi/credhist
- https://www.passcape.com/windows_password_recovery_dpapi_credhist
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-17
modified: 2024-07-29
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1555.004
logsource:
category: file_access
product: windows
definition: 'Requirements: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-File ETW provider'
detection:
selection:
FileName|endswith: '\Microsoft\Protect\CREDHIST'
filter_main_system_folders:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\Program Files\'
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
- 'C:\Windows\system32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
filter_main_explorer:
Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
# Increase level after false positives filters are good enough
level: medium
medium
Access To Windows DPAPI Master Keys By Uncommon Applications
Detects file access requests to the the Windows Data Protection API Master keys by an uncommon application.
This can be a sign of credential stealing. Example case would be usage of mimikatz "dpapi::masterkey" function
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id 46612ae6-86be-4802-bc07-39b59feb1309
view Sigma YAML
title: Access To Windows DPAPI Master Keys By Uncommon Applications
id: 46612ae6-86be-4802-bc07-39b59feb1309
status: test
description: |
Detects file access requests to the the Windows Data Protection API Master keys by an uncommon application.
This can be a sign of credential stealing. Example case would be usage of mimikatz "dpapi::masterkey" function
references:
- http://blog.harmj0y.net/redteaming/operational-guidance-for-offensive-user-dpapi-abuse/
- https://book.hacktricks.xyz/windows-hardening/windows-local-privilege-escalation/dpapi-extracting-passwords
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-17
modified: 2024-07-29
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1555.004
logsource:
category: file_access
product: windows
definition: 'Requirements: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-File ETW provider'
detection:
selection:
FileName|contains:
- '\Microsoft\Protect\S-1-5-18\' # For System32
- '\Microsoft\Protect\S-1-5-21-' # For Users
filter_system_folders:
Image|startswith:
- 'C:\Program Files\'
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
- 'C:\Windows\system32\'
- 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
# Increase level after false positives filters are good enough
level: medium
medium
Access of Sudoers File Content
Detects the execution of a text-based file access or inspection utilities to read the content of /etc/sudoers in order to potentially list all users that have sudo rights.
status testauthor Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)id 0f79c4d2-4e1f-4683-9c36-b5469a665e06
view Sigma YAML
title: Access of Sudoers File Content
id: 0f79c4d2-4e1f-4683-9c36-b5469a665e06
status: test
description: Detects the execution of a text-based file access or inspection utilities to read the content of /etc/sudoers in order to potentially list all users that have sudo rights.
references:
- https://github.com/sleventyeleven/linuxprivchecker/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-20
modified: 2025-06-04
tags:
- attack.reconnaissance
- attack.t1592.004
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: linux
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith:
- '/cat'
- '/ed'
- '/egrep'
- '/emacs'
- '/fgrep'
- '/grep'
- '/head'
- '/less'
- '/more'
- '/nano'
- '/tail'
CommandLine|contains: ' /etc/sudoers'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administration activities
level: medium
medium
Access to Browser Login Data
Adversaries may acquire credentials from web browsers by reading files specific to the target browser.
Web browsers commonly save credentials such as website usernames and passwords so that they do not need to be entered manually in the future.
Web browsers typically store the credentials in an encrypted format within a credential store.
status testauthor frack113id fc028194-969d-4122-8abe-0470d5b8f12f
view Sigma YAML
title: Access to Browser Login Data
id: fc028194-969d-4122-8abe-0470d5b8f12f
related:
- id: 98f4c75c-3089-44f3-b733-b327b9cd9c9d
type: obsolete
- id: 47147b5b-9e17-4d76-b8d2-7bac24c5ce1b
type: similar
status: test
description: |
Adversaries may acquire credentials from web browsers by reading files specific to the target browser.
Web browsers commonly save credentials such as website usernames and passwords so that they do not need to be entered manually in the future.
Web browsers typically store the credentials in an encrypted format within a credential store.
references:
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1555.003/T1555.003.md
author: frack113
date: 2022-01-30
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1555.003
logsource:
product: windows
category: ps_script
definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
selection_cmd:
ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
- Copy-Item
- '-Destination'
selection_path:
ScriptBlockText|contains:
- '\Opera Software\Opera Stable\Login Data'
- '\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles'
- '\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default'
- '\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Login Data'
- '\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Login Data For Account'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Account Disabled or Blocked for Sign in Attempts
Detects when an account is disabled or blocked for sign in but tried to log in
status testauthor Yochana Henderson, '@Yochana-H'id 4afac85c-224a-4dd7-b1af-8da40e1c60bd
view Sigma YAML
title: Account Disabled or Blocked for Sign in Attempts
id: 4afac85c-224a-4dd7-b1af-8da40e1c60bd
status: test
description: Detects when an account is disabled or blocked for sign in but tried to log in
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/entra/architecture/security-operations-privileged-accounts
author: Yochana Henderson, '@Yochana-H'
date: 2022-06-17
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.initial-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1078.004
logsource:
product: azure
service: signinlogs
detection:
selection:
ResultType: 50057
ResultDescription: Failure
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Account disabled or blocked in error
- Automation account has been blocked or disabled
level: medium
medium
Account Lockout
Identifies user account which has been locked because the user tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect user ID or password.
status testauthor AlertIQid 2b7d6fc0-71ac-4cf7-8ed1-b5788ee5257a
view Sigma YAML
title: Account Lockout
id: 2b7d6fc0-71ac-4cf7-8ed1-b5788ee5257a
status: test
description: Identifies user account which has been locked because the user tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect user ID or password.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/architecture/security-operations-privileged-accounts
author: AlertIQ
date: 2021-10-10
modified: 2022-12-25
tags:
- attack.credential-access
- attack.t1110
logsource:
product: azure
service: signinlogs
detection:
selection:
ResultType: 50053
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
This method uses uncommon error codes on failed logons to determine suspicious activity and tampering with accounts that have been disabled or somehow restricted.
status testauthor Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)id 9eb99343-d336-4020-a3cd-67f3819e68ee
view Sigma YAML
title: Account Tampering - Suspicious Failed Logon Reasons
id: 9eb99343-d336-4020-a3cd-67f3819e68ee
status: test
description: This method uses uncommon error codes on failed logons to determine suspicious activity and tampering with accounts that have been disabled or somehow restricted.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4625
- https://twitter.com/SBousseaden/status/1101431884540710913
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2017-02-19
modified: 2025-10-17
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.initial-access
- attack.stealth
- attack.t1078
logsource:
product: windows
service: security
detection:
selection_eid:
EventID:
- 4625
- 4776
selection_status:
- Status:
- '0xC0000072' # User logon to account disabled by administrator
- '0xC000006F' # User logon outside authorized hours
- '0xC0000070' # User logon from unauthorized workstation
- '0xC0000413' # Logon Failure: The machine you are logging onto is protected by an authentication firewall. The specified account is not allowed to authenticate to the machine
- '0xC000018C' # The logon request failed because the trust relationship between the primary domain and the trusted domain failed
- '0xC000015B' # The user has not been granted the requested logon type (aka logon right) at this machine
- SubStatus:
- '0xC0000072' # User logon to account disabled by administrator
- '0xC000006F' # User logon outside authorized hours
- '0xC0000070' # User logon from unauthorized workstation
- '0xC0000413' # Logon Failure: The machine you are logging onto is protected by an authentication firewall. The specified account is not allowed to authenticate to the machine
- '0xC000018C' # The logon request failed because the trust relationship between the primary domain and the trusted domain failed
- '0xC000015B' # The user has not been granted the requested logon type (aka logon right) at this machine
filter:
SubjectUserSid: 'S-1-0-0'
condition: all of selection_* and not filter
falsepositives:
- User using a disabled account
level: medium
medium
Activate Suppression of Windows Security Center Notifications
Detect set Notification_Suppress to 1 to disable the Windows security center notification
status testauthor frack113id 0c93308a-3f1b-40a9-b649-57ea1a1c1d63
view Sigma YAML
title: Activate Suppression of Windows Security Center Notifications
id: 0c93308a-3f1b-40a9-b649-57ea1a1c1d63
status: test
description: Detect set Notification_Suppress to 1 to disable the Windows security center notification
references:
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/40b77d63808dd4f4eafb83949805636735a1fd15/atomics/T1112/T1112.md
author: frack113
date: 2022-08-19
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1112
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|endswith: 'SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\UX Configuration\Notification_Suppress'
Details: DWORD (0x00000001)
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Active Directory Database Snapshot Via ADExplorer
Detects the execution of Sysinternals ADExplorer with the "-snapshot" flag in order to save a local copy of the active directory database. This can be used by attackers to extract data for Bloodhound, usernames for password spraying or use the meta data for social engineering. The snapshot doesn't contain password hashes but there have been cases, where administrators put passwords in the comment field.
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id 9212f354-7775-4e28-9c9f-8f0a4544e664
view Sigma YAML
title: Active Directory Database Snapshot Via ADExplorer
id: 9212f354-7775-4e28-9c9f-8f0a4544e664
related:
- id: ef61af62-bc74-4f58-b49b-626448227652
type: derived
status: test
description: Detects the execution of Sysinternals ADExplorer with the "-snapshot" flag in order to save a local copy of the active directory database. This can be used by attackers to extract data for Bloodhound, usernames for password spraying or use the meta data for social engineering. The snapshot doesn't contain password hashes but there have been cases, where administrators put passwords in the comment field.
references:
- https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5743766-Global-Threat-Report-2019.html
- https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/sysinternals/downloads/adexplorer
- https://github.com/c3c/ADExplorerSnapshot.py/tree/f700904defac330802bbfedd1d8ffd9248f4ee24
- https://www.packetlabs.net/posts/scattered-spider-is-a-young-ransomware-gang-exploiting-large-corporations/
- https://www.nccgroup.com/us/research-blog/lapsus-recent-techniques-tactics-and-procedures/
- https://trustedsec.com/blog/adexplorer-on-engagements
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-03-14
modified: 2025-07-09
tags:
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1087.002
- attack.t1069.002
- attack.t1482
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith:
- '\ADExp.exe'
- '\ADExplorer.exe'
- '\ADExplorer64.exe'
- '\ADExplorer64a.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'AdExp'
- Description: 'Active Directory Editor'
- Product: 'Sysinternals ADExplorer'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains: 'snapshot'
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Active Directory Structure Export Via Csvde.EXE
Detects the execution of "csvde.exe" in order to export organizational Active Directory structure.
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id e5d36acd-acb4-4c6f-a13f-9eb203d50099
view Sigma YAML
title: Active Directory Structure Export Via Csvde.EXE
id: e5d36acd-acb4-4c6f-a13f-9eb203d50099
status: test
description: Detects the execution of "csvde.exe" in order to export organizational Active Directory structure.
references:
- https://www.cybereason.com/blog/research/operation-ghostshell-novel-rat-targets-global-aerospace-and-telecoms-firms
- https://web.archive.org/web/20180725233601/https://www.pwc.co.uk/cyber-security/pdf/cloud-hopper-annex-b-final.pdf
- https://businessinsights.bitdefender.com/deep-dive-into-a-backdoordiplomacy-attack-a-study-of-an-attackers-toolkit
- https://redcanary.com/blog/msix-installers/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-03-14
tags:
- attack.exfiltration
- attack.discovery
- attack.t1087.002
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\csvde.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'csvde.exe'
selection_remote:
CommandLine|contains: ' -f'
filter_import:
CommandLine|contains: ' -i'
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Active Directory Structure Export Via Ldifde.EXE
Detects the execution of "ldifde.exe" in order to export organizational Active Directory structure.
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id 4f7a6757-ff79-46db-9687-66501a02d9ec
view Sigma YAML
title: Active Directory Structure Export Via Ldifde.EXE
id: 4f7a6757-ff79-46db-9687-66501a02d9ec
status: test
description: Detects the execution of "ldifde.exe" in order to export organizational Active Directory structure.
references:
- https://businessinsights.bitdefender.com/deep-dive-into-a-backdoordiplomacy-attack-a-study-of-an-attackers-toolkit
- https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5743766-Global-Threat-Report-2019.html
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/cc731033(v=ws.11)
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-03-14
tags:
- attack.exfiltration
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_ldif:
- Image|endswith: '\ldifde.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'ldifde.exe'
selection_cmd:
CommandLine|contains: '-f'
filter_import:
CommandLine|contains: ' -i'
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Activity Performed by Terminated User
Detects when a Microsoft Cloud App Security reported for users whose account were terminated in Azure AD, but still perform activities in other platforms such as AWS or Salesforce.
This is especially relevant for users who use another account to manage resources, since these accounts are often not terminated when a user leaves the company.
status testauthor Austin Songer @austinsongerid 2e669ed8-742e-4fe5-b3c4-5a59b486c2ee
view Sigma YAML
title: Activity Performed by Terminated User
id: 2e669ed8-742e-4fe5-b3c4-5a59b486c2ee
status: test
description: |
Detects when a Microsoft Cloud App Security reported for users whose account were terminated in Azure AD, but still perform activities in other platforms such as AWS or Salesforce.
This is especially relevant for users who use another account to manage resources, since these accounts are often not terminated when a user leaves the company.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-cloud-apps/anomaly-detection-policy
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-cloud-apps/policy-template-reference
author: Austin Songer @austinsonger
date: 2021-08-23
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.impact
logsource:
service: threat_management
product: m365
detection:
selection:
eventSource: SecurityComplianceCenter
eventName: 'Activity performed by terminated user'
status: success
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Activity from Anonymous IP Addresses
Detects when a Microsoft Cloud App Security reported when users were active from an IP address that has been identified as an anonymous proxy IP address.
status testauthor Austin Songer @austinsongerid d8b0a4fe-07a8-41be-bd39-b14afa025d95
view Sigma YAML
title: Activity from Anonymous IP Addresses
id: d8b0a4fe-07a8-41be-bd39-b14afa025d95
status: test
description: Detects when a Microsoft Cloud App Security reported when users were active from an IP address that has been identified as an anonymous proxy IP address.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-cloud-apps/anomaly-detection-policy
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-cloud-apps/policy-template-reference
author: Austin Songer @austinsonger
date: 2021-08-23
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1573
logsource:
service: threat_management
product: m365
detection:
selection:
eventSource: SecurityComplianceCenter
eventName: 'Activity from anonymous IP addresses'
status: success
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- User using a VPN or Proxy
level: medium
medium
Activity from Infrequent Country
Detects when a Microsoft Cloud App Security reported when an activity occurs from a location that wasn't recently or never visited by any user in the organization.
status testauthor Austin Songer @austinsongerid 0f2468a2-5055-4212-a368-7321198ee706
view Sigma YAML
title: Activity from Infrequent Country
id: 0f2468a2-5055-4212-a368-7321198ee706
status: test
description: Detects when a Microsoft Cloud App Security reported when an activity occurs from a location that wasn't recently or never visited by any user in the organization.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-cloud-apps/anomaly-detection-policy
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-cloud-apps/policy-template-reference
author: Austin Songer @austinsonger
date: 2021-08-23
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1573
logsource:
service: threat_management
product: m365
detection:
selection:
eventSource: SecurityComplianceCenter
eventName: 'Activity from infrequent country'
status: success
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Activity from Suspicious IP Addresses
Detects when a Microsoft Cloud App Security reported users were active from an IP address identified as risky by Microsoft Threat Intelligence.
These IP addresses are involved in malicious activities, such as Botnet C&C, and may indicate compromised account.
status testauthor Austin Songer @austinsongerid a3501e8e-af9e-43c6-8cd6-9360bdaae498
view Sigma YAML
title: Activity from Suspicious IP Addresses
id: a3501e8e-af9e-43c6-8cd6-9360bdaae498
status: test
description: |
Detects when a Microsoft Cloud App Security reported users were active from an IP address identified as risky by Microsoft Threat Intelligence.
These IP addresses are involved in malicious activities, such as Botnet C&C, and may indicate compromised account.
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-cloud-apps/anomaly-detection-policy
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-cloud-apps/policy-template-reference
author: Austin Songer @austinsonger
date: 2021-08-23
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
- attack.command-and-control
- attack.t1573
logsource:
service: threat_detection
product: m365
detection:
selection:
eventSource: SecurityComplianceCenter
eventName: 'Activity from suspicious IP addresses'
status: success
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Add Debugger Entry To AeDebug For Persistence
Detects when an attacker adds a new "Debugger" value to the "AeDebug" key in order to achieve persistence which will get invoked when an application crashes
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id 092af964-4233-4373-b4ba-d86ea2890288
view Sigma YAML
title: Add Debugger Entry To AeDebug For Persistence
id: 092af964-4233-4373-b4ba-d86ea2890288
status: test
description: Detects when an attacker adds a new "Debugger" value to the "AeDebug" key in order to achieve persistence which will get invoked when an application crashes
references:
- https://persistence-info.github.io/Data/aedebug.html
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/debug/configuring-automatic-debugging
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\AeDebug\Debugger'
Details|endswith: '.dll'
filter:
Details: '"C:\WINDOWS\system32\vsjitdebugger.exe" -p %ld -e %ld -j 0x%p'
condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
- Legitimate use of the key to setup a debugger. Which is often the case on developers machines
level: medium
medium
Add DisallowRun Execution to Registry
Detect set DisallowRun to 1 to prevent user running specific computer program
status testauthor frack113id 275641a5-a492-45e2-a817-7c81e9d9d3e9
view Sigma YAML
title: Add DisallowRun Execution to Registry
id: 275641a5-a492-45e2-a817-7c81e9d9d3e9
status: test
description: Detect set DisallowRun to 1 to prevent user running specific computer program
references:
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/40b77d63808dd4f4eafb83949805636735a1fd15/atomics/T1112/T1112.md
author: frack113
date: 2022-08-19
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
- attack.persistence
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1112
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|endswith: 'Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun'
Details: 'DWORD (0x00000001)'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
medium
Add New Download Source To Winget
Detects usage of winget to add new additional download sources
status testauthor Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)id 05ebafc8-7aa2-4bcd-a269-2aec93f9e842
view Sigma YAML
title: Add New Download Source To Winget
id: 05ebafc8-7aa2-4bcd-a269-2aec93f9e842
related:
- id: 81a0ecb5-0a41-4ba1-b2ba-c944eb92bfa2
type: similar
- id: c15a46a0-07d4-4c87-b4b6-89207835a83b
type: similar
status: test
description: Detects usage of winget to add new additional download sources
references:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/source
- https://github.com/nasbench/Misc-Research/tree/b9596e8109dcdb16ec353f316678927e507a5b8d/LOLBINs/Winget
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-04-17
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_img:
- Image|endswith: '\winget.exe'
- OriginalFileName: 'winget.exe'
selection_cli:
CommandLine|contains|all:
- 'source '
- 'add '
condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
- False positive are expected with legitimate sources
level: medium
medium
Add Port Monitor Persistence in Registry
Adversaries may use port monitors to run an attacker supplied DLL during system boot for persistence or privilege escalation.
A port monitor can be set through the AddMonitor API call to set a DLL to be loaded at startup.
status testauthor frack113id 944e8941-f6f6-4ee8-ac05-1c224e923c0e
view Sigma YAML
title: Add Port Monitor Persistence in Registry
id: 944e8941-f6f6-4ee8-ac05-1c224e923c0e
status: test
description: |
Adversaries may use port monitors to run an attacker supplied DLL during system boot for persistence or privilege escalation.
A port monitor can be set through the AddMonitor API call to set a DLL to be loaded at startup.
references:
- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1547.010/T1547.010.md
author: frack113
date: 2021-12-30
modified: 2024-03-25
tags:
- attack.privilege-escalation
- attack.persistence
- attack.t1547.010
logsource:
category: registry_set
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|contains: '\Control\Print\Monitors\'
Details|endswith: '.dll'
filter_optional_cutepdf:
Image: 'C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe'
TargetObject|contains: '\Control\Print\Monitors\CutePDF Writer Monitor v4.0\Driver'
Details: 'cpwmon64_v40.dll'
User|contains: # covers many language settings
- 'AUTHORI'
- 'AUTORI'
filter_optional_monvnc:
TargetObject|contains: '\Control\Print\Monitors\MONVNC\Driver'
filter_optional_vnc:
TargetObject|contains|all:
- 'Control\Print\Environments\'
- '\Drivers\'
- '\VNC Printer'
condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
- Unknown
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/registry/registry_set/registry_set_add_port_monitor/info.yml
simulation:
- type: atomic-red-team
name: Add Port Monitor persistence in Registry
technique: T1547.010
atomic_guid: d34ef297-f178-4462-871e-9ce618d44e50