title: Antivirus Password Dumper Detection
id: 78cc2dd2-7d20-4d32-93ff-057084c38b93
status: stable
description: |
    Detects a highly relevant Antivirus alert that reports a password dumper.
    This event must not be ignored just because the AV has blocked the malware but investigate, how it came there in the first place.
references:
    - https://www.nextron-systems.com/?s=antivirus
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/5fcda49ee7f202559a6cbbb34edb65c33c9a1e0bde9fa2af06a6f11b55ded619
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/a4edfbd42595d5bddb442c82a02cf0aaa10893c1bf79ea08b9ce576f82749448
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Arnim Rupp
date: 2018-09-09
modified: 2024-11-02
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.t1558
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    category: antivirus
detection:
    selection:
        - Signature|startswith: 'PWS'
        - Signature|contains:
              - 'Certify'
              - 'DCSync'
              - 'DumpCreds'
              - 'DumpLsass'
              - 'DumpPert'
              - 'HTool/WCE'
              - 'Kekeo'
              - 'Lazagne'
              - 'LsassDump'
              - 'Mimikatz'
              - 'MultiDump'
              - 'Nanodump'
              - 'NativeDump'
              - 'Outflank'
              - 'PShlSpy'
              - 'PSWTool'
              - 'PWCrack'
              - 'PWDump'
              - 'PWS.'
              - 'PWSX'
              - 'pypykatz'
              - 'Rubeus'
              - 'SafetyKatz'
              - 'SecurityTool'
              - 'SharpChrome'
              - 'SharpDPAPI'
              - 'SharpDump'
              - 'SharpKatz'
              - 'SharpS.' # Sharpsploit, e.g. 530ea2ff9049f5dfdfa0a2e9c27c2e3c0685eb6cbdf85370c20a7bfae49f592d
              - 'ShpKatz'
              - 'TrickDump'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: critical

title: HackTool - Credential Dumping Tools Named Pipe Created
id: 961d0ba2-3eea-4303-a930-2cf78bbfcc5e
status: test
description: Detects well-known credential dumping tools execution via specific named pipe creation
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
    - https://image.slidesharecdn.com/zeronights2017kheirkhabarov-171118103000/75/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment-57-2048.jpg?cb=1666035799
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, oscd.community
date: 2019-11-01
modified: 2023-08-07
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.005
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|contains:
            - '\cachedump'
            - '\lsadump'
            - '\wceservicepipe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate Administrator using tool for password recovery
level: critical

title: HackTool - QuarksPwDump Dump File
id: 847def9e-924d-4e90-b7c4-5f581395a2b4
status: test
description: Detects a dump file written by QuarksPwDump password dumper
references:
    - https://jpcertcc.github.io/ToolAnalysisResultSheet/details/QuarksPWDump.htm
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2018-02-10
modified: 2024-06-27
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|contains|all:
            - '\AppData\Local\Temp\SAM-'
            - '.dmp'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: critical

title: Copying Sensitive Files with Credential Data
id: e7be6119-fc37-43f0-ad4f-1f3f99be2f9f
status: test
description: Files with well-known filenames (sensitive files with credential data) copying
references:
    - https://room362.com/post/2013/2013-06-10-volume-shadow-copy-ntdsdit-domain-hashes-remotely-part-1/
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
    - https://dfironthemountain.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/locked-file-access-using-esentutl-exe/
    - https://github.com/LOLBAS-Project/LOLBAS/blob/2cc01b01132b5c304027a658c698ae09dd6a92bf/yml/OSBinaries/Esentutl.yml
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, Daniil Yugoslavskiy, oscd.community
date: 2019-10-22
modified: 2024-06-04
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.003
    - car.2013-07-001
    - attack.s0404
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_esent_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\esentutl.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: '\esentutl.exe'
    selection_esent_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|windash:
            - 'vss'
            - ' /m '
            - ' /y '
    selection_susp_paths:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\config\RegBack\sam'
            - '\config\RegBack\security'
            - '\config\RegBack\system'
            - '\config\sam'
            - '\config\security'
            - '\config\system '        # space needed to avoid false positives with \config\systemprofile\
            - '\repair\sam'
            - '\repair\security'
            - '\repair\system'
            - '\windows\ntds\ntds.dit'
    condition: all of selection_esent_* or selection_susp_paths
falsepositives:
    - Copying sensitive files for legitimate use (eg. backup) or forensic investigation by legitimate incident responder or forensic investigator.
level: high

title: Cred Dump Tools Dropped Files
id: 8fbf3271-1ef6-4e94-8210-03c2317947f6
status: test
description: Files with well-known filenames (parts of credential dump software or files produced by them) creation
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, oscd.community
date: 2019-11-01
modified: 2025-10-25
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.003
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.005
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - TargetFilename|contains:
              - '\fgdump-log'
              - '\kirbi'
              - '\pwdump'
              - '\pwhashes'
              - '\wce_ccache'
              - '\wce_krbtkts'
        - TargetFilename|endswith:
              - '\cachedump.exe'
              - '\cachedump64.exe'
              - '\DumpExt.dll'
              - '\DumpSvc.exe'
              - '\Dumpy.exe'
              - '\fgexec.exe'
              - '\lsremora.dll'
              - '\lsremora64.dll'
              - '\NTDS.out'
              - '\procdump.exe'
              - '\procdump64.exe'
              - '\procdump64a.exe'
              - '\pstgdump.exe'
              - '\pwdump.exe'
              - '\SAM.out'
              - '\SECURITY.out'
              - '\servpw.exe'
              - '\servpw64.exe'
              - '\SYSTEM.out'
              - '\test.pwd'
              - '\wceaux.dll'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate Administrator using tool for password recovery
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/file/file_event/file_event_win_cred_dump_tools_dropped_files/info.yml

title: Credential Dumping Tools Service Execution - Security
id: f0d1feba-4344-4ca9-8121-a6c97bd6df52
related:
    - id: 4976aa50-8f41-45c6-8b15-ab3fc10e79ed
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects well-known credential dumping tools execution via service execution events
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Teymur Kheirkhabarov, Daniil Yugoslavskiy, oscd.community
date: 2017-03-05
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.005
    - attack.t1003.006
    - attack.t1569.002
    - attack.s0005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: The 'System Security Extension' audit subcategory need to be enabled to log the EID 4697
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4697
        ServiceFileName|contains:
            - 'cachedump'
            - 'dumpsvc'
            - 'fgexec'
            - 'gsecdump'
            - 'mimidrv'
            - 'pwdump'
            - 'servpw'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate Administrator using credential dumping tool for password recovery
level: high

title: Credential Dumping Tools Service Execution - System
id: 4976aa50-8f41-45c6-8b15-ab3fc10e79ed
status: test
description: Detects well-known credential dumping tools execution via service execution events
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Teymur Kheirkhabarov, Daniil Yugoslavskiy, oscd.community
date: 2017-03-05
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.005
    - attack.t1003.006
    - attack.t1569.002
    - attack.s0005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: system
detection:
    selection:
        Provider_Name: 'Service Control Manager'
        EventID: 7045
        ImagePath|contains:
            - 'cachedump'
            - 'dumpsvc'
            - 'fgexec'
            - 'gsecdump'
            - 'mimidrv'
            - 'pwdump'
            - 'servpw'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate Administrator using credential dumping tool for password recovery
level: high

title: Critical Hive In Suspicious Location Access Bits Cleared
id: 39f919f3-980b-4e6f-a975-8af7e507ef2b
related:
    - id: 839dd1e8-eda8-4834-8145-01beeee33acd
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: |
    Detects events from the Kernel-General ETW indicating that the access bits of a hive with a system like hive name located in the temp directory have been reset.
    This occurs when an application tries to access a hive and the hive has not be recognized since the last 7 days (by default).
    Registry hive dumping utilities such as QuarksPwDump were seen emitting this behavior.
references:
    - https://github.com/nasbench/Misc-Research/blob/b20da2336de0f342d31ef4794959d28c8d3ba5ba/ETW/Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-General.md
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2017-05-15
modified: 2024-01-18
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: system
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 16
        Provider_Name: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-General
        HiveName|contains:
            - '\Temp\SAM'
            - '\Temp\SECURITY'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Dumping of Sensitive Hives Via Reg.EXE
id: fd877b94-9bb5-4191-bb25-d79cbd93c167
related:
    - id: 038cd51c-3ad8-41c5-ba8f-5d1c92f3cc1e
      type: obsolete
    - id: 4d6c9da1-318b-4edf-bcea-b6c93fa98fd0
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects the usage of "reg.exe" in order to dump sensitive registry hives. This includes SAM, SYSTEM and SECURITY hives.
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
    - https://eqllib.readthedocs.io/en/latest/analytics/aed95fc6-5e3f-49dc-8b35-06508613f979.html
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1003/T1003.md
    - https://www.wietzebeukema.nl/blog/windows-command-line-obfuscation
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1003.002/T1003.002.md#atomic-test-1---registry-dump-of-sam-creds-and-secrets
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, Endgame, JHasenbusch, Daniil Yugoslavskiy, oscd.community, frack113
date: 2019-10-22
modified: 2023-12-13
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.005
    - car.2013-07-001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\reg.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'reg.exe'
    selection_cli_flag:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' save '
            - ' export '
            - ' ˢave '
            - ' eˣport '
    selection_cli_hklm:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'hklm'
            - 'hk˪m'
            - 'hkey_local_machine'
            - 'hkey_˪ocal_machine'
            - 'hkey_loca˪_machine'
            - 'hkey_˪oca˪_machine'
    selection_cli_hive:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\system'
            - '\sam'
            - '\security'
            - '\ˢystem'
            - '\syˢtem'
            - '\ˢyˢtem'
            - '\ˢam'
            - '\ˢecurity'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Dumping hives for legitimate purpouse i.e. backup or forensic investigation
level: high

title: Esentutl Volume Shadow Copy Service Keys
id: 5aad0995-46ab-41bd-a9ff-724f41114971
status: test
description: Detects the volume shadow copy service initialization and processing via esentutl. Registry keys such as HKLM\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\VSS\\Diag\\VolSnap\\Volume are captured.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1003.002/T1003.002.md#atomic-test-3---esentutlexe-sam-copy
author: Roberto Rodriguez (Cyb3rWard0g), OTR (Open Threat Research)
date: 2020-10-20
modified: 2022-12-25
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    category: registry_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: 'System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VSS'
        Image|endswith: 'esentutl.exe' # limit esentutl as in references, too many FP to filter
    filter:
        TargetObject|contains: 'System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VSS\Start'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
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 - 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: Mimikatz Use
id: 06d71506-7beb-4f22-8888-e2e5e2ca7fd8
status: test
description: This method detects mimikatz keywords in different Eventlogs (some of them only appear in older Mimikatz version that are however still used by different threat groups)
references:
    - https://tools.thehacker.recipes/mimikatz/modules
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), David ANDRE (additional keywords)
date: 2017-01-10
modified: 2022-01-05
tags:
    - attack.s0002
    - attack.lateral-movement
    - attack.credential-access
    - car.2013-07-001
    - car.2019-04-004
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.006
logsource:
    product: windows
detection:
    keywords:
        - 'dpapi::masterkey'
        - 'eo.oe.kiwi'
        - 'event::clear'
        - 'event::drop'
        - 'gentilkiwi.com'
        - 'kerberos::golden'
        - 'kerberos::ptc'
        - 'kerberos::ptt'
        - 'kerberos::tgt'
        - 'Kiwi Legit Printer'
        - 'lsadump::'
        - 'mimidrv.sys'
        - '\mimilib.dll'
        - 'misc::printnightmare'
        - 'misc::shadowcopies'
        - 'misc::skeleton'
        - 'privilege::backup'
        - 'privilege::debug'
        - 'privilege::driver'
        - 'sekurlsa::'
    filter:
        EventID: 15  # Sysmon's FileStream Events (could cause false positives when Sigma rules get copied on/to a system)
    condition: keywords and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Naughty administrators
    - AV Signature updates
    - Files with Mimikatz in their filename
level: high

title: NTDS.DIT Creation By Uncommon Process
id: 11b1ed55-154d-4e82-8ad7-83739298f720
related:
    - id: 4e7050dd-e548-483f-b7d6-527ab4fa784d
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects creation of a file named "ntds.dit" (Active Directory Database) by an uncommon process or a process located in a suspicious directory
references:
    - https://stealthbits.com/blog/extracting-password-hashes-from-the-ntds-dit-file/
    - https://adsecurity.org/?p=2398
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-01-11
modified: 2022-07-14
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.003
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection_ntds:
        TargetFilename|endswith: '\ntds.dit'
    selection_process_img:
        Image|endswith:
            # Add more suspicious processes as you see fit
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
            - '\wsl.exe'
            - '\wt.exe'
    selection_process_paths:
        Image|contains:
            - '\AppData\'
            - '\Temp\'
            - '\Public\'
            - '\PerfLogs\'
    condition: selection_ntds and 1 of selection_process_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: PUA - Memory Dump Mount Via MemProcFS
id: 8a1b2c3d-4e5f-6789-abcd-ef1234567890
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects execution of MemProcFS a memory forensics tool with the '-device' parameter.
    MemProcFS mounts physical memory as a virtual file system, allowing direct access to process memory and system structures.
    Threat actors were seen abusing this utility to mount memory dumps and then extract sensitive information from processes like LSASS or extract registry hives to obtain credentials, LSA secrets, SAM data, and cached domain credentials.
    MemProcFS usage that is not part of authorized forensic analysis should be treated as suspicious and warrants further investigation.
references:
    - https://github.com/ufrisk/MemProcFS
    - https://0xdf.gitlab.io/2024/10/05/htb-freelancer.html#
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/curling-for-data-a-dive-into-a-threat-actors-malicious-ttps
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-04-27
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\MemProcFS.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'MemProcFS.exe'
        - Description: 'MemProcFS'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains: '-device'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use during memory forensics; if not part of authorized analysis, warrants urgent investigation
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_pua_memprocfs/info.yml

title: Possible Impacket SecretDump Remote Activity
id: 252902e3-5830-4cf6-bf21-c22083dfd5cf
status: test
description: Detect AD credential dumping using impacket secretdump HKTL
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20230329153811/https://blog.menasec.net/2019/02/threat-huting-10-impacketsecretdump.html
author: Samir Bousseaden, wagga
date: 2019-04-03
modified: 2022-08-11
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.003
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: 'The advanced audit policy setting "Object Access > Audit Detailed File Share" must be configured for Success/Failure'
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 5145
        ShareName: '\\\\\*\\ADMIN$'  # looking for the string  \\*\ADMIN$
        RelativeTargetName|contains|all:
            - 'SYSTEM32\'
            - '.tmp'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Possible Impacket SecretDump Remote Activity - Zeek
id: 92dae1ed-1c9d-4eff-a567-33acbd95b00e
status: test
description: 'Detect AD credential dumping using impacket secretdump HKTL. Based on the SIGMA rules/windows/builtin/win_impacket_secretdump.yml'
references:
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20230329153811/https://blog.menasec.net/2019/02/threat-huting-10-impacketsecretdump.html
author: 'Samir Bousseaden, @neu5ron'
date: 2020-03-19
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.004
    - attack.t1003.003
logsource:
    product: zeek
    service: smb_files
detection:
    selection:
        path|contains|all:
            - '\'
            - 'ADMIN$'
        name|contains: 'SYSTEM32\'
        name|endswith: '.tmp'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Potential SAM Database Dump
id: 4e87b8e2-2ee9-4b2a-a715-4727d297ece0
status: test
description: Detects the creation of files that look like exports of the local SAM (Security Account Manager)
references:
    - https://github.com/search?q=CVE-2021-36934
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20210725081645/https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-36934
    - https://www.google.com/search?q=%22reg.exe+save%22+sam
    - https://github.com/HuskyHacks/ShadowSteal
    - https://github.com/FireFart/hivenightmare
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-11
modified: 2023-01-05
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        - TargetFilename|endswith:
              - '\Temp\sam'
              - '\sam.sav'
              - '\Intel\sam'
              - '\sam.hive'
              - '\Perflogs\sam'
              - '\ProgramData\sam'
              - '\Users\Public\sam'
              - '\AppData\Local\sam'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\sam'
              - '_ShadowSteal.zip'       # https://github.com/HuskyHacks/ShadowSteal
              - '\Documents\SAM.export'  # https://github.com/n3tsurge/CVE-2021-36934/
              - ':\sam'
        - TargetFilename|contains:
              - '\hive_sam_'             # https://github.com/FireFart/hivenightmare
              - '\sam.save'
              - '\sam.export'
              - '\~reg_sam.save'
              - '\sam_backup'
              - '\sam.bck'
              - '\sam.backup'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Rare cases of administrative activity
level: high

title: PowerShell SAM Copy
id: 1af57a4b-460a-4738-9034-db68b880c665
status: test
description: Detects suspicious PowerShell scripts accessing SAM hives
references:
    - https://twitter.com/splinter_code/status/1420546784250769408
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-07-29
modified: 2023-01-06
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_1:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy'
            - 'System32\config\sam'
    selection_2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'Copy-Item'
            - 'cp $_.'
            - 'cpi $_.'
            - 'copy $_.'
            - '.File]::Copy('
    condition: all of selection*
falsepositives:
    - Some rare backup scenarios
    - PowerShell scripts fixing HiveNightmare / SeriousSAM ACLs
level: high

title: Sensitive File Dump Via Print.EXE
id: 2fcda7e2-8c57-4904-86ac-37fc3157e09d
status: test
description: |
    Detects the abuse of the Print.exe utility for credential harvesting which involves using Print.Exe to copy sensitive files such as ntds.dit, SAM, SECURITY, or SYSTEM from the Windows directory in order to extract credentials, locally or remotely.
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/02/06/active-exploitation-solarwinds-web-help-desk/
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/credential-theft-expanding-your-reach-pt-2
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Print/
author: Ayush Anand (Securityinbits)
date: 2026-04-28
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1003.003
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\print.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'Print.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '/D'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\config\SAM'
            - '\config\SECURITY'
            - '\config\SYSTEM'
            - '\windows\ntds\ntds.dit'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_print_dump_sensitive_files/info.yml

title: VolumeShadowCopy Symlink Creation Via Mklink
id: 40b19fa6-d835-400c-b301-41f3a2baacaf
status: stable
description: Shadow Copies storage symbolic link creation using operating systems utilities
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, oscd.community
date: 2019-10-22
modified: 2023-03-06
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'mklink'
            - 'HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administrator working with shadow copies, access for backup purposes
level: high

title: Crash Dump Created By Operating System
id: 882fbe50-d8d7-4e29-ae80-0648a8556866
related:
    - id: 2ff692c2-4594-41ec-8fcb-46587de769e0
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: Detects "BugCheck" errors indicating the system rebooted due to a crash, capturing the bugcheck code, dump file path, and report ID.
references:
    - https://www.sans.edu/cyber-research/from-crash-compromise-unlocking-potential-windows-crash-dumps-offensive-security/
    - https://jasonmull.com/articles/offensive/2025-05-12-windows-crash-dumps-offensive-security/
author: Jason Mull
date: 2025-05-12
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.collection
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1005
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: system
detection:
    selection:
        Provider_Name: 'Microsoft-Windows-WER-SystemErrorReporting'
        EventID: 1001
    condition: selection
level: medium

title: Shadow Copies Creation Using Operating Systems Utilities
id: b17ea6f7-6e90-447e-a799-e6c0a493d6ce
status: test
description: Shadow Copies creation using operating systems utilities, possible credential access
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
    - https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/tutorial-for-ntds-goodness-vssadmin-wmis-ntdsdit-system/
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, Daniil Yugoslavskiy, oscd.community
date: 2019-10-22
modified: 2022-11-10
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
              - '\wmic.exe'
              - '\vssadmin.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'pwsh.dll'
              - 'wmic.exe'
              - 'VSSADMIN.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'shadow'
            - 'create'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administrator working with shadow copies, access for backup purposes
level: medium

title: Transferring Files with Credential Data via Network Shares
id: 910ab938-668b-401b-b08c-b596e80fdca5
related:
    - id: 2e69f167-47b5-4ae7-a390-47764529eff5
      type: similar
status: test
description: Transferring files with well-known filenames (sensitive files with credential data) using network shares
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
author: Teymur Kheirkhabarov, oscd.community
date: 2019-10-22
modified: 2025-07-11
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.003
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection_eid:
        EventID: 5145
    selection_object:
        - RelativeTargetName|contains:
              - '\mimidrv'
              - '\lsass'
              - '\windows\minidump\'
              - '\hiberfil'
              - '\sqldmpr'
        - RelativeTargetName:
              - 'Windows\NTDS\ntds.dit'
              - 'Windows\System32\config\SAM'
              - 'Windows\System32\config\SECURITY'
              - 'Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Transferring sensitive files for legitimate administration work by legitimate administrator
level: medium

title: Transferring Files with Credential Data via Network Shares - Zeek
id: 2e69f167-47b5-4ae7-a390-47764529eff5
related:
    - id: 910ab938-668b-401b-b08c-b596e80fdca5
      type: similar
status: test
description: Transferring files with well-known filenames (sensitive files with credential data) using network shares
references:
    - https://www.slideshare.net/heirhabarov/hunting-for-credentials-dumping-in-windows-environment
author: '@neu5ron, Teymur Kheirkhabarov, oscd.community'
date: 2020-04-02
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.t1003.003
logsource:
    product: zeek
    service: smb_files
detection:
    selection:
        name:
            - '\mimidrv'
            - '\lsass'
            - '\windows\minidump\'
            - '\hiberfil'
            - '\sqldmpr'
            - '\sam'
            - '\ntds.dit'
            - '\security'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Transferring sensitive files for legitimate administration work by legitimate administrator
level: medium

title: Volume Shadow Copy Mount
id: f512acbf-e662-4903-843e-97ce4652b740
status: test
description: Detects volume shadow copy mount via Windows event log
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1003.002/T1003.002.md#atomic-test-3---esentutlexe-sam-copy
author: Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g, Open Threat Research (OTR)
date: 2020-10-20
modified: 2022-12-25
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: system
detection:
    selection:
        Provider_Name: Microsoft-Windows-Ntfs
        EventID: 98
        DeviceName|contains: HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of volume shadow copy mounts (backups maybe).
level: low

title: VSSAudit Security Event Source Registration
id: e9faba72-4974-4ab2-a4c5-46e25ad59e9b
status: test
description: Detects the registration of the security event source VSSAudit. It would usually trigger when volume shadow copy operations happen.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1003.002/T1003.002.md#atomic-test-3---esentutlexe-sam-copy
author: Roberto Rodriguez @Cyb3rWard0g, Open Threat Research (OTR)
date: 2020-10-20
modified: 2022-04-28
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        AuditSourceName: VSSAudit
        EventID:
            - 4904
            - 4905
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of VSSVC. Maybe backup operations. It would usually be done by C:\Windows\System32\VSSVC.exe.
level: informational