Windows Service Creation Using Registry Entry: endpointEndpointNoneversion:20
The following analytic detects the modification of registry keys that define Windows services using reg.exe. This detection leverages Splunk to search for specific keywords in the registry path, value name, and value data fields. This activity is significant because it indicates potential unauthorized changes to service configurations, a common persistence technique used by attackers. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to maintain access, escalate privileges, or move laterally within the network, leading to data theft, ransomware, or other damaging outcomes.
Windows Cmdline Tool Execution From Non-Shell Process: endpointEndpointNoneversion:13
The following analytic identifies instances where `ipconfig.exe`, `systeminfo.exe`, or similar tools are executed by a non-standard shell parent process, excluding CMD, PowerShell, or Explorer. This detection leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry to monitor process creation events. Such behavior is significant as it may indicate adversaries using injected processes to perform system discovery, a tactic observed in FIN7's JSSLoader. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to gather critical host information, aiding in further exploitation or lateral movement within the network.
Windows Service Created with Suspicious Service Name: endpointEndpointNoneversion:9
The following analytic detects the creation of a Windows Service with a known suspicious or malicious name using Windows Event ID 7045. It leverages logs from the `wineventlog_system` to identify these services installations. This activity is significant as adversaries, including those deploying Clop ransomware, often create malicious services for lateral movement, remote code execution, persistence, and execution. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to maintain persistence, execute arbitrary code, and potentially escalate privileges, posing a severe threat to the environment.
Windows Service Created with Suspicious Service Path: endpointEndpointNoneversion:20
The following analytic detects the creation of a Windows Service with a binary path located in uncommon directories, using Windows Event ID 7045. It leverages logs from the `wineventlog_system` to identify services installed outside typical system directories. This activity is significant as adversaries, including those deploying Clop ransomware, often create malicious services for lateral movement, remote code execution, persistence, and execution. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to maintain persistence, execute arbitrary code, and potentially escalate privileges, posing a severe threat to the environment.
CMD Carry Out String Command Parameter: endpointEndpointNoneversion:19
The following analytic detects the use of `cmd.exe /c` to execute commands, a technique often employed by adversaries and malware to run batch commands or invoke other shells like PowerShell. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions and process metadata. Monitoring this activity is crucial as it can indicate script-based attacks or unauthorized command execution. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could lead to unauthorized code execution, privilege escalation, or persistence within the environment.
Rundll32 Process Creating Exe Dll Files: endpointEndpointNoneversion:14
The following analytic detects a rundll32 process creating executable (.exe) or dynamic link library (.dll) files. It leverages Sysmon EventCode 11 to identify instances where rundll32.exe generates these file types. This activity is significant because rundll32 is often exploited by malware, such as IcedID, to drop malicious payloads in directories like Temp, AppData, or ProgramData. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, establish persistence, or escalate privileges within the environment.
Windows Access Token Manipulation SeDebugPrivilege: endpointEndpointNoneversion:24
The following analytic detects a process enabling the "SeDebugPrivilege" privilege token. It leverages Windows Security Event Logs with EventCode 4703, filtering out common legitimate processes. This activity is significant because SeDebugPrivilege allows a process to inspect and modify the memory of other processes, potentially leading to credential dumping or code injection. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could gain extensive control over system processes, enabling them to escalate privileges, persist in the environment, or access sensitive information.
Windows Routing and Remote Access Service Registry Key Change: endpointEndpointNoneversion:3
This analytic identifies the modification of the Windows RemoteAccess Registry Entry.
This technique can be used by malware, adversaries, threat actors and red teamers to gain persistence on a system by tampering with the key to add a custom DLL to be loaded.
This technique was also observed to be used by Gh0st RAT malware.
Upon seeing this behavior, it is recommended to review the system services events especially the remote access services.
Windows Hosts File Access: endpointEndpointNoneversion:4
This Analytic detects the execution of a process attempting to access the hosts file.
The hosts file is a critical file for network configuration and DNS resolution.
If an attacker gains access to it, they can redirect traffic to malicious websites, serve fake content or block legitimate security websites.
Ping Sleep Batch Command: endpointEndpointNoneversion:17
The following analytic identifies the use of ping commands as a delay or sleep mechanism within batch-style command execution.
It leverages process creation telemetry from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents and examines process and parent process command-line fields for ping commands that specify a count and are chained with additional commands using command separators or redirection operators.
While execution of the command may generate individual process creation events, such as a separate ping.exe process, this analytic specifically focuses on the original command string passed to a command interpreter, such as cmd.exe /c, that combines the ping-based delay with subsequent command execution.
Adversaries may use ping as an alternative to explicit sleep or timeout commands to introduce execution delays, potentially evading automated analysis, sandboxing, or behavior-based detection.
Because ping is commonly used for legitimate network troubleshooting, findings should be reviewed in the context of the complete command line, parent process, user, and commands executed before or after the delay.
Windows Service Stop Attempt: endpointEndpointNoneversion:8
The following analytic identifies attempts to stop services on a system using `net.exe`, `sc.exe` or the "Stop-Service" cmdlet. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry. This activity can be significant as adversaries often terminate security or critical services to evade detection and further their objectives. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to disable security defenses, facilitate ransomware encryption, or disrupt essential services, leading to potential data loss or system compromise.
Windows Net System Service Discovery: endpointEndpointNoneversion:5
The following analytic detects the enumeration of Windows services using the net start command, which is a built-in utility that lists all running services on a system. Adversaries, system administrators, or automated tools may use this command to gain situational awareness of what services are active, identify potential security software, or discover opportunities for privilege escalation and lateral movement. The execution of net start is often associated with reconnaissance activity during the early stages of an intrusion, as attackers attempt to map out the system’s defense mechanisms and operational services. By monitoring process execution for instances of cmd.exe /c net start or similar command-line usage, defenders can detect potentially suspicious activity. Correlating this behavior with other reconnaissance commands, such as tasklist or sc query, strengthens detection fidelity. While net start is not inherently malicious, unusual or repeated use in non-administrative contexts should be flagged for further investigation.
Windows Rundll32 with Non-Standard File Extension: endpointEndpointNoneversion:3
This analytic identifies the instance of rundll32.exe process loading a non-standard Windows modules file extension.
This behavior is not common and can be associated with malicious activities, such as the Gh0st RAT backdoor. This technique is to evade possible detection by security tools that monitors a suspicious dll loading activity.
Registry Keys Used For Persistence: endpointEndpointNoneversion:35
The following analytic identifies modifications to registry keys commonly used for persistence mechanisms. It leverages data from endpoint detection sources like Sysmon or Carbon Black, focusing on specific registry paths known to initiate applications or services during system startup. This activity is significant as unauthorized changes to these keys can indicate attempts to maintain persistence or execute malicious actions upon system boot. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to achieve persistent access, execute arbitrary code, or maintain control over compromised systems, posing a severe threat to system integrity and security.
Windows Process Execution in Temp Dir: endpointEndpointNoneversion:13
The following analytic identifies processes running from %temp% directory file paths. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on specific process paths within the Endpoint data model. This activity is significant because adversaries often use unconventional file paths to execute malicious code without requiring administrative privileges. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could indicate an attempt to bypass security controls, leading to unauthorized software execution, potential system compromise, and further malicious activities within the environment.
