Uncommon File Created by Notepad++ Updater Gup.EXE:
windowsfile_eventhigh2026-02-03
Detects when the Notepad++ updater (gup.exe) creates files in suspicious or uncommon locations.
This could indicate potential exploitation of the updater component to deliver unwanted malware or unwarranted files.
Suspicious Child Process of Notepad++ Updater - GUP.Exe:
windowsprocess_creationhigh2026-02-03
Detects suspicious child process creation by the Notepad++ updater process (gup.exe).
This could indicate potential exploitation of the updater component to deliver unwanted malware.
Notepad++ Updater DNS Query to Uncommon Domains:
windowsdns_querymedium2026-02-02
Detects when the Notepad++ updater (gup.exe) makes DNS queries to domains that are not part of the known legitimate update infrastructure.
This could indicate potential exploitation of the updater mechanism or suspicious network activity that warrants further investigation.
Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI) Related Registry Tampering Via CommandLine:
windowsprocess_creationhigh2026-01-26
Detects the tampering of Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI) related registry values via command line tool reg.exe.
HVCI uses virtualization-based security to protect code integrity by ensuring that only trusted code can run in kernel mode.
Adversaries may tamper with HVCI to load malicious or unsigned drivers, which can be used to escalate privileges, maintain persistence, or evade security mechanisms.
Vulnerable Driver Blocklist Registry Tampering Via CommandLine:
windowsprocess_creationhigh2026-01-26
Detects tampering of the Vulnerable Driver Blocklist registry via command line tools such as PowerShell or REG.EXE.
The Vulnerable Driver Blocklist is a security feature that helps prevent the loading of known vulnerable drivers.
Disabling this feature may indicate an attempt to bypass security controls, often targeted by threat actors
to facilitate the installation of malicious or vulnerable drivers, particularly in scenarios involving Endpoint Detection and Response
linux latest updates
Linux Setuid Capability Set on a Binary via Setcap Utility:
linuxprocess_creationlow2026-01-24
Detects the use of the 'setcap' utility to set the 'setuid' capability (cap_setuid) on a binary file.
This capability allows a non privileged process to make arbitrary manipulations of user IDs (UIDs), including setting its current UID to a value that would otherwise be restricted (i.e. UID 0, the root user).
This behavior can be used by adversaries to backdoor a binary in order to escalate privileges again in the future if needed.
Linux Setgid Capability Set on a Binary via Setcap Utility:
linuxprocess_creationlow2026-01-24
Detects the use of the 'setcap' utility to set the 'setgid' capability (cap_setgid) on a binary file.
This capability allows a non privileged process to make arbitrary manipulations of group IDs (GIDs), including setting its current GID to a value that would otherwise be restricted (i.e. GID 0, the root group).
This behavior can be used by adversaries to backdoor a binary in order to escalate privileges again in the future if needed.
Suspicious Filename with Embedded Base64 Commands:
linuxfile_eventhigh2025-11-22
Detects files with specially crafted filenames that embed Base64-encoded bash payloads designed to execute when processed by shell scripts.
These filenames exploit shell interpretation quirks to trigger hidden commands, a technique observed in VShell malware campaigns.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security Stopped Via CommandLine - Linux:
linuxprocess_creationhigh2025-10-18
Detects execution of the Kaspersky init.d stop script on Linux systems either directly or via systemctl.
This activity may indicate a manual interruption of the antivirus service by an administrator, or it could be a sign of potential tampering or evasion attempts by malicious actors.
Python WebServer Execution - Linux:
linuxprocess_creationmedium2025-10-17
Detects the execution of Python web servers via command line interface (CLI).
After gaining access to target systems, adversaries may use Python's built-in HTTP server modules to quickly establish a web server without requiring additional software.
This technique is commonly used in post-exploitation scenarios as it provides a simple method for transferring files between the compromised host and attacker-controlled systems.
Other latest updates
AWS GuardDuty Detector Deleted Or Updated:
awsNULLhigh2025-11-27
Detects successful deletion or disabling of an AWS GuardDuty detector, possibly by an attacker trying to avoid detection of its malicious activities.
Upon deletion, GuardDuty stops monitoring the environment and all existing findings are lost.
Verify with the user identity that this activity is legitimate.
FortiGate - New VPN SSL Web Portal Added:
fortigateNULLmedium2025-11-01
Detects the addition of a VPN SSL Web Portal on a Fortinet FortiGate Firewall.
This behavior was observed in pair with modification of VPN SSL settings.
FortiGate - User Group Modified:
fortigateNULLmedium2025-11-01
Detects the modification of a user group on a Fortinet FortiGate Firewall.
The group could be used to grant VPN access to a network.
Splunk Detection rules latest updates
Windows Multiple Invalid Users Fail To Authenticate Using Kerberos:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic identifies a source endpoint failing to authenticate with 30 unique invalid domain users using the Kerberos protocol. This detection leverages EventCode 4768, specifically looking for failure code 0x6, indicating the user is not found in the Kerberos database. This activity is significant as it may indicate a Password Spraying attack, where an adversary attempts to gain initial access or elevate privileges. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access or privilege escalation within the Active Directory environment, posing a significant security risk.
Jscript Execution Using Cscript App:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects the execution of JScript using the cscript.exe process. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process and command-line telemetry. This behavior is significant because JScript files are typically executed by wscript.exe, making cscript.exe execution unusual and potentially indicative of malicious activity, such as the FIN7 group's tactics. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to execute arbitrary scripts, leading to code execution, data exfiltration, or further system compromise.
XSL Script Execution With WMIC:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects the execution of an XSL script using the WMIC process, which is often indicative of malicious activity. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions involving WMIC and XSL files. This behavior is significant as it has been associated with the FIN7 group, known for using this technique to execute malicious scripts. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise and further malicious actions within the environment.
O365 Threat Intelligence Suspicious File Detected:
threatO365 Tenant2026-02-25
The following analytic identifies when a malicious file is detected within the Microsoft Office 365 ecosystem through the Advanced Threat Protection engine. Attackers may stage and execute malicious files from within the Microsoft Office 365 ecosystem. Any detections from built-in Office 365 capabilities should be monitored and responded to appropriately. Certain premium Office 365 capabilities such as Safe Attachment and Safe Links further enhance these detection and response functions.
Linux Add Files In Known Crontab Directories:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects unauthorized file creation in known crontab directories on Unix-based systems. It leverages filesystem data to identify new files in directories such as /etc/cron* and /var/spool/cron/*. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attempt by threat actors or malware to establish persistence on a compromised host. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code at scheduled intervals, potentially leading to further system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
ASL AWS EC2 Snapshot Shared Externally:
threatEC2 Snapshot2026-02-25
The following analytic detects when an EC2 snapshot is shared publicly by analyzing AWS CloudTrail events. This detection method leverages CloudTrail logs to identify modifications in snapshot permissions, specifically when the snapshot is shared outside the originating AWS account. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attempt to exfiltrate sensitive data stored in the snapshot. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could gain unauthorized access to the snapshot's data, potentially leading to data breaches or further exploitation of the compromised information.
Windows RDP Login Session Was Established:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects instances where a successful Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) login session was established, as indicated by Windows Security Event ID 4624 with Logon Type 10. This event confirms that a user has not only provided valid credentials but has also initiated a full interactive RDP session. It is a key indicator of successful remote access to a Windows system. When correlated with Event ID 1149, which logs RDP authentication success, this analytic helps distinguish between mere credential acceptance and actual session establishment—critical for effective monitoring and threat detection.
Windows UAC Bypass Suspicious Escalation Behavior:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects when a process spawns an executable known for User Account Control (UAC) bypass exploitation and subsequently monitors for any child processes with a higher integrity level than the original process. This detection leverages Sysmon EventID 1 data, focusing on process integrity levels and known UAC bypass executables. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attacker has successfully used a UAC bypass exploit to escalate privileges. If confirmed malicious, the attacker could gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to further system compromise and persistent access.
Windows Abused Web Services:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects a suspicious process making DNS queries to known, abused web services such as text-paste sites, VoIP, secure tunneling, instant messaging, and digital distribution platforms. This detection leverages Sysmon logs with Event ID 22, focusing on specific query names. This activity is significant as it may indicate an adversary attempting to download malicious files, a common initial access technique. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized code execution, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the target host.
Linux Gem Privilege Escalation:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects the execution of the RubyGems utility with elevated privileges, specifically when it is used to run system commands as root. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions that include "gem open -e" and "sudo". This activity is significant because it indicates a potential privilege escalation attempt, allowing a user to execute commands as the root user. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to full system compromise, enabling the attacker to gain root access and execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges.
Windows PowerSploit GPP Discovery:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects the execution of the Get-GPPPassword PowerShell cmdlet, which is used to search for unsecured credentials in Group Policy Preferences (GPP). This detection leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging to identify specific script block text associated with this cmdlet. Monitoring this activity is crucial as it can indicate an attempt to retrieve and decrypt stored credentials from SYSVOL, potentially leading to unauthorized access. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow an attacker to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network by exploiting exposed credentials.
Windows WBAdmin File Recovery From Backup:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic identifies the execution of wbadmin.exe with arguments indicative of restoring files from an existing backup.
WBAdmin is a legitimate Windows Backup utility used for creating, managing, and restoring backups. However, adversaries may abuse it to restore specific files (e.g., sensitive credentials, configuration files, or malware stagers) from prior backups to regain access or re-establish persistence after cleanup or encryption events.
Monitoring this behavior is important because restoring individual files from a system backup outside of approved recovery workflows may indicate an attacker attempting to retrieve deleted or encrypted data, recover previously dropped payloads, or access prior system states as part of post-compromise activity.
If confirmed malicious, this action could enable attackers to regain operational footholds, extract sensitive data, or restore tampered components, undermining remediation and containment efforts.
Recon Using WMI Class:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects suspicious PowerShell activity via EventCode 4104, where WMI performs event queries to gather information on running processes or services. This detection leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging to identify specific WMI queries targeting system information classes like Win32_Bios and Win32_OperatingSystem. This activity is significant as it often indicates reconnaissance efforts by an adversary to profile the compromised machine. If confirmed malicious, the attacker could gain detailed system information, aiding in further exploitation or lateral movement within the network.
Windows File and Directory Permissions Enable Inheritance:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic detects the enabling of permission inheritance using ICACLS. This analytic identifies instances where ICACLS commands are used to enable permission inheritance on files or directories. The /inheritance:e flag, which restores inherited permissions from a parent directory, is monitored to detect changes that might reapply broader access control settings. Enabling inheritance can indicate legitimate administrative actions but may also signal attempts to override restrictive custom permissions, potentially exposing sensitive files to unauthorized access.
Detect WMI Event Subscription Persistence:
endpointEndpoint2026-02-25
The following analytic identifies the creation of WMI Event Subscriptions, which can be used to establish persistence or perform privilege escalation. It detects EventID 19 (EventFilter creation), EventID 20 (EventConsumer creation), and EventID 21 (FilterToConsumerBinding creation) from Sysmon logs. This activity is significant because WMI Event Subscriptions can execute code with elevated SYSTEM privileges, making it a powerful persistence mechanism. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could maintain long-term access, escalate privileges, and execute arbitrary code, posing a severe threat to the environment.
