Windows AI Platform DNS Query: endpointEndpoint2025-08-25version:1
The following analytic detects DNS queries initiated by the Windows AI Platform to domains associated with Hugging Face, a popular provider of machine learning models and services. Monitoring for such DNS requests is important because it can reveal when systems are reaching out to external AI platforms, which may indicate the use of third-party AI resources or the transfer of sensitive data outside the organization’s environment. Detecting these queries helps organizations enforce data governance policies, prevent unapproved use of external AI services, and maintain visibility into potential data exfiltration risks. Proactive monitoring ensures better control over AI model usage and organizational data flows.
Windows Wmic CPU Discovery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-25version:1
The following analytic detects the use of WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line) for CPU discovery, often executed with commands such as “wmic cpu get name” This behavior is commonly associated with reconnaissance, where adversaries seek to gather details about system hardware, assess processing power, or determine if the environment is virtualized. While WMIC is a legitimate administrative tool, its use for CPU queries outside of normal inventory or management scripts can indicate malicious intent. Monitoring command-line executions of WMIC with CPU-related arguments and correlating with other discovery activity can help identify attacker reconnaissance.
Wmic Group Discovery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-27version:8
The following analytic identifies the use of `wmic.exe` to enumerate local groups on an endpoint. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs, including command-line details. Monitoring this activity is significant as it can indicate reconnaissance efforts by an attacker to understand group memberships, which could be a precursor to privilege escalation or lateral movement. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow an attacker to map out privileged groups, aiding in further exploitation and persistence within the environment.
Windows Wmic DiskDrive Discovery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-25version:1
The following analytic detects the use of Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) for disk drive discovery activities on a Windows system. This process involves monitoring commands such as “wmic diskdrive” which are often used by administrators for inventory and diagnostics but can also be leveraged by attackers to enumerate hardware details for malicious purposes. Detecting these commands is essential for identifying potentially unauthorized asset reconnaissance or pre-attack mapping behaviors. By capturing and analyzing WMIC disk drive queries, security teams can gain visibility into suspicious activities, enabling them to respond promptly and strengthen the organization’s security posture against insider threats or lateral movement attempts.
System User Discovery With Whoami: endpointEndpoint2025-08-27version:7
The following analytic detects the execution of `whoami.exe` without any arguments. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs. This activity is significant because both Red Teams and adversaries use `whoami.exe` to identify the current logged-in user, aiding in situational awareness and Active Directory discovery. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could indicate an attacker is gathering information to further compromise the system, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
System Information Discovery Detection: endpointWindows2025-08-27version:11
The following analytic identifies system information discovery techniques, such as the execution of commands like `wmic qfe`, `systeminfo`, and `hostname`. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs. This activity is significant because attackers often use these commands to gather system configuration details, which can aid in further exploitation. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to tailor their attacks based on the discovered system information, potentially leading to privilege escalation, persistence, or data exfiltration.
Windows Wmic Systeminfo Discovery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-25version:1
The following analytic detects the execution of Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) commands used for computer system discovery on a Windows system. Specifically, it monitors for commands such as “wmic computersystem” that retrieve detailed information about the computer’s model, manufacturer, name, domain, and other system attributes. While these commands are commonly used by administrators for inventory and troubleshooting, they may also be exploited by adversaries to gain insight into the target environment during the reconnaissance phase of an attack. Identifying and alerting on WMIC computer system queries helps security teams recognize unauthorized information gathering and take steps to mitigate potential threats.
Remote System Discovery with Dsquery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-27version:7
The following analytic detects the execution of `dsquery.exe` with the `computer` argument, which is used to discover remote systems within a domain. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line arguments. Remote system discovery is significant as it indicates potential reconnaissance activities by adversaries or Red Teams to map out network resources and Active Directory structures. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to further exploitation, lateral movement, and unauthorized access to critical systems within the network.
Windows Wmic Memory Chip Discovery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-25version:1
The following analytic detects the execution of Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) commands related to memory chip discovery on a Windows system. Specifically, it monitors instances where commands such as “wmic memorychip” are used to retrieve detailed information about installed RAM modules. While these commands can serve legitimate administrative and troubleshooting purposes, they may also be employed by adversaries to gather system hardware specifications as part of their reconnaissance activities. By identifying and alerting on WMIC memory chip queries, security teams can enhance their ability to spot unauthorized information gathering and take proactive measures to mitigate potential threats.
Domain Account Discovery with Dsquery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-27version:9
The following analytic identifies the execution of `dsquery.exe` with command-line arguments used to discover domain users. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant as it indicates potential reconnaissance efforts by adversaries to map out domain users, which is a common precursor to further attacks. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to gain insights into user accounts, facilitating subsequent actions like privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
Windows Wmic Network Discovery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-25version:1
The following analytic detects the execution of Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) commands used for network interface discovery on a Windows system. Specifically, it identifies commands such as “wmic nic” that retrieve detailed information about the network adapters installed on the device. While these commands are commonly used by IT administrators for legitimate network inventory and diagnostics, they can also be leveraged by malicious actors for reconnaissance, enabling them to map network configurations and identify potential targets. Monitoring WMIC network interface queries allows security teams to detect suspicious or unauthorized enumeration activities, supporting early threat identification and response.ß
Windows File Collection Via Copy Utilities: endpointEndpoint2025-08-26version:1
The following analytic detects the use of Windows command-line copy utilities, such as xcopy, to systematically collect files from user directories and consolidate them into a centralized location on the system. This activity is often indicative of malicious behavior, as threat actors frequently use such commands to gather sensitive information, including documents with .doc, .docx, and .pdf extensions. The detection focuses on identifying recursive copy operations targeting user folders, such as Documents, Desktop, or other directories that commonly store personal or organizational files. Malware that performs this behavior typically attempts to evade detection by using legitimate Windows utilities, executing commands through cmd.exe or other scripting hosts, and writing the collected files to directories like C:\ProgramData or temporary storage locations. Once collected, the information may be staged for exfiltration, used for lateral movement, or leveraged for further compromise of the environment. By monitoring for these types of file collection patterns, security teams can identify suspicious activity early, differentiate between normal administrative tasks and potentially malicious scripts, and prevent sensitive data from being exfiltrated. This analytic is particularly relevant for environments where confidential documents are present and attackers may attempt to harvest them using built-in Windows tools.
Windows Net System Service Discovery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-25version:1
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.
Domain Group Discovery With Dsquery: endpointEndpoint2025-08-27version:8
The following analytic identifies the execution of `dsquery.exe` with command-line arguments used to query for domain groups. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data, focusing on process names and command-line arguments. This activity is significant because both Red Teams and adversaries use `dsquery.exe` to enumerate domain groups, gaining situational awareness and facilitating further Active Directory discovery. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to map out the domain structure, identify high-value targets, and plan subsequent attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data exfiltration.
