Windows Defender Exclusion Registry Entry: endpointEndpointrisk_score:642024-12-08version:8
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows Defender exclusion registry entries. It leverages endpoint registry data to identify changes in the registry path "*\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\\Exclusions\\*". This activity is significant because adversaries often modify these entries to bypass Windows Defender, allowing malicious code to execute without detection. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could enable attackers to evade antivirus defenses, maintain persistence, and execute further malicious activities undetected.
Windows Impair Defenses Disable AV AutoStart via Registry: endpointEndpointrisk_score:902024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects modifications to the registry related to the disabling of autostart functionality for certain antivirus products, such as Kingsoft and Tencent. Malware like ValleyRAT may alter specific registry keys to prevent these security tools from launching automatically at startup, thereby weakening system defenses. By monitoring changes in the registry entries associated with antivirus autostart settings, this detection enables security analysts to identify attempts to disable protective software. Detecting these modifications early is critical for maintaining system integrity and preventing further compromise by malicious actors.
Windows Modify Registry Utilize ProgIDs: endpointEndpointrisk_score:492024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows Registry specifically targeting Programmatic Identifier associations to bypass User Account Control (UAC) Windows OS feature. ValleyRAT may create or alter registry entries to targetted progIDs like `.pwn` files with malicious processes, allowing it to execute harmful scripts or commands when these files are opened. By monitoring for unusual changes in registry keys linked to ProgIDs, this detection enables security analysts to identify potential threats like ValleyRAT execution attempts. Early detection of these modifications helps mitigate unauthorized execution and prevents further exploitation of the system.
Windows Modify Registry ValleyRat PWN Reg Entry: endpointEndpointrisk_score:902024-12-08version:4
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows Registry specifically targeting `.pwn` file associations related to the ValleyRAT malware. ValleyRAT may create or alter registry entries to associate `.pwn` files with malicious processes, allowing it to execute harmful scripts or commands when these files are opened. By monitoring for unusual changes in registry keys linked to `.pwn` extensions, this detection enables security analysts to identify potential ValleyRAT infection attempts. Early detection of these modifications helps mitigate unauthorized execution and prevents further exploitation of the system.
Windows Access Token Manipulation SeDebugPrivilege: endpointEndpointrisk_score:362024-11-28version:5
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.
Add or Set Windows Defender Exclusion: endpointEndpointrisk_score:642024-11-28version:5
The following analytic detects the use of commands to add or set exclusions in Windows Defender. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions involving "Add-MpPreference" or "Set-MpPreference" with exclusion parameters. This activity is significant because adversaries often use it to bypass Windows Defender, allowing malicious code to execute undetected. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could enable attackers to evade antivirus detection, maintain persistence, and execute further malicious activities without interference from Windows Defender.
FodHelper UAC Bypass: endpointEndpointrisk_score:812024-11-28version:6
The following analytic detects the execution of fodhelper.exe, which is known to exploit a User Account Control (UAC) bypass by leveraging specific registry keys. The detection method uses Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry to identify when fodhelper.exe spawns a child process and accesses the registry keys. This activity is significant because it indicates a potential privilege escalation attempt by an attacker. If confirmed malicious, the attacker could execute commands with elevated privileges, leading to unauthorized system changes and potential full system compromise.
Suspicious Process File Path: endpointEndpointrisk_score:352024-11-28version:5
The following analytic identifies processes running from file paths not typically associated with legitimate software. 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.
Eventvwr UAC Bypass: endpointEndpointrisk_score:802024-09-30version:6
The following analytic detects an Eventvwr UAC bypass by identifying suspicious registry modifications in the path that Eventvwr.msc references upon execution. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on registry changes and process execution details. This activity is significant because it indicates a potential privilege escalation attempt, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized code execution, persistence, and further compromise of the affected system.
Executables Or Script Creation In Suspicious Path: endpointEndpointrisk_score:202024-11-28version:5
The following analytic identifies the creation of executables or scripts in suspicious file paths on Windows systems. It leverages the Endpoint.Filesystem data model to detect files with specific extensions (e.g., .exe, .dll, .ps1) created in uncommon directories (e.g., \windows\fonts\, \users\public\). This activity is significant as adversaries often use these paths to evade detection and maintain persistence. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to execute unauthorized code, escalate privileges, or persist within the environment, posing a significant security threat.
Windows Modify Registry ValleyRAT C2 Config: endpointEndpointrisk_score:902024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects modifications to theregistry related to ValleyRAT C2 configuration. Specifically, it monitors changes in registry keys where ValleyRAT saves the IP address and port information of its command-and-control (C2) server. This activity is a key indicator of ValleyRAT attempting to establish persistent communication with its C2 infrastructure. By identifying these unauthorized registry modifications, security analysts can quickly detect malicious configurations and investigate the associated threats. Early detection of these changes helps prevent further exploitation and limits the malware’s ability to exfiltrate data or control infected systems.
WinEvent Windows Task Scheduler Event Action Started: endpointEndpointrisk_score:802024-10-24version:5
The following analytic detects the execution of tasks registered in Windows Task Scheduler by monitoring EventID 200 (action run) and 201 (action completed) from the Task Scheduler logs. This detection leverages Task Scheduler logs to identify potentially suspicious or unauthorized task executions. Monitoring these events is significant for a SOC as it helps uncover evasive techniques used for persistence, unauthorized code execution, or other malicious activities. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or the execution of harmful payloads, posing a significant threat to the environment.
Windows Scheduled Task DLL Module Loaded: endpointEndpointrisk_score:642024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects instances where the taskschd.dll is loaded by processes running in suspicious or writable directories. This activity is unusual, as legitimate processes that load taskschd.dll typically reside in protected system locations. Malware or threat actors may attempt to load this DLL from writable or non-standard directories to manipulate the Task Scheduler and execute malicious tasks. By identifying processes that load taskschd.dll in these unsafe locations, this detection helps security analysts flag potentially malicious activity and investigate further to prevent unauthorized system modifications.
CMLUA Or CMSTPLUA UAC Bypass: endpointEndpointrisk_score:802024-09-30version:4
The following analytic detects the use of COM objects like CMLUA or CMSTPLUA to bypass User Account Control (UAC). It leverages Sysmon EventCode 7 to identify the loading of specific DLLs (CMLUA.dll, CMSTPLUA.dll, CMLUAUTIL.dll) by processes not typically associated with these libraries. This activity is significant as it indicates an attempt to gain elevated privileges, a common tactic used by ransomware adversaries. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute code with administrative rights, leading to potential system compromise and further malicious activities.
Windows Scheduled Tasks for CompMgmtLauncher or Eventvwr: endpointEndpointrisk_score:642024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects the creation or modification of Windows Scheduled Tasks related to CompMgmtLauncher or Eventvwr. These legitimate system utilities, used for launching the Computer Management Console and Event Viewer, can be abused by attackers to execute malicious payloads under the guise of normal system processes. By leveraging these tasks, adversaries can establish persistence or elevate privileges without raising suspicion. This detection helps security analysts identify unusual or unauthorized scheduled tasks involving these executables, allowing for timely investigation and remediation of potential threats.
