Certutil exe certificate extraction: endpointEndpointrisk_score:632024-11-28version:6
The following analytic identifies the use of certutil.exe with arguments indicating the manipulation or extraction of certificates. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line arguments. This activity is significant because extracting certificates can allow attackers to sign new authentication tokens, particularly in federated environments like Windows ADFS. If confirmed malicious, this could enable attackers to forge authentication tokens, potentially leading to unauthorized access and privilege escalation within the network.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates Export PfxCertificate: endpointEndpointrisk_score:362024-09-30version:4
The following analytic detects the use of the PowerShell cmdlet `export-pfxcertificate` on the command line, indicating an attempt to export a certificate from the local Windows Certificate Store. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs and command-line arguments. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attempt to exfiltrate authentication certificates, which can be used to impersonate users or decrypt sensitive data. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Windows Mimikatz Crypto Export File Extensions: endpointEndpointrisk_score:282024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects the creation of files with extensions commonly associated with the Mimikatz Crypto module. It leverages the Endpoint.Filesystem data model to identify specific file names indicative of certificate export activities. This behavior is significant as it may indicate the use of Mimikatz to export cryptographic keys, which is a common tactic for credential theft. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow an attacker to exfiltrate sensitive cryptographic material, potentially leading to unauthorized access and further compromise of the environment.
Windows PowerShell Export Certificate: endpointEndpointrisk_score:362024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects the use of the PowerShell Cmdlet `export-certificate` by leveraging Script Block Logging. This activity is significant as it may indicate an adversary attempting to exfiltrate certificates from the local Certificate Store on a Windows endpoint. Monitoring this behavior is crucial because stolen certificates can be used to impersonate users, decrypt sensitive data, or facilitate further attacks. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to unauthorized access to encrypted communications and sensitive information, posing a severe security risk.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates Certificate Request: endpointEndpointrisk_score:82024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects when a new certificate is requested from Certificate Services - AD CS. It leverages Event ID 4886, which indicates that a certificate request has been received. This activity is significant because unauthorized certificate requests can be part of credential theft or lateral movement tactics. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could use the certificate to impersonate users, gain unauthorized access to resources, or establish persistent access within the environment. Monitoring and correlating this event with other suspicious activities is crucial for identifying potential security incidents.
Detect Certipy File Modifications: endpointEndpointrisk_score:452024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects the use of the Certipy tool to enumerate Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) environments by identifying unique file modifications. It leverages endpoint process and filesystem data to spot the creation of files with specific names or extensions associated with Certipy's information gathering and exfiltration activities. This activity is significant as it indicates potential reconnaissance and data exfiltration efforts by an attacker. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive AD CS information, enabling further attacks or privilege escalation within the network.
Steal or Forge Authentication Certificates Behavior Identified: endpointEndpointrisk_score:722024-09-30version:3
The following analytic identifies potential threats related to the theft or forgery of authentication certificates. It detects when five or more analytics from the Windows Certificate Services story trigger within a specified timeframe. This detection leverages aggregated risk scores and event counts from the Risk data model. This activity is significant as it may indicate an ongoing attack aimed at compromising authentication mechanisms. If confirmed malicious, attackers could gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data, potentially leading to severe security breaches.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates CryptoAPI: endpointEndpointrisk_score:242024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects the extraction of authentication certificates using Windows Event Log - CAPI2 (CryptoAPI 2). It leverages EventID 70, which is generated when a certificate's private key is acquired. This detection is significant because it can identify potential misuse of certificates, such as those extracted by tools like Mimikatz or Cobalt Strike. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to impersonate users, escalate privileges, or access sensitive information, posing a severe risk to the organization's security.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates Certificate Issued: endpointEndpointrisk_score:82024-09-30version:3
The following analytic identifies the issuance of a new certificate by Certificate Services - AD CS, detected via Event ID 4887. This event logs the requester user context, DNS hostname of the requesting machine, and the request time. Monitoring this activity is crucial as it can indicate potential misuse of authentication certificates. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could use the issued certificate to impersonate users, escalate privileges, or maintain persistence within the environment. This detection helps in identifying and correlating suspicious certificate-related activities for further investigation.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates CS Backup: endpointEndpointrisk_score:402024-09-30version:3
The following analytic identifies the backup of the Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) store, detected via Event ID 4876. This event is logged when a backup is performed using the CertSrv.msc UI or the CertUtil.exe -BackupDB command. Monitoring this activity is crucial as unauthorized backups can indicate an attempt to steal authentication certificates, which are critical for secure communications. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow an attacker to impersonate users, escalate privileges, or access sensitive information, severely compromising the security of the environment.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates CertUtil Backup: endpointEndpointrisk_score:402024-09-30version:4
The following analytic detects CertUtil.exe performing a backup of the Certificate Store. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on specific command-line executions involving CertUtil with backup parameters. This activity is significant because it may indicate an attempt to steal authentication certificates, which are critical for secure communications. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could use the stolen certificates to impersonate users, decrypt sensitive data, or gain unauthorized access to systems, leading to severe security breaches.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates - ESC1 Abuse: endpointEndpointrisk_score:602024-09-30version:4
The following analytic detects when a new certificate is requested or granted against Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) using a Subject Alternative Name (SAN). It leverages Windows Security Event Codes 4886 and 4887 to identify these actions. This activity is significant because improperly configured certificate templates can be exploited for privilege escalation and environment compromise. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could gain elevated privileges or persist within the environment, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information and further exploitation.
Windows Export Certificate: endpointEndpointrisk_score:362024-09-30version:4
The following analytic detects the export of a certificate from the Windows Certificate Store. It leverages the Certificates Lifecycle log channel, specifically event ID 1007, to identify this activity. Monitoring certificate exports is crucial as certificates can be used for authentication to VPNs or private resources. If malicious actors export certificates, they could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems or data, leading to significant security breaches.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates Export Certificate: endpointEndpointrisk_score:362024-09-30version:4
The following analytic detects the use of the PowerShell cmdlet 'export-certificate' executed via the command line, indicating an attempt to export a certificate from the local Windows Certificate Store. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs and command-line arguments. Exporting certificates is significant as it may indicate credential theft or preparation for man-in-the-middle attacks. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow an attacker to impersonate users, decrypt sensitive communications, or gain unauthorized access to systems and data.
Detect Certify Command Line Arguments: endpointEndpointrisk_score:902024-11-28version:4
The following analytic detects the use of Certify or Certipy tools to enumerate Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) environments. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data, focusing on specific command-line arguments associated with these tools. This activity is significant because it indicates potential reconnaissance or exploitation attempts targeting AD CS, which could lead to unauthorized access or privilege escalation. If confirmed malicious, attackers could gain insights into the AD CS infrastructure, potentially compromising sensitive certificates and escalating their privileges within the network.
Windows PowerShell Export PfxCertificate: endpointEndpointrisk_score:362024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects the use of the PowerShell cmdlet `export-pfxcertificate` by leveraging Script Block Logging. This activity is significant as it may indicate an adversary attempting to exfiltrate certificates from the Windows Certificate Store. Monitoring this behavior is crucial for identifying potential certificate theft, which can lead to unauthorized access and impersonation attacks. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to compromise secure communications, authenticate as legitimate users, and escalate their privileges within the network.
Windows Steal Authentication Certificates - ESC1 Authentication: endpointEndpointrisk_score:902024-11-28version:4
The following analytic detects when a suspicious certificate with a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) is issued using Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) and then immediately used for authentication. This detection leverages Windows Security Event Logs, specifically EventCode 4887, to identify the issuance and subsequent use of the certificate. This activity is significant because improperly configured certificate templates can be exploited for privilege escalation and environment compromise. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise the entire environment.
Detect Certify With PowerShell Script Block Logging: endpointEndpointrisk_score:902024-09-30version:3
The following analytic detects the use of the Certify tool via an in-memory PowerShell function to enumerate Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) environments. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode 4104) to identify specific command patterns associated with Certify's enumeration and exploitation functions. This activity is significant as it indicates potential reconnaissance or exploitation attempts against AD CS, which could lead to unauthorized certificate issuance. If confirmed malicious, attackers could leverage this to escalate privileges, persist in the environment, or access sensitive information by abusing AD CS.
