Powershell Get LocalGroup Discovery with Script Block Logging

 Original Source: [splunk source]
Name:Powershell Get LocalGroup Discovery with Script Block Logging
id:d7c6ad22-155c-11ec-bb64-acde48001122
version:11
date:None
author:Michael Haag, Splunk
status:production
type:Hunting
Description:The following analytic detects the execution of the PowerShell cmdlet `get-localgroup` using PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104). This method captures the full command sent to PowerShell, providing detailed visibility into script execution. Monitoring this activity is significant as it can indicate an attempt to enumerate local groups, which may be a precursor to privilege escalation or lateral movement. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could gain insights into group memberships, potentially leading to unauthorized access or privilege abuse. Review parallel processes and the entire script block for comprehensive analysis.
Data_source:
  • -Powershell Script Block Logging 4104
search:`powershell` EventCode=4104 ScriptBlockText = "*get-localgroup*"

| fillnull

| stats count min(_time) as firstTime max(_time) as lastTime
BY dest signature signature_id
user_id vendor_product EventID
Guid Opcode Name
Path ProcessID ScriptBlockId
ScriptBlockText

| `security_content_ctime(firstTime)`

| `security_content_ctime(lastTime)`

| `powershell_get_localgroup_discovery_with_script_block_logging_filter`


how_to_implement:To successfully implement this analytic, you will need to enable PowerShell Script Block Logging on some or all endpoints. Additional setup here https://help.splunk.com/en/security-offerings/splunk-user-behavior-analytics/get-data-in/5.4.1/add-other-data-to-splunk-uba/configure-powershell-logging-to-see-powershell-anomalies-in-splunk-uba.
known_false_positives:False positives may be present. Tune as needed.
References:
  -https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/powershell-detections-threat-research-release-august-2021.html
  -https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/master/atomics/T1069.001/T1069.001.md
  -https://help.splunk.com/en/security-offerings/splunk-user-behavior-analytics/get-data-in/5.4.1/add-other-data-to-splunk-uba/configure-powershell-logging-to-see-powershell-anomalies-in-splunk-uba
  -https://blog.palantir.com/tampering-with-windows-event-tracing-background-offense-and-defense-4be7ac62ac63
  -https://static1.squarespace.com/static/552092d5e4b0661088167e5c/t/59c1814829f18782e24f1fe2/1505853768977/Windows+PowerShell+Logging+Cheat+Sheet+ver+Sept+2017+v2.1.pdf
  -https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/investigating-powershell-command-and-script-logging/
drilldown_searches:
  :
analytic_story:['Active Directory Discovery']

asset_type:Endpoint

mitre_attack_id:['T1069.001']

product:['Splunk Enterprise', 'Splunk Enterprise Security', 'Splunk Cloud']

category:endpoint

security_domain:endpoint

tags:

tests:
 name:'True Positive Test'
 attack_data:
  data: https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/splunk/attack_data/master/datasets/attack_techniques/T1059.001/powershell_script_block_logging/getlocalgroup.log
  source: XmlWinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational
  sourcetype: XmlWinEventLog
 test_type:'unit'
manual_test:None

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