EXPLORE DETECTIONS
MSI Module Loaded by Non-System Binary
The following analytic detects the loading of `msi.dll` by a binary not located in `system32`, `syswow64`, `winsxs`, or `windows` directories. This is identified using Sysmon EventCode 7, which logs DLL loads, and filters out legitimate system paths. This activity is significant as it may indicate exploitation of CVE-2021-41379 or DLL side-loading attacks, both of which can lead to unauthorized system modifications. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or persist within the environment.
Msmpeng Application DLL Side Loading
The following analytic detects the suspicious creation of msmpeng.exe or mpsvc.dll in non-default Windows Defender folders. It leverages the Endpoint.Filesystem datamodel to identify instances where these files are created outside their expected directories. This activity is significant because it is associated with the REvil ransomware, which uses DLL side-loading to execute malicious payloads. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to ransomware deployment, resulting in data encryption, system compromise, and potential data loss or extortion.
Multiple Archive Files Http Post Traffic
The following analytic detects the high-frequency exfiltration of archive files via HTTP POST requests. It leverages HTTP stream logs to identify specific archive file headers within the request body. This activity is significant as it often indicates data exfiltration by APTs or trojan spyware after data collection. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could lead to the unauthorized transfer of sensitive data to an attacker’s command and control server, potentially resulting in severe data breaches and loss of confidential information.
NET Profiler UAC bypass
The following analytic detects modifications to the registry aimed at bypassing the User Account Control (UAC) feature in Windows. It identifies changes to the .NET COR_PROFILER_PATH registry key, which can be exploited to load a malicious DLL via mmc.exe. This detection leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, focusing on specific registry paths and values. Monitoring this activity is crucial as it can indicate an attempt to escalate privileges or persist within the environment. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, compromising system integrity.
Network Connection Discovery With Arp
The following analytic detects the execution of `arp.exe` with the `-a` flag, which is used to list network connections on a compromised system. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names, command-line executions, and related telemetry. Monitoring this activity is significant because both Red Teams and adversaries use `arp.exe` for situational awareness and Active Directory discovery. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to map the network, identify active devices, and plan further lateral movement or attacks.
Network Connection Discovery With Netstat
The following analytic detects the execution of `netstat.exe` with command-line arguments to list network connections on a system. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names, command-line executions, and parent processes. This activity is significant as both Red Teams and adversaries use `netstat.exe` for situational awareness and Active Directory discovery. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to map network connections, identify critical systems, and plan further lateral movement or data exfiltration.
Network Discovery Using Route Windows App
The following analytic detects the execution of the `route.exe` Windows application, commonly used for network discovery. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process creation events. This activity is significant because adversaries often use `route.exe` to map network routes and identify potential targets within a network. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to gain insights into network topology, facilitating lateral movement and further exploitation. Note that false positives may occur due to legitimate administrative tasks or automated scripts.
Network Share Discovery Via Dir Command
The following analytic detects access to Windows administrative SMB shares (Admin$, IPC$, C$) using the 'dir' command. It leverages Windows Security Event Logs with EventCode 5140 to identify this activity. This behavior is significant as it is commonly used by tools like PsExec/PaExec for staging binaries before creating and starting services on remote endpoints, a technique often employed by adversaries for lateral movement and remote code execution. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to propagate malware, such as IcedID, across the network, leading to widespread infection and potential data breaches.
Network Traffic to Active Directory Web Services Protocol
The following analytic identifies network traffic directed to the Active Directory Web Services Protocol (ADWS) on port 9389. It leverages network traffic logs, focusing on source and destination IP addresses, application names, and destination ports. This activity is significant as ADWS is used to manage Active Directory, and unauthorized access could indicate malicious intent. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could manipulate Active Directory, potentially leading to privilege escalation, unauthorized access, or persistent control over the environment.
Nginx ConnectWise ScreenConnect Authentication Bypass
The following analytic detects attempts to exploit the ConnectWise ScreenConnect CVE-2024-1709 vulnerability, which allows attackers to bypass authentication via alternate paths or channels. It leverages Nginx access logs to identify web requests to the SetupWizard.aspx page, indicating potential exploitation. This activity is significant as it can lead to unauthorized administrative access and remote code execution. If confirmed malicious, attackers could create administrative users and gain full control over the affected ScreenConnect instance, posing severe security risks. Immediate remediation by updating to version 23.9.8 or above is recommended.
Ngrok Reverse Proxy on Network
The following analytic detects DNS queries to common Ngrok domains, indicating potential use of the Ngrok reverse proxy tool. It leverages the Network Resolution datamodel to identify queries to domains such as "*.ngrok.com" and "*.ngrok.io". While Ngrok usage is not inherently malicious, it has been increasingly adopted by adversaries for covert communication and data exfiltration. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to bypass network defenses, establish persistent connections, and exfiltrate sensitive data, posing a significant threat to the network's security.
Nishang PowershellTCPOneLine
The following analytic detects the use of the Nishang Invoke-PowerShellTCPOneLine utility, which initiates a callback to a remote Command and Control (C2) server. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data, focusing on PowerShell processes that include specific .NET classes like Net.Sockets.TCPClient and System.Text.ASCIIEncoding. This activity is significant as it indicates potential remote control or data exfiltration attempts by an attacker. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized remote access, data theft, or further compromise of the affected system.
NLTest Domain Trust Discovery
The following analytic identifies the execution of `nltest.exe` with command-line arguments `/domain_trusts` or `/all_trusts` to query Domain Trust information. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs and command-line arguments. This activity is significant as it indicates potential reconnaissance efforts by adversaries to understand domain trust relationships, which can inform their lateral movement strategies. If confirmed malicious, this activity could enable attackers to map out trusted domains, facilitating further compromise and pivoting within the network.
No Windows Updates in a time frame
The following analytic identifies Windows endpoints that have not generated an event indicating a successful Windows update in the last 60 days. It leverages the 'Update' data model in Splunk, specifically looking for the latest 'Installed' status events from Microsoft Windows. This activity is significant for a SOC because endpoints that are not regularly patched are vulnerable to known exploits and security vulnerabilities. If confirmed malicious, this could indicate a compromised endpoint that is intentionally being kept unpatched, potentially allowing attackers to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access or control.
Non Chrome Process Accessing Chrome Default Dir
The following analytic detects a non-Chrome process accessing files in the Chrome user default folder. It leverages Windows Security Event logs, specifically event code 4663, to identify unauthorized access attempts. This activity is significant because the Chrome default folder contains sensitive user data such as login credentials, browsing history, and cookies. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could indicate an attempt to exfiltrate sensitive information, often associated with RATs, trojans, and advanced persistent threats like FIN7. Such access could lead to data theft and further compromise of the affected system.
Non Firefox Process Access Firefox Profile Dir
The following analytic detects non-Firefox processes accessing the Firefox profile directory, which contains sensitive user data such as login credentials, browsing history, and cookies. It leverages Windows Security Event logs, specifically event code 4663, to monitor access attempts. This activity is significant because it may indicate attempts by malware, such as RATs or trojans, to harvest user information. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could lead to data exfiltration, unauthorized access to user accounts, and further compromise of the affected system.
Notepad with no Command Line Arguments
The following analytic identifies instances where Notepad.exe is launched without any command line arguments, a behavior commonly associated with the SliverC2 framework. This detection leverages process creation events from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on processes initiated by Notepad.exe within a short time frame. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attempt to inject malicious code into Notepad.exe, a known tactic for evading detection. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise and unauthorized access.
Ntdsutil Export NTDS
The following analytic detects the use of Ntdsutil to export the Active Directory database (NTDS.dit). It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line arguments. This activity is significant because exporting NTDS.dit can be a precursor to offline password cracking, posing a severe security risk. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could gain access to sensitive credentials, potentially leading to unauthorized access and privilege escalation within the network.
O365 Add App Role Assignment Grant User
The following analytic detects the addition of an application role assignment grant to a user in Office 365. It leverages data from the `o365_management_activity` dataset, specifically monitoring the "Add app role assignment grant to user" operation. This activity is significant as it can indicate unauthorized privilege escalation or the assignment of sensitive roles to users. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to gain elevated permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical resources and data within the Office 365 environment.
O365 Added Service Principal
The following analytic detects the addition of new service principal accounts in O365 tenants. It leverages data from the `o365_management_activity` dataset, specifically monitoring for operations related to adding or creating service principals. This activity is significant because attackers can exploit service principals to gain unauthorized access and perform malicious actions within an organization's environment. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to interact with APIs, access resources, and execute operations on behalf of the organization, potentially leading to data breaches or further compromise.
O365 Admin Consent Bypassed by Service Principal
The following analytic identifies instances where a service principal in Office 365 Azure Active Directory assigns app roles without standard admin consent. It leverages `o365_management_activity` logs, specifically focusing on the 'Add app role assignment to service principal' operation. This activity is significant for SOCs as it may indicate a bypass of critical administrative controls, potentially leading to unauthorized access or privilege escalation. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to misuse automated processes to assign sensitive permissions, compromising the security of the environment.
O365 Advanced Audit Disabled
The following analytic detects instances where the O365 advanced audit is disabled for a specific user within the Office 365 tenant. It uses O365 audit logs, focusing on events related to audit license changes in AzureActiveDirectory workloads. This activity is significant because the O365 advanced audit provides critical logging and insights into user and administrator activities. Disabling it can blind security teams to potential malicious actions. If confirmed malicious, attackers could operate within the user's mailbox or account with reduced risk of detection, leading to unauthorized data access, data exfiltration, or account compromise.
O365 Application Available To Other Tenants
The following analytic identifies the configuration of Azure Active Directory Applications in a manner that allows authentication from external tenants or personal accounts. This configuration can lead to inappropriate or malicious access of any data or capabilities the application is allowed to access. This detection leverages the O365 Universal Audit Log data source.
O365 Application Registration Owner Added
The following analytic identifies instances where a new owner is assigned to an application registration within an Azure AD and Office 365 tenant. It leverages O365 audit logs, specifically events related to changes in owner assignments within the AzureActiveDirectory workload. This activity is significant because assigning a new owner to an application registration can grant significant control over the application's configuration, permissions, and behavior. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could modify the application's settings, permissions, and behavior, leading to unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, or the introduction of malicious behavior within the application's operations.