Execution of an Unsigned Service

This rule identifies the execution of unsigned executables via service control manager (SCM). Adversaries may abuse SCM to execute malware or escalate privileges.

Rule type: new_terms
Rule indices:

• logs-endpoint.events.process-*

Rule Severity: low
Risk Score: 21
Runs every:
Searches indices from: now-9m
Maximum alerts per execution: 100
References:

Tags:

• Domain: Endpoint
• OS: Windows
• Use Case: Threat Detection
• Tactic: Execution
• Tactic: Defense Evasion
• Rule Type: BBR
• Data Source: Elastic Defend

Version: 109
Rule authors:

• Elastic

Rule license: Elastic License v2

host.os.type:windows and event.category:process and event.type:start and
process.parent.executable:"C:\\Windows\\System32\\services.exe" and
(process.code_signature.exists:false or process.code_signature.trusted:false) and
not process.code_signature.status : (errorCode_endpoint* or "errorChaining")
		

Framework: MITRE ATT&CK

• Tactic:

  • Name: Execution
  • Id: TA0002
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0002/

• Technique:

  • Name: System Services
  • Id: T1569
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1569/

• Sub Technique:

  • Name: Service Execution
  • Id: T1569.002
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1569/002/

Framework: MITRE ATT&CK

• Tactic:

  • Name: Defense Evasion
  • Id: TA0005
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005/

• Technique:

  • Name: Masquerading
  • Id: T1036
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/

• Sub Technique:

  • Name: Invalid Code Signature
  • Id: T1036.001
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/001/

Framework: MITRE ATT&CK

• Tactic:

  • Name: Persistence
  • Id: TA0003
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003/

• Technique:

  • Name: Create or Modify System Process
  • Id: T1543
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/

• Sub Technique:

  • Name: Windows Service
  • Id: T1543.003
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/003/