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-*

Severity: low

Risk score: 21

Runs every: 5m

Searches indices from: now-9m (https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/elasticsearch/reference/current/common-options.html#date-math[Date Math format], see also Additional look-back time)

Maximum alerts per execution: 100

References: None

Tags:

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

Version: 105

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&CKTM

• 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/

• 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/