Add or Set Windows Defender Exclusion
The following analytic detects the use of commands to add or set exclusions in Windows Defender. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions involving…
Description
The following analytic detects the use of commands to add or set exclusions in Windows Defender. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions involving "Add-MpPreference" or "Set-MpPreference" with exclusion parameters. This activity is significant because adversaries often use it to bypass Windows Defender, allowing malicious code to execute undetected. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could enable attackers to evade antivirus detection, maintain persistence, and execute further malicious activities without interference from Windows Defender.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Admin or user may choose to use this windows features. Filter as needed.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| app.any.run/tasks/cf1245de-06a7-4366-8209-8e3006f2bfe5/ | 3 |
| learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/defender/add-mppreference?view=windowsserver2025-ps | Only this detection cites it |
| tccontre.blogspot.com/2020/01/remcos-rat-evading-windows-defender-av.html | 10 |
| www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/01/15/destructive-malware-targeting-ukrainian-organizations/ | 27from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 773b66fe-4dd9-11ec-8289-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- AgentTeslaCISA AA22-320ACompromised Windows HostCrypto StealerData DestructionNetSupport RMM Tool AbuseRemcosSalat StealerValleyRATWhisperGateWindows Defense Evasion TacticsXWormEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1