Detect Copy of ShadowCopy with Script Block Logging
The following analytic detects the use of PowerShell commands to copy the SAM, SYSTEM, or SECURITY hives, which are critical for credential theft. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104) to…
Description
The following analytic detects the use of PowerShell commands to copy the SAM, SYSTEM, or SECURITY hives, which are critical for credential theft. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104) to capture and analyze the full command executed. This activity is significant as it indicates an attempt to exfiltrate sensitive registry hives for offline password cracking. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access to credentials, enabling further compromise of the system and potential lateral movement within the network.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- powershell_script_block_logging_4104
Known benign triggers
- Limited false positives as the scope is limited to SAM, SYSTEM and SECURITY hives.
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 |
|---|---|
| github.com/GossiTheDog/HiveNightmare | 3from 2 sources |
| github.com/JumpsecLabs/Guidance-Advice/tree/main/SAM_Permissions | 2 |
| msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2021-36934 | 2 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 9251299c-ea5b-11eb-a8de-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Credential DumpingVanHelsing RansomwareEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1