MediumSplunk security content Michael Haag +1

Detect Mimikatz With PowerShell Script Block Logging

Description

The following analytic detects the execution of Mimikatz commands via PowerShell by leveraging PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104). This method captures and logs the full command sent to PowerShell, allowing for the identification of suspicious activities such as Pass the Ticket, Pass the Hash, and credential dumping. This activity is significant as Mimikatz is a well-known tool used for credential theft and lateral movement. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and potential compromise of sensitive information within the environment.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform: Linux macOS Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
Log source category: powershell_script_block_logging_4104

Known benign triggers

False positives should be limited as the commands being identifies are quite specific to EventCode 4104 and Mimikatz. Filter as needed.

References

Links the source published beside this detection. Reference is the link the source wrote, unmodified. Class is decided by this catalogue from the host and path, not stated by the source. Cited by counts published detections citing the same resource, including this one, and the sources beneath it count the repositories this catalogue ingests, which is not the same as independent research.
Reference	Class	Cited by
blog.palantir.com/tampering-with-windows-event-tracing-background-offense-and-defense-4be7ac62ac63	Unclassified	19from 2 sources
help.splunk.com/en/security-offerings/splunk-user-behavior-analytics/get-data-in/5.4.1/add-other-data-to-splunk-uba/configure-powershell-logging-to-see-powershell-anomalies-in-splunk-uba.	Product documentation	15
static1.squarespace.com/static/552092d5e4b0661088167e5c/t/59c1814829f18782e24f1fe2/1505853768977/Windows+PowerShell+Logging+Cheat+Sheet+ver+Sept+2017+v2.1.pdf	Unclassified	17
www.crowdstrike.com/blog/investigating-powershell-command-and-script-logging/	Security research	17
www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/hunting-for-malicious-powershell-using-script-block-logging.html	Security research	14

Detection rules

Detect Mimikatz With PowerShell Script Block Logging

Description

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Known benign triggers

MITRE ATT&CK mappings

References

From the source

Licence

Authorship

Detection rules