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InformationalSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Excessive Usage Of SC Service Utility

The following analytic detects excessive usage of the `sc.exe` service utility on a host machine. It leverages Sysmon EventCode 1 logs to identify instances where `sc.exe` is executed more frequently than normal…

Description

The following analytic detects excessive usage of the `sc.exe` service utility on a host machine. It leverages Sysmon EventCode 1 logs to identify instances where `sc.exe` is executed more frequently than normal within a 15-minute window. This behavior is significant as it is commonly associated with ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and other malware attempting to create, modify, delete, or disable services, potentially related to security applications or for privilege escalation. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to manipulate critical services, leading to system compromise or disruption of security defenses.

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
sysmon_eventid_1

Known benign triggers

  • excessive execution of sc.exe is quite suspicious since it can modify or execute app in high privilege permission.

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