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Overwriting Accessibility Binaries

The following analytic detects modifications to Windows accessibility binaries such as sethc.exe, utilman.exe, osk.exe, Magnify.exe, Narrator.exe, DisplaySwitch.exe, and AtBroker.exe. It leverages filesystem activity…

Description

The following analytic detects modifications to Windows accessibility binaries such as sethc.exe, utilman.exe, osk.exe, Magnify.exe, Narrator.exe, DisplaySwitch.exe, and AtBroker.exe. It leverages filesystem activity data from the Endpoint.Filesystem data model to identify changes to these specific files. This activity is significant because adversaries can exploit these binaries to gain unauthorized access or execute commands without logging in. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and further compromise of the environment.

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_11

Known benign triggers

  • Microsoft may provide updates to these binaries. Verify that these changes do not correspond with your normal software update cycle.

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