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MediumSplunk security contentMichael Haag +2Threat hunting

SAM Database File Access Attempt

The following analytic detects attempts to access the SAM, SYSTEM, or SECURITY database files within the `windows\system32\config` directory using Windows Security EventCode 4663. This detection leverages Windows…

Description

The following analytic detects attempts to access the SAM, SYSTEM, or SECURITY database files within the `windows\system32\config` directory using Windows Security EventCode 4663. This detection leverages Windows Security Event logs to identify unauthorized access attempts. Monitoring this activity is crucial as it indicates potential credential access attempts, possibly exploiting vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-36934. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could extract user passwords, leading to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and further compromise of the system.

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
windows_event_log_security_4663

Known benign triggers

  • Natively, `dllhost.exe` will access the files. Every environment will have additional native processes that do as well. Filter by process_name. As an aside, one can remove process_name entirely and add `Object_Name=*ShadowCopy*`.

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