Screensaver Event Trigger Execution
The following analytic detects modifications to the SCRNSAVE.EXE registry entry, indicating potential event trigger execution via screensaver settings for persistence or privilege escalation. It leverages registry…
Description
The following analytic detects modifications to the SCRNSAVE.EXE registry entry, indicating potential event trigger execution via screensaver settings for persistence or privilege escalation. It leverages registry activity data from the Endpoint data model to identify changes to the specified registry path. This activity is significant as it is a known technique used by APT groups and malware to maintain persistence or escalate privileges. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, leading to further system compromise and persistent access.
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_13
Known benign triggers
- No false positives have been identified at this time.
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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/002/ | Only this detection cites it |
| dmcxblue.gitbook.io/red-team-notes-2-0/red-team-techniques/privilege-escalation/untitled-3/screensaver | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 58cea3ec-1f6d-11ec-8560-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Data DestructionHermetic WiperWindows Persistence TechniquesWindows Privilege EscalationWindows Registry AbuseEndpointendpointSplunk 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