Windows Cisco Secure Endpoint Unblock File Via Sfc
The following analytic detects the use of the sfc.exe utility with the "-unblock" parameter, a feature within Cisco Secure Endpoint. The "-unblock" flag is used to remove system blocks imposed by the endpoint…
Description
The following analytic detects the use of the sfc.exe utility with the "-unblock" parameter, a feature within Cisco Secure Endpoint. The "-unblock" flag is used to remove system blocks imposed by the endpoint protection. This detection focuses on command-line activity that includes the "-unblock" parameter, as it may indicate an attempt to restore access to files or processes previously blocked by the security software. While this action could be legitimate in troubleshooting scenarios, malicious actors might use it to override protective measures, enabling execution of blocked malicious payloads or bypassing other security mechanisms.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- It is possible that this action is executed during troubleshooting activity. Activity needs to be confirmed on a case by case basis.
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 |
|---|---|
| www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security/amp-endpoints/213690-amp-for-endpoint-command-line-switches.html | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 9a7a490c-5581-4c95-bab5-a21e351293ef
- Tagged by the source as
- Security Solution TamperingEndpointendpointSplunk 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