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MediumSplunk security contentNasreddine Bencherchali +1

Windows Defender ASR or Threat Configuration Tamper

The following analytic detects the use of commands to disable Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules or change threat default actions in Windows Defender. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)…

Description

The following analytic detects the use of commands to disable Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules or change threat default actions in Windows Defender. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions involving "Add-MpPreference" or "Set-MpPreference". This activity is significant because adversaries often use it to bypass Windows Defender, allowing malicious code to execute undetected. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could enable attackers to evade antivirus detection, maintain persistence, and execute further malicious activities without interference from Windows Defender.

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

  • Certain administrative tasks may require the modification of ASR rules or threat actions due to FPs being generated. Investigate all attempts and filter as needed.

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