Windows Disable Windows Event Logging Disable HTTP Logging
The following analytic detects the use of AppCmd.exe to disable HTTP logging on IIS servers. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution events where AppCmd.exe…
Description
The following analytic detects the use of AppCmd.exe to disable HTTP logging on IIS servers. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution events where AppCmd.exe is used with specific parameters to alter logging settings. This activity is significant because disabling HTTP logging can help adversaries hide their tracks and avoid detection by removing evidence of their actions. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to operate undetected, making it difficult to trace their activities and respond to the intrusion effectively.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- False positives may be present only if scripts or Administrators are disabling logging. Filter as needed by parent process or other.
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 |
|---|---|
| github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/388942adbd9641f4dfdcf079d7efe9a75ec0ac43/atomics/T1685.001/T1685.001.yaml#L27 | 6 |
| strontic.github.io/xcyclopedia/library/appcmd.exe-055B2B09409F980BF9B5A3969D01E5B2.html | 4 |
| unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-oilrig-uses-rgdoor-iis-backdoor-targets-middle-east/ | 6 |
| www.crowdstrike.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/crowdstrike-iceapple-a-novel-internet-information-services-post-exploitation-framework-1.pdf | 6 |
| www.secureworks.com/research/bronze-union | 6 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 23fb6787-255f-4d5b-9a66-9fd7504032b5
- Tagged by the source as
- CISA AA23-347ACompromised Windows HostIIS ComponentsWindows Defense Evasion TacticsEndpointendpointSplunk 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
- Oct 13, 2026
- Version
- 2