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Windows Enable Win32 ScheduledJob via Registry

The following analytic detects the creation of a new DWORD value named "EnableAt" in the registry path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\Configuration". This modification enables the use of…

Description

The following analytic detects the creation of a new DWORD value named "EnableAt" in the registry path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\Configuration". This modification enables the use of the at.exe or wmi Win32_ScheduledJob commands to add scheduled tasks on a Windows endpoint. The detection leverages registry event data from the Endpoint datamodel. This activity is significant because it may indicate that an attacker is enabling the ability to schedule tasks, potentially to execute malicious code at specific times or intervals. If confirmed malicious, this could allow persistent code execution on 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
sysmon_eventid_13

Known benign triggers

  • In some cases, an automated script or system may enable this setting continuously, leading to false positives. To avoid such situations, it is recommended to monitor the frequency and context of the registry modification and modify or filter the detection rules as needed. This can help to reduce the number of false positives and ensure that only genuine threats are identified. Additionally, it is important to investigate any detected instances of this modification and analyze them in the broader context of the system and network to determine if further action is necessary.

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