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Windows Findstr GPP Discovery

The following analytic detects the use of the findstr command to search for unsecured credentials in Group Policy Preferences (GPP). It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on…

Description

The following analytic detects the use of the findstr command to search for unsecured credentials in Group Policy Preferences (GPP). It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions involving findstr.exe with references to SYSVOL and cpassword. This activity is significant because it indicates an attempt to locate and potentially decrypt embedded credentials in GPP, which could lead to unauthorized access. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to escalate privileges or gain access to sensitive systems and data within the domain.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
Windows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Known benign triggers

  • Administrators may leverage findstr to find passwords in GPO to validate exposure. Filter as needed.

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