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Windows List ENV Variables Via SET Command From Uncommon Parent

The following analytic identifies a suspicious process command line fetching environment variables using the cmd.exe "set" command, with a non-shell parent process. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and…

Description

The following analytic identifies a suspicious process command line fetching environment variables using the cmd.exe "set" command, with a non-shell parent process. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions and parent process names. This activity could be significant as it is commonly associated with malware like Qakbot, which uses this technique to gather system information. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could indicate that the parent process has been compromised, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, escalate privileges, or persist within the environment.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
LinuxmacOSWindows

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

Known benign triggers

  • shell process that are not included in this search may cause False positive. Filter as needed.

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