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Windows New Service Security Descriptor Set Via Sc.EXE

The following analytic detects changes in a service security descriptor. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, specifically searching for any process execution involving the "sc.exe"…

Description

The following analytic detects changes in a service security descriptor. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, specifically searching for any process execution involving the "sc.exe" binary with the "sdset" flag targeting any service. This behavior can be legitimate, such as when a user or administrator is configuring a service's security settings. Investigate appropariate services to determine if the behavior is malicious. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to escalate their privileges, blind defenses and more.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ESXiLinuxmacOSOffice SuiteWindows

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

Known benign triggers

  • - False positives are expected from legitimate system administrator scripts or installation utilities. Filter known parent image and commandline combinations.

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