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MediumSplunk security contentRaven Tait +1

Windows Set Custom DNS ServerLevelPlugin Via Dnscmd

The following analytic detects command-line usage of dnscmd.exe to configure the Microsoft DNS ServerLevelPluginDll setting. This setting allows the DNS service to load an arbitrary DLL, which can be abused by…

Description

The following analytic detects command-line usage of dnscmd.exe to configure the Microsoft DNS ServerLevelPluginDll setting. This setting allows the DNS service to load an arbitrary DLL, which can be abused by attackers with DNS administrative privileges to execute code in the context of the DNS service. If confirmed malicious, this activity could enable persistence, privilege escalation, or domain controller compromise through malicious DLL loading.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
LinuxmacOSWindows

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

Log source category
crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688

Known benign triggers

  • Legitimate administrative activities may involve dnscmd.exe usage or registry changes for DLL management in DNS servers. Filter alerts to exclude authorized administrative actions.

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