Access To Windows Credential History File By Unusual Applications (via file_access)

title: Access To Windows Credential History File By Unusual Applications (via file_access)
id: 189fdb17-b428-5f58-8674-6065d8d1a28c
status: stable
description: This rule detects file access requests to the Windows Credential History File by an uncommon application. This can be a sign of credential stealing. Example case would be use of mimikatz "dpapi::credhist" function
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555/004/
    - https://tools.thehacker.recipes/mimikatz/modules/dpapi/credhist
    - https://www.passcape.com/windows_password_recovery_dpapi_credhist
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-07-18
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1555.004
logsource:
    category: file_access
    product: windows
    definition: 'Requirements: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-File ETW provider'
detection:
    selection:
        FileName|endswith: '\Microsoft\Protect\CREDHIST'
    filter_main_system_folders:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
            - 'C:\Windows\system32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
    filter_main_explorer:
        Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium