Malicious Command Shell Spawned by SQL Server via xp_cmdshell

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Persistence

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.001PowerShell
Persistence
- T1505.001SQL Stored Procedures
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the SQL Server process sqlservr.exe spawning a command shell, indicative of xp_cmdshell abuse. Estate Ransomware operators enabled xp_cmdshell on a Veeam-linked MSSQL instance to run operating system commands. Command execution from the database engine signals exploitation of the SQL layer.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1059.001 — drag to rearrange

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Malicious Command Shell Spawned by SQL Server via xp_cmdshell

Pivot detection · T1059.001 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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