Malicious Defender Exclusion for Fake DefenderUpdates Folder via Add-MpPreference (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects Add-MpPreference adding a scanning exclusion for the DefenderUpdates folder under the roaming profile, the staging directory into which Salat Stealer drops its docconv.exe payload. Adversaries leverage a Defender exclusion path that mimics a legitimate update folder so the dropped executable can run unscanned, making early detection critical for catching persistence before data theft.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1685 — drag to rearrange

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Malicious Microsoft Defender Critical Security Components Disabled - Command (via process_creation)

Malicious Microsoft Defender Service Deactivation Attempt - Command (via process_creation)

Malicious Wdigest Authentication Enabled - Reg via Command (via process_creation)

Malicious Defender Exclusion for Fake DefenderUpdates Folder via Add-MpPreference (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1685 · 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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