Malicious Windows Defender Tampering via Set-MpPreference and Add-MpPreference (via ps_script)

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 PowerShell disabling Windows Defender sample submission and adding path exclusions through Set-MpPreference and Add-MpPreference. The RATatouille intrusion uses these commands to blind the antivirus by setting SubmitSamplesConsent to NeverSend and excluding its payload directory. Tampering with Defender preferences is a strong signal of attacker defense evasion.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious Windows Defender Tampering via Set-MpPreference and Add-MpPreference (via ps_script)

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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