Possible MaxMpxCt Registry Value Changed (via registry_set)

title: Possible MaxMpxCt Registry Value Changed (via registry_set)
id: 5d9efe71-eeb5-54b9-a1cb-a98381958598
status: stable
description: This rule detects changes to the "MaxMpxCt" registry value. MaxMpxCt specifies the maximum outstanding network requests for the server per client, which is used when negotiating a Server Message Block (SMB) connection with a client. Note if the value is set beyond 125 older Windows 9x clients will fail to negotiate. Ransomware threat actors and operators (specifically BlackCat) were seen increasing this value to handle a higher volume of traffic.
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/005/
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/blackcat-ransomware-affiliate-ttps
    - https://securityscorecard.com/research/deep-dive-into-alphv-blackcat-ransomware
    - https://www.intrinsec.com/alphv-ransomware-gang-analysis/?cn-reloaded=1
    - https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/blackcat-ransomware-highly-configurable-rust-driven-raas-on-the-prowl-for-victims/
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-01-22
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1070.005
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters\MaxMpxCt'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: low