Possible Shim Database Persistence through Sdbinst.EXE (via process_creation)

title: Possible Shim Database Persistence through Sdbinst.EXE (via process_creation)
id: 3e48d345-5804-5535-9fff-3dfb27ca1420
status: stable
description: This rule detects installation of a new shim using sdbinst.exe. Adversaries may establish persistence and/or elevate privileges by running hostile content triggered by application shims
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/011/
    - https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/fin7-shim-databases-persistence
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-03-06
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.t1546.011
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\sdbinst.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'sdbinst.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains: '.sdb'
    filter_optional_iis:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\msiexec.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ':\Program Files (x86)\IIS Express\iisexpressshim.sdb'
            - ':\Program Files\IIS Express\iisexpressshim.sdb'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium