Possible Windows Defender Exclusion Registry Key - Write Access Requested (via security)

title: Possible Windows Defender Exclusion Registry Key - Write Access Requested (via security)
id: 797ffe02-ee94-5e55-9501-14933eaec380
status: stable
description: This rule detects write access requests to the Windows Defender exclusions registry keys. This could be an indication of an adversary trying to request a handle or access the object to write new exclusions to bypass security.
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1685/
    - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/gootkit-malware-bypasses-windows-defender-by-setting-path-exclusions/
author: 'Huntrule Team'
date: 2026-04-04
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
    definition: 'Requirements: Audit Policy : Security Settings/Local Policies/Audit Policy, Registry System Access Control (SACL): Auditing/User'
detection:
    selection:
        AccessList|contains:
            - '%%4417'
            - '%%4418'
        EventID:
            - 4656
            - 4663
        ObjectName|contains: '\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Exclusions\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium