Suspicious MSSQL xp_cmdshell Enablement via sp_configure (via process_creation)
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-10-10
- Updated
- 2026-10-10
ATT&CK techniques
ExecutionRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects command lines that enable the MSSQL xp_cmdshell feature through sp_configure, a preparatory step used in the printer-and-BitLocker extortion scheme to unlock operating system command execution from the database. Enabling xp_cmdshell is a strong indicator of an attacker preparing to run OS commands via a compromised SQL server.
Reporting behind it
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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