Suspicious Windows Defender Weakening via MpPreference (via process_creation)

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 Microsoft Defender sample submission with Set-MpPreference SubmitSamplesConsent or adding folder exclusions with Add-MpPreference ExclusionPath, defense-evasion steps used by the NSPX30 implant to avoid detection. Weakening Defender lets the AitM-enabled backdoor persist and run unscanned.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1685 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious NodeLoader Defender Exclusion for ProgramData via PowerShell (via process_creation)

Suspicious SELinux Enforcement Disabled via setenforce on Ivanti Appliance

Malicious ETW Disabling via COMPlus_ETWEnabled Environment Variable

Suspicious CrazyHunter BYOVD Driver Drop in Public Directory

Suspicious Execution of cfmon.exe Masquerading as ctfmon via CharmingCypress

Suspicious Windows Defender Weakening via MpPreference (via process_creation)

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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