Suspicious Windows Service Creation via New-Service or nssm

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1543.003Windows Service
Priv Esc
- T1543.003Windows Service
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects Windows service creation through the PowerShell New-Service cmdlet or the nssm service manager. Adversaries use these methods as alternatives to sc.exe to install persistent services. Unexpected use of these tools to register services should be investigated.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1543.003 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious HotPage Driver Drop under ShieldNetWork Directory via File System

Malicious Vulnerable Driver Load by GentleKiller BYOVD EDR Killer

Malicious UPlugPlay Service Creation Masquerading as PlugPlay

Suspicious Service binPath Hijack Followed by System Reboot

Suspicious Windows Service Creation via New-Service or nssm

Pivot detection · T1543.003 · 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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