Suspicious WMI Query Against Windows Defender Namespace via wmic (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1047Windows Management Instrumentation
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects wmic querying the Windows Defender WMI namespace, used by Sandworm to inspect and manipulate antivirus exclusions during the KMS campaign. Direct wmic access to the Defender namespace is uncommon in normal operations. It often precedes tampering with protection settings.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious WMI Query Against Windows Defender Namespace via wmic (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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