huntrule

Windows CleanWipe-Like PUA Execution via System Tool Uninstall Switches

Flags Windows processes launching CleanWipe-like removal tools with uninstall parameters for security impairment investigation.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
process_creation
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2021-12-18
Updated
2026-07-30
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule identifies execution of CleanWipe-associated binaries on Windows by matching process image names and specific command-line parameters used for uninstall or removal actions. Attackers may use such utilities to impair security controls and hinder recovery by removing antivirus or security components. The detection relies on process creation telemetry, specifically the executable path/endings and the presence of uninstall-related command-line flags.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1685 — drag to rearrange
Malicious Windows Defender Disablement via MpCmdRun RemoveDefinitions
Malicious Unsigned VIB Installation on ESXi Host via esxcli (via process_creation)
Suspicious In-Memory PowerShell Execution from Web Server via Automation Assembly (via image_load)
Malicious EDR Evasion Driver Load from AnyDesk Directory via k.sys (via image_load)
Malicious Zemana Vulnerable Driver Load for EDR Termination (via image_load)
Suspicious EDRKillShifter Vulnerable Driver Load from User Temp Directory (via image_load)
Malicious AuKill EDR Killer Kernel Driver Load via Process Explorer Driver (via image_load)
Malicious FIN7 AvNeutralizer EDR Killer Execution via Masqueraded Binary (via process_creation)
Suspicious Process Explorer Kernel Driver Dropped as PED.sys via File Creation (via file_event)
Windows CleanWipe-Like PUA Execution via System Tool Uninstall Switches
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.