Windows Registry Change Disabling WinDefend Service (WinDefend Start=4)

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 identifies registry writes that set the Windows Defender service start value for WinDefend by targeting the Services\WinDefend\Start registry path and matching a DWORD value of 0x00000004. Disabling or altering security service behavior can reduce endpoint defenses and enable subsequent malicious activity. Detection relies on Windows registry set telemetry capturing the TargetObject and Details fields for the modified Start value.

Reporting behind it

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Windows Registry Change Disabling WinDefend Service (WinDefend Start=4)

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.

windows-registry-change-disabling-windefend-service-windefend-start-4-e1aa95de

title: Windows Registry Change Disabling WinDefend Service (WinDefend Start=4)
id: 46b57e68-a76a-4f99-a8c6-fbb02106bb0f
status: test
description: This rule identifies registry writes that set the Windows Defender service start value for WinDefend by targeting the Services\WinDefend\Start registry path and matching a DWORD value of 0x00000004. Disabling or altering security service behavior can reduce endpoint defenses and enable subsequent malicious activity. Detection relies on Windows registry set telemetry capturing the TargetObject and Details fields for the modified Start value.
references:
  - https://thedfirreport.com/2021/10/18/icedid-to-xinglocker-ransomware-in-24-hours/
  - https://gist.github.com/anadr/7465a9fde63d41341136949f14c21105
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/registry/registry_set/registry_set_disable_windows_defender_service.yml
author: Ján Trenčanský, frack113, AlertIQ, Nasreddine Bencherchali, Huntrule Team
date: 2022-08-01
modified: 2024-03-25
tags:
  - attack.defense-impairment
  - attack.t1685
logsource:
  product: windows
  category: registry_set
detection:
  selection:
    TargetObject|endswith: \Services\WinDefend\Start
    Details: DWORD (0x00000004)
  condition: selection
falsepositives:
  - Administrator actions
level: high
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: e1aa95de-610a-427d-b9e7-9b46cfafbe6a
    type: derived

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