Windows Registry Ports Key Changes with Script/Binary File Indicators

Flags registry modifications to the Ports key with path- or executable/script-like details that may indicate printer-based exploitation attempts.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v5

Product: windows
Category: registry_set
Author: EagleEye Team, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), NVISO (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published: 2020-05-13
Updated: 2026-07-31

Analysis Detection

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1112Modify Registry
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1112Modify Registry
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

Detects registry updates to the Windows NT CurrentVersion "Ports" key where the entry details include Windows paths or suspicious executable/script-related extensions. Attackers may use this persistence or execution path by modifying printer port configuration to trigger code via the print spooler or related components. The rule relies on Windows registry set telemetry, matching the target key path and string indicators in the written value data.

Reporting behind it

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Windows Registry Ports Key Changes with Script/Binary File Indicators

Pivot detection · T1112 · 9 related

Changelog

v5
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v4
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v3
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v2
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v1
No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

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-new-print-port-entries-with-executable-script-extensions-7ec912f2

title: Windows Registry Ports Key Changes with Script/Binary File Indicators
id: 7be08559-e662-486a-87d2-974494610b6a
status: test
description: Detects registry updates to the Windows NT CurrentVersion "Ports" key where the entry details include Windows paths or suspicious executable/script-related extensions. Attackers may use this persistence or execution path by modifying printer port configuration to trigger code via the print spooler or related components. The rule relies on Windows registry set telemetry, matching the target key path and string indicators in the written value data.
references:
  - https://windows-internals.com/printdemon-cve-2020-1048/
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules-emerging-threats/2020/Exploits/CVE-2020-1048/registry_set_exploit_cve_2020_1048_new_printer_port.yml
author: EagleEye Team, Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), NVISO, Huntrule Team
date: 2020-05-13
modified: 2024-03-25
tags:
  - attack.persistence
  - attack.execution
  - attack.defense-impairment
  - attack.t1112
  - cve.2020-1048
  - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
  product: windows
  category: registry_set
detection:
  selection:
    TargetObject|contains: \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Ports
    Details|contains:
      - .bat
      - .com
      - .dll
      - .exe
      - .ps1
      - .vbe
      - .vbs
      - "C:"
  condition: selection
falsepositives:
  - New printer port install on host
level: high
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 7ec912f2-5175-4868-b811-ec13ad0f8567
    type: derived

Convert

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