Windows sc.exe Service Security Descriptor Changes via sdset

title: Windows sc.exe Service Security Descriptor Changes via sdset
id: e694837c-1c93-4232-ba56-148a4b105f84
related:
  - id: a537cfc3-4297-4789-92b5-345bfd845ad0
    type: similar
  - id: 6c8fbee5-dee8-49bc-851d-c3142d02aa47
    type: derived
status: test
description: This rule flags process executions of sc.exe where the command line includes sdset and uses a DACL entry pattern indicating it is granting access (A;). It further narrows matches to cases where the security descriptor targets trustees consistent with interactive users, service logon users, built-in administrators, local system, or everyone—common avenues for overriding existing access restrictions. The detection relies on Windows process creation telemetry, specifically sc.exe identification and command-line contents.
references:
  - https://twitter.com/0gtweet/status/1628720819537936386
  - https://itconnect.uw.edu/tools-services-support/it-systems-infrastructure/msinf/other-help/understanding-sddl-syntax/
  - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/secauthz/sid-strings
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_sc_sdset_allow_service_changes.yml
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Huntrule Team
date: 2023-02-28
modified: 2025-10-22
tags:
  - attack.privilege-escalation
  - attack.persistence
  - attack.t1543.003
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection_sc:
    - Image|endswith: \sc.exe
    - OriginalFileName: sc.exe
  selection_sdset:
    CommandLine|contains|all:
      - sdset
      - A;
  selection_trustee:
    CommandLine|contains:
      - ;IU
      - ;SU
      - ;BA
      - ;SY
      - ;WD
  filter_optional_hexnode:
    ParentImage: C:\Hexnode\Hexnode Agent\Current\HexnodeAgent.exe
  condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: high
license: DRL-1.1