ID | Technique | Tactic |
---|---|---|
T1505 | Server Software Component | Persistence |
T1505.004 | IIS Components | Persistence |
Detection: Windows PowerShell IIS Components WebGlobalModule Usage
Description
The following analytic detects the usage of PowerShell Cmdlets - New-WebGlobalModule, Enable-WebGlobalModule, and Set-WebGlobalModule, which are used to create, enable, or modify IIS Modules. This detection leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging, specifically monitoring EventCode 4104 for these cmdlets. This activity is significant as adversaries may use these lesser-known cmdlets to manipulate IIS configurations, similar to AppCmd.exe, potentially bypassing traditional defenses. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to persist in the environment, manipulate web server behavior, or escalate privileges.
Search
1`powershell` EventCode=4104 ScriptBlockText IN("*New-WebGlobalModule*","*Enable-WebGlobalModule*","*Set-WebGlobalModule*")
2| stats count min(_time) as firstTime max(_time) as lastTime by EventCode ScriptBlockText Computer user_id
3| `security_content_ctime(firstTime)`
4| `security_content_ctime(lastTime)`
5| `windows_powershell_iis_components_webglobalmodule_usage_filter`
Data Source
Name | Platform | Sourcetype | Source | Supported App |
---|---|---|---|---|
Powershell Script Block Logging 4104 | Windows | 'xmlwineventlog' |
'XmlWinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational' |
N/A |
Macros Used
Name | Value |
---|---|
powershell | (source=WinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational OR source="XmlWinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational") |
windows_powershell_iis_components_webglobalmodule_usage_filter | search * |
windows_powershell_iis_components_webglobalmodule_usage_filter
is an empty macro by default. It allows the user to filter out any results (false positives) without editing the SPL.
Annotations
Default Configuration
This detection is configured by default in Splunk Enterprise Security to run with the following settings:
Setting | Value |
---|---|
Disabled | true |
Cron Schedule | 0 * * * * |
Earliest Time | -70m@m |
Latest Time | -10m@m |
Schedule Window | auto |
Creates Risk Event | True |
Implementation
To successfully implement this analytic, you will need to enable PowerShell Script Block Logging on some or all endpoints. Additional setup here https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/UBA/5.0.4.1/GetDataIn/AddPowerShell#Configure_module_logging_for_PowerShell.
Known False Positives
It is possible administrators or scripts may run these commands, filtering may be required.
Associated Analytic Story
Risk Based Analytics (RBA)
Risk Message | Risk Score | Impact | Confidence |
---|---|---|---|
A PowerShell Cmdlet related to enabling, creating or modifying a IIS module has occurred on $Computer$. | 64 | 80 | 80 |
References
-
https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-oilrig-uses-rgdoor-iis-backdoor-targets-middle-east/
-
https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/tree/master/atomics/T1505.004
Detection Testing
Test Type | Status | Dataset | Source | Sourcetype |
---|---|---|---|---|
Validation | ✅ Passing | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Unit | ✅ Passing | Dataset | XmlWinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational |
xmlwineventlog |
Integration | ✅ Passing | Dataset | XmlWinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational |
xmlwineventlog |
Replay any dataset to Splunk Enterprise by using our replay.py
tool or the UI.
Alternatively you can replay a dataset into a Splunk Attack Range
Source: GitHub | Version: 2