Detection: ConnectWise ScreenConnect Path Traversal Windows SACL

Description

The following analytic detects attempts to exploit the ConnectWise ScreenConnect CVE-2024-1708 vulnerability using Windows SACL EventCode 4663. It identifies path traversal attacks by monitoring file system events related to the ScreenConnect service. This activity is significant as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories, potentially leading to data exfiltration or arbitrary code execution. If confirmed malicious, attackers could gain unauthorized access to critical data or execute harmful code, compromising the integrity and security of the affected system. Immediate remediation by updating to version 23.9.8 or above is recommended.

1`wineventlog_security` EventCode=4663  ProcessName=*\\ScreenConnect.Service.exe file_path IN ("*\\ScreenConnect\\App_Extensions\\*") file_name IN ("*.aspx","*.ashx") 
2| stats count min(_time) as firstTime max(_time) as lastTime by  ObjectName ObjectType ProcessName AccessMask process_id EventCode Computer Caller_User_Name 
3| rename Computer as dest Caller_User_Name as user ProcessName as process_name 
4|  `security_content_ctime(firstTime)` 
5| `security_content_ctime(lastTime)` 
6| `connectwise_screenconnect_path_traversal_windows_sacl_filter`

Data Source

Name Platform Sourcetype Source Supported App
Windows Event Log Security 4663 Windows icon Windows 'xmlwineventlog' 'XmlWinEventLog:Security' N/A

Macros Used

Name Value
security_content_ctime convert timeformat="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S" ctime($field$)
connectwise_screenconnect_path_traversal_windows_sacl_filter search *
connectwise_screenconnect_path_traversal_windows_sacl_filter is an empty macro by default. It allows the user to filter out any results (false positives) without editing the SPL.

Annotations

- MITRE ATT&CK
+ Kill Chain Phases
+ NIST
+ CIS
- Threat Actors
ID Technique Tactic
T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application Initial Access
KillChainPhase.DELIVERY
NistCategory.DE_CM
Cis18Value.CIS_10
APT28
APT29
APT39
APT41
APT5
Axiom
BackdoorDiplomacy
BlackTech
Blue Mockingbird
Cinnamon Tempest
Dragonfly
Earth Lusca
FIN13
FIN7
Fox Kitten
GALLIUM
GOLD SOUTHFIELD
HAFNIUM
Ke3chang
Kimsuky
Magic Hound
Moses Staff
MuddyWater
Rocke
Sandworm Team
Threat Group-3390
ToddyCat
Volatile Cedar
Volt Typhoon
menuPass

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 Notable Yes
Rule Title %name%
Rule Description %description%
Notable Event Fields user, dest
Creates Risk Event True
This configuration file applies to all detections of type TTP. These detections will use Risk Based Alerting and generate Notable Events.

Implementation

To implement the following query, enable SACL auditing for the ScreenConnect directory(ies). With this data, the following analytic will work correctly. A GIST is provided in the references to assist with enabling SACL Auditing.

Known False Positives

False positives should be limited as the analytic is specific to ScreenConnect path traversal attempts. Tune as needed, or restrict to specific hosts if false positives are encountered.

Associated Analytic Story

Risk Based Analytics (RBA)

Risk Message Risk Score Impact Confidence
A path traversal attack against ScreenConnect has been detected on $dest$. 100 100 100
The Risk Score is calculated by the following formula: Risk Score = (Impact * Confidence/100). Initial Confidence and Impact is set by the analytic author.

References

Detection Testing

Test Type Status Dataset Source Sourcetype
Validation Passing N/A N/A N/A
Unit Passing Dataset XmlWinEventLog:Security XmlWinEventLog
Integration ✅ Passing Dataset XmlWinEventLog:Security 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