deardaniel/secdata-raw huggingface dataset:
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: experimental
Author: Michael Haag, Splunk
Date: 2026-03-10

Description:
The following analytic identifies the use of the native macOS utility, PlistBuddy, to create or modify property list (.plist) files. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions involving PlistBuddy. This activity is significant because PlistBuddy can be used to establish persistence by modifying LaunchAgents, as seen in the Silver Sparrow malware. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to maintain persistence, execute arbitrary commands, and potentially escalate privileges on the compromised macOS system.

References:
  - https://www.marcosantadev.com/manage-plist-files-plistbuddy/
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic identifies the execution of msdtc.exe with specific command-line parameters (-a or -b), which are indicative of the PlugX malware. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line arguments. This activity is significant because PlugX uses these parameters to masquerade its malicious operations within legitimate processes, making it harder to detect. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access, exfiltrate data, and conduct espionage, severely compromising the affected system.

References:
  - https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/details/win.plugx
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Raven Tait, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-13

Description:
This analytic detects the execution of the ConvertTo-AADIntBackdoor command via PowerShell Script Block Logging.
The ConvertTo-AADIntBackdoor command is part of the AADInternals toolkit, which is used primarily for security testing and administrative tasks in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) environments.
This particular command is designed to create a "backdoor" in a federated Azure AD domain.
When executed, ConvertTo-AADIntBackdoor modifies the federation settings of a domain by adding or changing the federation configuration to allow an attacker to control the authentication process.
This manipulation enables the creation of security tokens that can impersonate any user within the Azure AD tenant.
Consequently, this allows an attacker to bypass Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), escalate privileges, and maintain persistent access to the Azure AD environment.

References:
  - https://atomicredteam.io/privilege-escalation/T1484.002/#atomic-test-1---add-federation-to-azure-ad
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-05-04

Description:
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows registry that disable Windows Defender Application Guard auditing. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry data model, focusing on specific registry paths and values. This activity is significant because disabling auditing can hinder security monitoring and threat detection within the isolated environment, making it easier for malicious activities to go unnoticed. If confirmed malicious, this action could allow attackers to bypass Windows Defender protections, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or further system compromise.

References:
  - https://x.com/malmoeb/status/[PII_REDACTED]89415386?s=20
  - https://github.com/undergroundwires/privacy.sexy
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk, Ivar Nygård
Date: 2026-04-16

Description:
The following analytic detects suspicious file permission modifications using the `chmod` command, which may indicate an attacker attempting to alter access controls on critical files or directories. Such modifications can be used to grant unauthorized users elevated privileges or to conceal malicious activities by restricting legitimate access. By monitoring for unusual or unauthorized `chmod` usage, this analytic helps identify potential security breaches, allowing security teams to respond promptly to prevent privilege escalation, data tampering, or other unauthorized actions on the system.

References:
  - https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/deep-dive-on-persistence-privilege-escalation-technique-and-detection-in-linux-platform.html
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Bhavin Patel, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
This analytic detects the execution of the nsenter utility from within a container, a technique often used for exploitation and container escape. Nsenter allows an attacker to enter the namespaces of another process—such as the host's init process (PID 1)—and execute a shell or other binaries with elevated privileges. For example, an attacker may use docker exec to gain a shell in a container, enumerate the PID of a target container or the host, and then use nsenter to access all namespaces (mount, UTS, IPC, net, pid) of the host or another container.  Example to escape to the host: `nsenter --target 1 --mount --uts --ipc --net --pid -- bash`. The WorkloadAncestorsBinary field is used to track the ancestry of the process, this is useful to understand the context of the nsenter usage.

The options -m -u -n -i -p correspond to the various Linux namespaces. Adversaries exploit nsenter when pods are misconfigured with excessive privileges (e.g., privileged, hostPID, or broad hostPath mounts), enabling them to interact with the underlying node filesystem and processes. This can be an indicator of a container escape attempt or privilege escalation. Security teams should pay close attention to any nsenter invocation from within containers, especially outside of normal maintenance activity or in workloads with elevated privileges.


References:
  - https://isovalent.com/blog/post/2021-11-container-escape/
  - https://kubehound.io/reference/attacks/CE_NSENTER/
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Raven Tait, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects suspicious data chunking activities that involve the use of split or dd, potentially indicating an attempt to evade detection by breaking large files into smaller parts.
Attackers may use this technique to bypass size-based security controls, facilitating the covert exfiltration of sensitive data.
By monitoring for unusual or unauthorized use of these commands, this analytic helps identify potential data exfiltration attempts, allowing security teams to intervene and prevent the unauthorized transfer of critical information from the network.

References:
  - https://osquery.readthedocs.io/en/stable/deployment/process-auditing/
  - https://ss64.com/mac/dd.html
  - https://ss64.com/mac/split.html
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Michael Haag, Splunk
Date: 2026-02-25

Description:
The following analytic identifies the execution of the PowerShell cmdlet Get-WebGlobalModule, which lists all IIS Modules installed on a system. It leverages PowerShell input data to detect this activity by capturing the module names and the image paths of the DLLs. This activity is significant for a SOC because it can indicate an attempt to enumerate installed IIS modules, which could be a precursor to exploiting vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to gain insights into the web server's configuration, potentially leading to further exploitation or privilege escalation.

References:
  - https://help.splunk.com/en/splunk-cloud-platform/get-started/get-data-in/9.3.2411/get-windows-data/monitor-windows-data-with-powershell-scripts
  - https://gist.github.com/MHaggis/64396dfd9fc3734e1d1901a8f2f07040
  - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/tree/master/atomics/T1505.004
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the use of the ICACLS command to grant
additional access permissions to files or directories. It leverages data from Endpoint
Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on specific process names and command-line
arguments. This activity is significant because it is commonly used by Advanced
Persistent Threats (APTs) and coinminer scripts to evade detection and maintain
control over compromised systems. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow
attackers to manipulate file permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized access,
data exfiltration, or further system compromise.


References:
  - https://thedfirreport.com/2020/04/20/sqlserver-or-the-miner-in-the-basement/
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the uninstallation of applications using msiexec with specific command-line arguments. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs that include command-line details. This activity is significant because it is an uncommon practice in enterprise environments and has been associated with malicious behavior, such as disabling antivirus software. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to remove security software, potentially leading to further compromise and persistence within the network.

References:
  - https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/[PII_REDACTED]26816776.html
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Gowthamaraj Rajendran, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the use of the 'find' command with 'sudo' and '-exec' options, which can indicate an attempt to escalate privileges on a Linux system. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs that include command-line arguments. This activity is significant because it can allow a user to execute system commands as root, potentially leading to a root shell. If confirmed malicious, this could enable an attacker to gain full control over the system, leading to severe security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

References:
  - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/find/
  - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Find_(Unix)
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Michael Haag, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic identifies instances where a shell (PowerShell.exe or Cmd.exe) is spawned from wsusservice.exe, the Windows Server Update Services process. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process creation events where the parent process is wsusservice.exe. This activity is significant as it may indicate exploitation of CVE-2025-59287, a critical deserialization vulnerability in WSUS that allows unauthenticated remote code execution. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on WSUS servers, potentially leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, domain enumeration, or further lateral movement within the network.

References:
  - https://www.huntress.com/blog/exploitation-of-windows-server-update-services-remote-code-execution-vulnerability
  - https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-59287
  - https://hawktrace.com/blog/CVE-2025-59287-UNAUTH
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects a Windows application establishing an SMTP connection from a non-common installation path. It leverages Sysmon EventCode 3 to identify processes not typically associated with email clients (e.g., Thunderbird, Outlook) making SMTP connections. This activity is significant as adversaries, including malware like AgentTesla, use such connections for Command and Control (C2) communication to exfiltrate stolen data. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could lead to unauthorized data exfiltration, including sensitive information like desktop screenshots, browser data, and system details, compromising the affected host.

References:
  - https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/details/win.agent_tesla
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Steven Dick, Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects suspicious modifications to the Active Setup registry for persistence and privilege escalation. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry data model, focusing on changes to the "StubPath" value within the "SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Active Setup\\Installed Components" path. This activity is significant as it is commonly used by malware, adware, and APTs to maintain persistence on compromised machines. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute code upon system startup, potentially leading to further system compromise and unauthorized access.

References:
  - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/malware-encyclopedia-description?Name=Backdoor%3AWin32%2FPoisonivy.E
  - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/014/
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects a process enabling the "SeDebugPrivilege" privilege token. It leverages Windows Security Event Logs with EventCode 4703, filtering out common legitimate processes. This activity is significant because SeDebugPrivilege allows a process to inspect and modify the memory of other processes, potentially leading to credential dumping or code injection. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could gain extensive control over system processes, enabling them to escalate privileges, persist in the environment, or access sensitive information.

References:
  - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4703
  - https://devblogs.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20080314-00/?p=23113
  - https://blog.palantir.com/windows-privilege-abuse-auditing-detection-and-defense-3078a403d74e
  - https://atomicredteam.io/privilege-escalation/T1134.001/#atomic-test-2---%60sedebugprivilege%60-token-duplication
  - https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/details/win.asyncrat
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Michael Haag, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the use of Microsoft HTML Application Host (mshta.exe) to make remote HTTP or HTTPS connections. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line arguments containing URLs. This activity is significant because adversaries often use mshta.exe to download and execute remote .hta files, bypassing security controls. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, or further network infiltration.

References:
  - https://github.com/redcanaryco/AtomicTestHarnesses
  - https://redcanary.com/blog/introducing-atomictestharnesses/
  - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/search/-search-3x-wds-extidx-prot-implementing
  - https://denwp.com/dissecting-lumma-malware/
  - https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/behind-the-captcha-a-clever-gateway-of-malware/
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Steven Dick
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the execution of multiple offensive toolkits and commands through the process execution datamodel. This method captures commands given directly to powershell.exe, allowing for the identification of suspicious activities including several well-known tools used for credential theft, lateral movement, and persistence. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and potential compromise of sensitive information within the environment.

References:
  - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001/
  - https://github.com/PowerShellMafia/PowerSploit
  - https://github.com/PowerShellEmpire/
  - https://github.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/PowerSharpPack
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Michael Haag, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the use of the Get-CimInstance cmdlet with the -ComputerName parameter, indicating an attempt to retrieve information from a remote computer. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging to identify this specific command execution. This activity is significant as it may indicate unauthorized remote access or information gathering by an attacker. If confirmed malicious, this could allow the attacker to collect sensitive data from remote systems, potentially leading to further exploitation or lateral movement within the network.

References:
  - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/cimcmdlets/get-ciminstance?view=powershell-7.3
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Bhavin Patel, Splunk, sventec, Github Community
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the execution of tools commonly exploited by cybercriminals, such as those used for unauthorized access, network scanning, privilege escalation, password dumping or data exfiltration.
It leverages process activity data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on known attacker tool names.
This activity is significant because it serves as an early warning system for potential security incidents, enabling prompt response. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or further network compromise, posing a severe threat to the organization's security infrastructure.
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the execution of the 'setcap' utility to enable the SUID bit on Linux systems. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data, focusing on process names and command-line arguments that indicate the use of 'setcap' with specific capabilities. This activity is significant because setting the SUID bit allows a user to temporarily gain root access, posing a substantial security risk. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could escalate privileges, execute arbitrary commands with elevated permissions, and potentially compromise the entire system.

References:
  - https://www.hackingarticles.in/linux-privilege-escalation-using-capabilities/
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: David Dorsey, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic identifies user accounts experiencing an excessive number of lockouts within a short timeframe. It leverages the 'Change' data model, specifically focusing on events where the result indicates a lockout. This activity is significant as it may indicate a brute-force attack or misconfiguration, both of which require immediate attention. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could lead to account compromise, unauthorized access, and potential lateral movement within the network.
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Raven Tait, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-13

Description:
Detects Windows command tools such as cmd, PowerShell, or pwsh being executed from the IIS installation directory.
This can be indicative of exploitation of software reliant on IIS such as Exchange.
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects the creation of RAR Self-Extracting (SFX) files by monitoring the generation of file related to rar sfx .tmp file creation during sfx installation. This method leverages a heuristic to identify RAR SFX archives based on specific markers that indicate a combination of executable code and compressed RAR data. By tracking such activity, the analytic helps pinpoint potentially unauthorized or suspicious file creation events, which are often associated with malware packaging or data exfiltration. Legitimate usage may include custom installers or compressed file delivery.

References:
  - https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/-applocker-rules-as-defense-evasion-complete-analysis.html
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Michael Haag, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects winhlp32.exe spawning a child process that loads a file from appdata, programdata, or temp directories. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process creation events. This activity is significant because winhlp32.exe has known vulnerabilities and can be exploited to execute malicious code. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could use this technique to execute arbitrary scripts, escalate privileges, or maintain persistence within the environment. Analysts should review parallel processes, module loads, and file modifications for further suspicious behavior.

References:
  - https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/16541
  - https://tria.ge/210929-ap75vsddan
  - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/cb77b93150cb0f7fe65ce8a7e2a5781e[PII_REDACTED]55a7736db84109fa215a89
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Steven Dick, Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
The following analytic detects suspicious modifications to the sdclt.exe registry, a technique often used to bypass User Account Control (UAC). It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on specific registry paths and values associated with sdclt.exe. This activity is significant because UAC bypasses can allow attackers to execute payloads with elevated privileges without user consent. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized code execution, privilege escalation, and potential persistence within the environment, posing a severe security risk.

References:
  - https://enigma0x3.net/2017/03/17/fileless-uac-bypass-using-sdclt-exe/
  - https://github.com/hfiref0x/UACME
  - https://www.cyborgsecurity.com/cyborg-labs/threat-hunt-deep-dives-user-account-control-bypass-via-registry-modification/
Sigma Detection Rule: 
Repository: splunk/security_content
Status: production
Author: Gowthamaraj Rajendran, Splunk, Emil Elsetrønning
Date: 2026-04-15

Description:
This detection identifies shell execution activity associated with Docker containers on Linux systems.
Specifically, it monitors for interactive or non-interactive shell processes (e.g., `/bin/bash`, `/bin/sh`, `/bin/zsh`) launched via Docker commands such as `docker exec`,  or through container entrypoint overrides.
Shell execution inside a container may indicate administrative troubleshooting activity.
However, it can also represent post-exploitation behavior, where an attacker gains access to a container and spawns a shell to execute arbitrary commands, establish persistence, or pivot to the host.


References:
  - https://docs.docker.com/reference/cli/docker/container/exec/
  - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/docker/