Execution via MSSQL xp_cmdshell Stored Procedure

Identifies execution via MSSQL xp_cmdshell stored procedure. Malicious users may attempt to elevate their privileges by using xp_cmdshell, which is disabled by default, thus, it’s important to review the context of it’s use.

Rule type: eql

Rule indices:

winlogbeat-*
logs-endpoint.events.*
logs-windows.*

Severity: high

Risk score: 73

Runs every: 5m

Searches indices from: now-9m (Date Math format, see also Additional look-back time)

Maximum alerts per execution: 100

References: None

Tags:

Elastic
Host
Windows
Threat Detection
Execution

Version: 100

Rule authors:

Elastic

Rule license: Elastic License v2

Investigation guide

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Rule query

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process where event.type in ("start", "process_started") and
  process.name : "cmd.exe" and process.parent.name : "sqlservr.exe" and
  not process.args : ("\\\\*", "diskfree", "rmdir", "mkdir", "dir", "del", "rename", "bcp", "*XMLNAMESPACES*",
                      "?:\\MSSQL\\Backup\\Jobs\\sql_agent_backup_job.ps1", "K:\\MSSQL\\Backup\\msdb", "K:\\MSSQL\\Backup\\Logins")

Framework: MITRE ATT&CK^TM

Tactic:
- Name: Execution
- ID: TA0002
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0002/
Technique:
- Name: Command and Scripting Interpreter
- ID: T1059
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/

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