Detectionmediumtest

Potentially Suspicious Desktop Background Change Using Reg.EXE

Detects the execution of "reg.exe" to alter registry keys that would replace the user's desktop background. This is a common technique used by malware to change the desktop background to a ransom note or other image.

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Launch
Stephen Lincoln (AttackIQ)Created Thu Dec 218cbc9475-8d05-4e27-9c32-df960716c701windows
Log Source
WindowsProcess Creation
ProductWindows← raw: windows
CategoryProcess Creation← raw: process_creation

Events generated when a new process is spawned on the system. Covers command-line arguments, parent/child relationships, and process metadata.

Detection Logic
Detection Logic6 selectors
detection:
    # TODO: Improve this to also focus on variation using PowerShell and other CLI tools
    selection_reg_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\reg.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'reg.exe'
    selection_reg_flag:
        CommandLine|contains: 'add'
    selection_keys:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'Control Panel\Desktop'
            - 'CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop'
            - 'CurrentVersion\Policies\System'
    selection_cli_reg_1:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '/v NoChangingWallpaper'
            - '/d 1' # Prevent changing desktop background
    selection_cli_reg_2:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '/v Wallpaper'
            - '/t REG_SZ'
    selection_cli_reg_3:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '/v WallpaperStyle'
            - '/d 2' # Stretch
    condition: all of selection_reg_* and selection_keys and 1 of selection_cli_reg_*
False Positives

Administrative scripts that change the desktop background to a company logo or other image.

Rule Metadata
Rule ID
8cbc9475-8d05-4e27-9c32-df960716c701
Status
test
Level
medium
Type
Detection
Created
Thu Dec 21
Path
rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_reg_desktop_background_change.yml
Raw Tags
attack.persistenceattack.defense-evasionattack.impactattack.t1112attack.t1491.001
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