---
title: "Windows Registry Abuse"
last_modified_at: 2022-03-17
toc: true
toc_label: ""
tags:
  - Splunk Enterprise
  - Splunk Enterprise Security
  - Splunk Cloud
  - Endpoint
  - Actions on Objectives
  - Delivery
  - Exploitation
  - Installation
---

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#### Description

Windows services are often used by attackers for persistence, privilege escalation, lateral movement, defense evasion, collection of data, a tool for recon, credential dumping and payload impact. This Analytic Story helps you monitor your environment for indications that Windows registry are being modified or created in a suspicious manner.

- **Product**: Splunk Enterprise, Splunk Enterprise Security, Splunk Cloud
- **Datamodel**: [Endpoint](https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/CIM/latest/User/Endpoint)
- **Last Updated**: 2022-03-17
- **Author**: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
- **ID**: 78df1df1-25f1-4387-90f9-c4ea31ce6b75

#### Narrative

Windows Registry is one of the powerful and yet still mysterious Windows features that can tweak or manipulate Windows policies and low-level configuration settings. Because of this capability,  most malware, adversaries or threat actors abuse this hierarchical database to do their malicious intent on a targeted host or network environment. In these cases, attackers often use tools to create or modify registry in ways that are not typical for most environments, providing opportunities for detection.

#### Detections

| Name        | Technique   | Type         |
| ----------- | ----------- |--------------|
| [Allow Inbound Traffic By Firewall Rule Registry](/endpoint/allow_inbound_traffic_by_firewall_rule_registry/) | [Remote Desktop Protocol](/tags/#remote-desktop-protocol), [Remote Services](/tags/#remote-services)| TTP |
| [Allow Operation with Consent Admin](/endpoint/allow_operation_with_consent_admin/) | [Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism](/tags/#abuse-elevation-control-mechanism)| TTP |
| [Attempted Credential Dump From Registry via Reg exe](/endpoint/attempted_credential_dump_from_registry_via_reg_exe/) | [Security Account Manager](/tags/#security-account-manager), [OS Credential Dumping](/tags/#os-credential-dumping)| TTP |
| [Auto Admin Logon Registry Entry](/endpoint/auto_admin_logon_registry_entry/) | [Credentials in Registry](/tags/#credentials-in-registry), [Unsecured Credentials](/tags/#unsecured-credentials)| TTP |
| [Change Default File Association](/endpoint/change_default_file_association/) | [Change Default File Association](/tags/#change-default-file-association), [Event Triggered Execution](/tags/#event-triggered-execution)| TTP |
| [Disable AMSI Through Registry](/endpoint/disable_amsi_through_registry/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Defender AntiVirus Registry](/endpoint/disable_defender_antivirus_registry/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Defender BlockAtFirstSeen Feature](/endpoint/disable_defender_blockatfirstseen_feature/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Defender Enhanced Notification](/endpoint/disable_defender_enhanced_notification/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Defender MpEngine Registry](/endpoint/disable_defender_mpengine_registry/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Defender Spynet Reporting](/endpoint/disable_defender_spynet_reporting/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Defender Submit Samples Consent Feature](/endpoint/disable_defender_submit_samples_consent_feature/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable ETW Through Registry](/endpoint/disable_etw_through_registry/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Registry Tool](/endpoint/disable_registry_tool/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Security Logs Using MiniNt Registry](/endpoint/disable_security_logs_using_minint_registry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| TTP |
| [Disable Show Hidden Files](/endpoint/disable_show_hidden_files/) | [Hidden Files and Directories](/tags/#hidden-files-and-directories), [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Hide Artifacts](/tags/#hide-artifacts), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable UAC Remote Restriction](/endpoint/disable_uac_remote_restriction/) | [Bypass User Account Control](/tags/#bypass-user-account-control), [Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism](/tags/#abuse-elevation-control-mechanism)| TTP |
| [Disable Windows App Hotkeys](/endpoint/disable_windows_app_hotkeys/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Windows Behavior Monitoring](/endpoint/disable_windows_behavior_monitoring/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disable Windows SmartScreen Protection](/endpoint/disable_windows_smartscreen_protection/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disabling CMD Application](/endpoint/disabling_cmd_application/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disabling ControlPanel](/endpoint/disabling_controlpanel/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disabling Defender Services](/endpoint/disabling_defender_services/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disabling FolderOptions Windows Feature](/endpoint/disabling_folderoptions_windows_feature/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disabling NoRun Windows App](/endpoint/disabling_norun_windows_app/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Disabling Remote User Account Control](/endpoint/disabling_remote_user_account_control/) | [Bypass User Account Control](/tags/#bypass-user-account-control), [Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism](/tags/#abuse-elevation-control-mechanism)| TTP |
| [Disabling SystemRestore In Registry](/endpoint/disabling_systemrestore_in_registry/) | [Inhibit System Recovery](/tags/#inhibit-system-recovery)| TTP |
| [Disabling Task Manager](/endpoint/disabling_task_manager/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Enable RDP In Other Port Number](/endpoint/enable_rdp_in_other_port_number/) | [Remote Services](/tags/#remote-services)| TTP |
| [Enable WDigest UseLogonCredential Registry](/endpoint/enable_wdigest_uselogoncredential_registry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry), [OS Credential Dumping](/tags/#os-credential-dumping)| TTP |
| [ETW Registry Disabled](/endpoint/etw_registry_disabled/) | [Indicator Blocking](/tags/#indicator-blocking), [Trusted Developer Utilities Proxy Execution](/tags/#trusted-developer-utilities-proxy-execution), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Eventvwr UAC Bypass](/endpoint/eventvwr_uac_bypass/) | [Bypass User Account Control](/tags/#bypass-user-account-control), [Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism](/tags/#abuse-elevation-control-mechanism)| TTP |
| [Hide User Account From Sign-In Screen](/endpoint/hide_user_account_from_sign-in_screen/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Modification Of Wallpaper](/endpoint/modification_of_wallpaper/) | [Defacement](/tags/#defacement)| TTP |
| [Monitor Registry Keys for Print Monitors](/endpoint/monitor_registry_keys_for_print_monitors/) | [Port Monitors](/tags/#port-monitors), [Boot or Logon Autostart Execution](/tags/#boot-or-logon-autostart-execution)| TTP |
| [Registry Keys for Creating SHIM Databases](/endpoint/registry_keys_for_creating_shim_databases/) | [Application Shimming](/tags/#application-shimming), [Event Triggered Execution](/tags/#event-triggered-execution)| TTP |
| [Registry Keys Used For Persistence](/endpoint/registry_keys_used_for_persistence/) | [Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder](/tags/#registry-run-keys-/-startup-folder), [Boot or Logon Autostart Execution](/tags/#boot-or-logon-autostart-execution)| TTP |
| [Registry Keys Used For Privilege Escalation](/endpoint/registry_keys_used_for_privilege_escalation/) | [Image File Execution Options Injection](/tags/#image-file-execution-options-injection), [Event Triggered Execution](/tags/#event-triggered-execution)| TTP |
| [Remcos client registry install entry](/endpoint/remcos_client_registry_install_entry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| TTP |
| [Revil Registry Entry](/endpoint/revil_registry_entry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| TTP |
| [Screensaver Event Trigger Execution](/endpoint/screensaver_event_trigger_execution/) | [Event Triggered Execution](/tags/#event-triggered-execution), [Screensaver](/tags/#screensaver)| TTP |
| [Sdclt UAC Bypass](/endpoint/sdclt_uac_bypass/) | [Bypass User Account Control](/tags/#bypass-user-account-control), [Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism](/tags/#abuse-elevation-control-mechanism)| TTP |
| [SilentCleanup UAC Bypass](/endpoint/silentcleanup_uac_bypass/) | [Bypass User Account Control](/tags/#bypass-user-account-control), [Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism](/tags/#abuse-elevation-control-mechanism)| TTP |
| [Time Provider Persistence Registry](/endpoint/time_provider_persistence_registry/) | [Time Providers](/tags/#time-providers), [Boot or Logon Autostart Execution](/tags/#boot-or-logon-autostart-execution)| TTP |
| [Windows Disable Lock Workstation Feature Through Registry](/endpoint/windows_disable_lock_workstation_feature_through_registry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| Anomaly |
| [Windows Disable LogOff Button Through Registry](/endpoint/windows_disable_logoff_button_through_registry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| Anomaly |
| [Windows Disable Memory Crash Dump](/endpoint/windows_disable_memory_crash_dump/) | [Data Destruction](/tags/#data-destruction)| TTP |
| [Windows Disable Notification Center](/endpoint/windows_disable_notification_center/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| Anomaly |
| [Windows Disable Shutdown Button Through Registry](/endpoint/windows_disable_shutdown_button_through_registry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| Anomaly |
| [Windows Disable Windows Group Policy Features Through Registry](/endpoint/windows_disable_windows_group_policy_features_through_registry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| Anomaly |
| [Windows DisableAntiSpyware Registry](/endpoint/windows_disableantispyware_registry/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Windows Hide Notification Features Through Registry](/endpoint/windows_hide_notification_features_through_registry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| Anomaly |
| [Windows Impair Defense Delete Win Defender Context Menu](/endpoint/windows_impair_defense_delete_win_defender_context_menu/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| Hunting |
| [Windows Impair Defense Delete Win Defender Profile Registry](/endpoint/windows_impair_defense_delete_win_defender_profile_registry/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| Anomaly |
| [Windows Impair Defenses Disable Win Defender Auto Logging](/endpoint/windows_impair_defenses_disable_win_defender_auto_logging/) | [Disable or Modify Tools](/tags/#disable-or-modify-tools), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| Anomaly |
| [Windows Modify Show Compress Color And Info Tip Registry](/endpoint/windows_modify_show_compress_color_and_info_tip_registry/) | [Modify Registry](/tags/#modify-registry)| TTP |
| [Windows Registry Certificate Added](/endpoint/windows_registry_certificate_added/) | [Install Root Certificate](/tags/#install-root-certificate), [Subvert Trust Controls](/tags/#subvert-trust-controls)| TTP |
| [Windows Registry Delete Task SD](/endpoint/windows_registry_delete_task_sd/) | [Scheduled Task](/tags/#scheduled-task), [Impair Defenses](/tags/#impair-defenses)| TTP |
| [Windows Registry Modification for Safe Mode Persistence](/endpoint/windows_registry_modification_for_safe_mode_persistence/) | [Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder](/tags/#registry-run-keys-/-startup-folder), [Boot or Logon Autostart Execution](/tags/#boot-or-logon-autostart-execution)| TTP |
| [Windows Service Creation Using Registry Entry](/endpoint/windows_service_creation_using_registry_entry/) | [Services Registry Permissions Weakness](/tags/#services-registry-permissions-weakness)| TTP |
| [WSReset UAC Bypass](/endpoint/wsreset_uac_bypass/) | [Bypass User Account Control](/tags/#bypass-user-account-control), [Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism](/tags/#abuse-elevation-control-mechanism)| TTP |

#### Reference

* [https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1112/](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1112/)
* [https://redcanary.com/blog/windows-registry-attacks-threat-detection/](https://redcanary.com/blog/windows-registry-attacks-threat-detection/)



[*source*](https://github.com/splunk/security_content/tree/develop/stories/windows_registry_abuse.yml) \| *version*: **1**