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AppLocker and Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) are critical for restricting unauthorized script executions. However, default exclusions (e.g., C:\Windows\Tasks) can introduce security gaps. Below are verified commands, tools, and steps to audit and harden these policies.
You Should Know:
1. Check AppLocker Policy Exclusions
Run PowerShell to audit current AppLocker rules:
Get-AppLockerPolicy -Effective -Xml | Format-List -Property RuleCollections
Look for dangerous path exclusions like:
– `C:\Windows\Tasks`
– `C:\Windows\Temp`
– `C:\Users\Public`
2. Test WDAC Enforcement
Use ScriptHostTest (Download Here) to verify script execution policies:
Invoke-ScriptHostTest -TestAll -Verbose
This tool checks:
- PowerShell, VBScript, JScript, and HTA execution contexts.
- Bypass attempts via alternate script hosts.
3. Remove Risky Default Rules
Delete insecure AppLocker defaults:
Set-AppLockerPolicy -XmlPolicy (Get-AppLockerPolicy -Local).XML -Merge -ErrorAction Stop
4. Enforce WDAC in Audit Mode First
Deploy WDAC in audit mode before enforcing:
ConvertFrom-CIPolicy -XmlFilePath ".\WDAC_Policy.xml" -BinaryFilePath ".\WDAC_Policy.bin"
Deploy with:
CiTool --update-policy ".\WDAC_Policy.bin"
5. Monitor Bypass Attempts
Check Event Viewer for AppLocker/WDAC logs:
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Microsoft-Windows-AppLocker/EXE and DLL" -MaxEvents 50 | Format-Table -AutoSize
What Undercode Say:
Default exclusions in AppLocker and WDAC create easy exploitation paths. Attackers abuse directories like `C:\Windows\Tasks` to bypass restrictions. Always:
– Audit policies using ScriptHostTest and PowerShell.
– Remove unnecessary path exceptions.
– Test WDAC in audit mode before enforcement.
– Log and monitor execution attempts.
Expected Output:
[AppLocker Audit] - RuleCollection: Script Rules - Allowed Paths: C:\Windows\Tasks (UNSAFE) [WDAC Test] - PowerShell Execution: Blocked ✅ - MSHTA Bypass Attempt: Detected ❌
Prediction:
As attackers increasingly abuse trusted paths, Microsoft may enforce stricter default WDAC/AppLocker rules. Organizations must proactively audit and customize policies to prevent script-based breaches.
Relevant URLs:
References:
Reported By: Spenceralessi Super – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
