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Introduction
Security Operations Center (SOC) teams face relentless threats targeting Windows environments. A well-structured Incident Response (IR) playbook is critical for rapid detection, analysis, and mitigation. This guide dives into Windows-based SOC IR tactics, covering detection logic, MITRE ATT&CK mappings, and hardening techniques.
Learning Objectives
- Understand Windows attack vectors and detection methodologies.
- Learn actionable IR steps for common Windows threats.
- Apply hardening measures to prevent future breaches.
You Should Know
1. Detecting Suspicious Process Execution with PowerShell
Command:
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon/Operational" | Where-Object { $<em>.ID -eq 1 -and $</em>.Message -like "powershell" } | Select-Object -First 10
What It Does:
This command queries Sysmon logs for PowerShell process creation events, a common entry point for attackers.
Steps:
- Ensure Sysmon is installed and logging (
sysmon -i -accepteula). - Run the command to filter Event ID 1 (process creation).
3. Investigate unexpected PowerShell executions.
2. Investigating Lateral Movement via WMI
Command:
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Microsoft-Windows-WMI-Activity/Operational" | Where-Object { $_.ID -eq 5861 } | Format-List
What It Does:
Monitors WMI activity for lateral movement attempts (e.g., wmic process call create).
Steps:
- Check Event ID 5861 for suspicious WMI executions.
2. Correlate with IPs/usernames for attacker pivoting.
3. Hunting for Persistence via Registry Modifications
Command:
reg query HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run /s
What It Does:
Lists auto-start registry entries, a common persistence mechanism.
Steps:
1. Run the command to review autorun keys.
2. Flag unrecognized entries for removal.
4. Detecting Pass-the-Hash Attacks
Command:
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Security" | Where-Object { $<em>.ID -eq 4624 -and $</em>.Properties[bash].Value -eq 9 }
What It Does:
Identifies logon events with Logon Type 9 (Pass-the-Hash).
Steps:
- Filter Event ID 4624 for Logon Type 9.
2. Investigate anomalous logins from unusual IPs.
5. Blocking Ransomware with SRP
Command:
New-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Safer\CodeIdentifiers" -Name "DefaultPolicy" -Value "Disallowed" -PropertyType String
What It Does:
Enforces Software Restriction Policies (SRP) to block untrusted executables.
Steps:
- Apply the registry key to disable unauthorized scripts.
2. Test with a non-approved executable.
- Analyzing LSASS Memory Dumps for Credential Theft
Command:
procdump.exe -ma lsass.exe lsass_dump.dmp
What It Does:
Creates a memory dump of LSASS for forensic analysis (often targeted by Mimikatz).
Steps:
1. Use Procdump (Sysinternals) to export LSASS.
- Analyze with tools like Volatility or Mimikatz (defensive only).
7. Hardening Windows Defender with ASR Rules
Command:
Set-MpPreference -AttackSurfaceReductionRules_Ids <RuleGUID> -AttackSurfaceReductionRules_Actions Enabled
What It Does:
Enables Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules to block Office macros, script attacks, etc.
Steps:
1. List ASR GUIDs (`Get-MpPreference`).
- Enable critical rules (e.g., block Office child processes).
What Undercode Say
- Key Takeaway 1: Windows IR requires layered visibility—Sysmon, WMI, and Defender logs are essential.
- Key Takeaway 2: Proactive hardening (SRP, ASR) reduces breach impact.
Analysis:
Windows remains a prime target due to its prevalence. SOC teams must automate detection (SIEM/Sysmon) and enforce least-privilege policies. The rise of fileless attacks (PowerShell, WMI) demands advanced logging and behavioral analysis.
Prediction
Future attacks will leverage AI-driven evasion (e.g., polymorphic scripts). SOCs must adopt UEBA (User Entity Behavior Analytics) and real-time memory forensics to stay ahead.
For the full SOC IR playbook, check the original LinkedIn post [bash].
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Izzmier Windows – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
