Security alerts - a reference guide

This article lists the security alerts you might get from Microsoft Defender for Cloud and any Microsoft Defender plans you enabled. The alerts shown in your environment depend on the resources and services you're protecting, and your customized configuration.

At the bottom of this page, there's a table describing the Microsoft Defender for Cloud kill chain aligned with version 9 of the MITRE ATT&CK matrix.

Learn how to respond to these alerts.

Learn how to export alerts.

Note

Alerts from different sources might take different amounts of time to appear. For example, alerts that require analysis of network traffic might take longer to appear than alerts related to suspicious processes running on virtual machines.

Alerts for Windows machines

Further details and notes

Alert (alert type) Description MITRE tactics
(Learn more)
Severity
A logon from a malicious IP has been detected A successful remote authentication for the account [account] and process [process] occurred, however the logon IP address (x.x.x.x) has previously been reported as malicious or highly unusual. A successful attack has probably occurred. - High
A logon from a malicious IP has been detected. [seen multiple times] A successful remote authentication for the account [account] and process [process] occurred, however the logon IP address (x.x.x.x) has previously been reported as malicious or highly unusual. A successful attack has probably occurred. Files with the .scr extensions are screen saver files and are normally reside and execute from the Windows system directory. - High
Addition of Guest account to Local Administrators group Analysis of host data has detected the addition of the built-in Guest account to the Local Administrators group on %{Compromised Host}, which is strongly associated with attacker activity. - Medium
An event log was cleared Machine logs indicate a suspicious event log clearing operation by user: '%{user name}' in Machine: '%{CompromisedEntity}'. The %{log channel} log was cleared. - Informational
Antimalware Action Taken Microsoft Antimalware for Azure has taken an action to protect this machine from malware or other potentially unwanted software. - Medium
Antimalware Action Failed Microsoft Antimalware has encountered an error when taking an action on malware or other potentially unwanted software. - Medium
Detected Petya ransomware indicators Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected indicators associated with Petya ransomware. See https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/mmpc/2017/06/27/new-ransomware-old-techniques-petya-adds-worm-capabilities/ for more information. Review the command line associated in this alert and escalate this alert to your security team. - High
Detected actions indicative of disabling and deleting IIS log files Analysis of host data detected actions that show IIS log files being disabled and/or deleted. - Medium
Detected anomalous mix of upper and lower case characters in command-line Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a command line with anomalous mix of upper and lower case characters. This kind of pattern, while possibly benign, is also typical of attackers trying to hide from case-sensitive or hash-based rule matching when performing administrative tasks on a compromised host. - Medium
Detected change to a registry key that can be abused to bypass UAC Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected that a registry key that can be abused to bypass UAC (User Account Control) was changed. This kind of configuration, while possibly benign, is also typical of attacker activity when trying to move from unprivileged (standard user) to privileged (for example administrator) access on a compromised host. - Medium
Detected decoding of an executable using built-in certutil.exe tool Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected that certutil.exe, a built-in administrator utility, was being used to decode an executable instead of its mainstream purpose that relates to manipulating certificates and certificate data. Attackers are known to abuse functionality of legitimate administrator tools to perform malicious actions, for example using a tool such as certutil.exe to decode a malicious executable that will then be subsequently executed. - High
Detected enabling of the WDigest UseLogonCredential registry key Analysis of host data detected a change in the registry key HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\WDigest\ "UseLogonCredential". Specifically this key has been updated to allow logon credentials to be stored in clear text in LSA memory. Once enabled an attacker can dump clear text passwords from LSA memory with credential harvesting tools such as Mimikatz. - Medium
Detected encoded executable in command line data Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a base-64 encoded executable. This has previously been associated with attackers attempting to construct executables on-the-fly through a sequence of commands, and attempting to evade intrusion detection systems by ensuring that no individual command would trigger an alert. This could be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - High
Detected obfuscated command line Attackers use increasingly complex obfuscation techniques to evade detections that run against the underlying data. Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected suspicious indicators of obfuscation on the commandline. - Informational
Detected possible execution of keygen executable Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected execution of a process whose name is indicative of a keygen tool; such tools are typically used to defeat software licensing mechanisms but their download is often bundled with other malicious software. Activity group GOLD has been known to make use of such keygens to covertly gain back door access to hosts that they compromise. - Medium
Detected possible execution of malware dropper Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a filename that has previously been associated with one of activity group GOLD's methods of installing malware on a victim host. - High
Detected possible local reconnaissance activity Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a combination of systeminfo commands that has previously been associated with one of activity group GOLD's methods of performing reconnaissance activity. While 'systeminfo.exe' is a legitimate Windows tool, executing it twice in succession in the way that has occurred here is rare. -
Detected potentially suspicious use of Telegram tool Analysis of host data shows installation of Telegram, a free cloud-based instant messaging service that exists both for mobile and desktop system. Attackers are known to abuse this service to transfer malicious binaries to any other computer, phone, or tablet. - Medium
Detected suppression of legal notice displayed to users at logon Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected changes to the registry key that controls whether a legal notice is displayed to users when they log on. Microsoft security analysis has determined that this is a common activity undertaken by attackers after having compromised a host. - Low
Detected suspicious combination of HTA and PowerShell mshta.exe (Microsoft HTML Application Host) which is a signed Microsoft binary is being used by the attackers to launch malicious PowerShell commands. Attackers often resort to having an HTA file with inline VBScript. When a victim browses to the HTA file and chooses to run it, the PowerShell commands and scripts that it contains are executed. Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected mshta.exe launching PowerShell commands. - Medium
Detected suspicious commandline arguments Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected suspicious commandline arguments that have been used in conjunction with a reverse shell used by activity group HYDROGEN. - High
Detected suspicious commandline used to start all executables in a directory Analysis of host data has detected a suspicious process running on %{Compromised Host}. The commandline indicates an attempt to start all executables (*.exe) that may reside in a directory. This could be an indication of a compromised host. - Medium
Detected suspicious credentials in commandline Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a suspicious password being used to execute a file by activity group BORON. This activity group has been known to use this password to execute Pirpi malware on a victim host. - High
Detected suspicious document credentials Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a suspicious, common precomputed password hash used by malware being used to execute a file. Activity group HYDROGEN has been known to use this password to execute malware on a victim host. - High
Detected suspicious execution of VBScript.Encode command Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of VBScript.Encode command. This encodes the scripts into unreadable text, making it more difficult for users to examine the code. Microsoft threat research shows that attackers often use encoded VBscript files as part of their attack to evade detection systems. This could be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - Medium
Detected suspicious execution via rundll32.exe Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected rundll32.exe being used to execute a process with an uncommon name, consistent with the process naming scheme previously seen used by activity group GOLD when installing their first stage implant on a compromised host. - High
Detected suspicious file cleanup commands Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a combination of systeminfo commands that has previously been associated with one of activity group GOLD's methods of performing post-compromise self-cleanup activity. While 'systeminfo.exe' is a legitimate Windows tool, executing it twice in succession, followed by a delete command in the way that has occurred here is rare. - High
Detected suspicious file creation Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected creation or execution of a process which has previously indicated post-compromise action taken on a victim host by activity group BARIUM. This activity group has been known to use this technique to download additional malware to a compromised host after an attachment in a phishing doc has been opened. - High
Detected suspicious named pipe communications Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected data being written to a local named pipe from a Windows console command. Named pipes are known to be a channel used by attackers to task and communicate with a malicious implant. This could be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - High
Detected suspicious network activity Analysis of network traffic from %{Compromised Host} detected suspicious network activity. Such traffic, while possibly benign, is typically used by an attacker to communicate with malicious servers for downloading of tools, command-and-control and exfiltration of data. Typical related attacker activity includes copying remote administration tools to a compromised host and exfiltrating user data from it. - Low
Detected suspicious new firewall rule Analysis of host data detected a new firewall rule has been added via netsh.exe to allow traffic from an executable in a suspicious location. - Medium
Detected suspicious use of Cacls to lower the security state of the system Attackers use myriad ways like brute force, spear phishing etc. to achieve initial compromise and get a foothold on the network. Once initial compromise is achieved they often take steps to lower the security settings of a system. Cacls—short for change access control list is Microsoft Windows native command-line utility often used for modifying the security permission on folders and files. A lot of time the binary is used by the attackers to lower the security settings of a system. This is done by giving Everyone full access to some of the system binaries like ftp.exe, net.exe, wscript.exe etc. Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected suspicious use of Cacls to lower the security of a system. - Medium
Detected suspicious use of FTP -s Switch Analysis of process creation data from the %{Compromised Host} detected the use of the FTP "-s:filename" switch. This switch is used to specify an FTP script file for the client to run. Malware or malicious processes are known to use this FTP switch (-s:filename) to point to a script file which is configured to connect to a remote FTP server and download additional malicious binaries. - Medium
Detected suspicious use of Pcalua.exe to launch executable code Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the use of pcalua.exe to launch executable code. Pcalua.exe is component of the Microsoft Windows "Program Compatibility Assistant" which detects compatibility issues during the installation or execution of a program. Attackers are known to abuse functionality of legitimate Windows system tools to perform malicious actions, for example using pcalua.exe with the -a switch to launch malicious executables either locally or from remote shares. - Medium
Detected the disabling of critical services The analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected execution of "net.exe stop" command being used to stop critical services like SharedAccess or Windows Security Center. The stopping of either of these services can be indication of a malicious behavior. - Medium
Digital currency mining related behavior detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of a process or command normally associated with digital currency mining. - High
Dynamic PS script construction Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a PowerShell script being constructed dynamically. Attackers sometimes use this approach of progressively building up a script in order to evade IDS systems. This could be legitimate activity, or an indication that one of your machines has been compromised. - Medium
Executable found running from a suspicious location Analysis of host data detected an executable file on %{Compromised Host} that is running from a location in common with known suspicious files. This executable could either be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - High
High risk software detected Analysis of host data from %{Compromised Host} detected the usage of software that has been associated with the installation of malware in the past. A common technique utilized in the distribution of malicious software is to package it within otherwise benign tools such as the one seen in this alert. Upon using these tools, the malware can be silently installed in the background. - Medium
Local Administrators group members were enumerated Machine logs indicate a successful enumeration on group %{Enumerated Group Domain Name}%{Enumerated Group Name}. Specifically, %{Enumerating User Domain Name}%{Enumerating User Name} remotely enumerated the members of the %{Enumerated Group Domain Name}%{Enumerated Group Name} group. This activity could either be legitimate activity, or an indication that a machine in your organization has been compromised and used to reconnaissance %{vmname}. - Informational
Malicious SQL activity Machine logs indicate that '%{process name}' was executed by account: %{user name}. This activity is considered malicious. - High
Malicious firewall rule created by ZINC server implant [seen multiple times] A firewall rule was created using techniques that match a known actor, ZINC. The rule was possibly used to open a port on %{Compromised Host} to allow for Command & Control communications. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - High
Multiple Domain Accounts Queried Analysis of host data has determined that an unusual number of distinct domain accounts are being queried within a short time period from %{Compromised Host}. This kind of activity could be legitimate, but can also be an indication of compromise. - Medium
Possible credential dumping detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data has detected use of native windows tool (e.g. sqldumper.exe) being used in a way that allows to extract credentials from memory. Attackers often use these techniques to extract credentials that they then further use for lateral movement and privilege escalation. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Potential attempt to bypass AppLocker detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a potential attempt to bypass AppLocker restrictions. AppLocker can be configured to implement a policy that limits what executables are allowed to run on a Windows system. The command-line pattern similar to that identified in this alert has been previously associated with attacker attempts to circumvent AppLocker policy by using trusted executables (allowed by AppLocker policy) to execute untrusted code. This could be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - High
PsExec execution detected Analysis of host data indicates that the process %{Process Name} was executed by PsExec utility. PsExec can be used for running processes remotely. This technique might be used for malicious purposes. - Informational
Ransomware indicators detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data indicates suspicious activity traditionally associated with lock-screen and encryption ransomware. Lock screen ransomware displays a full-screen message preventing interactive use of the host and access to its files. Encryption ransomware prevents access by encrypting data files. In both cases a ransom message is typically displayed, requesting payment in order to restore file access. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - High
Ransomware indicators detected Analysis of host data indicates suspicious activity traditionally associated with lock-screen and encryption ransomware. Lock screen ransomware displays a full-screen message preventing interactive use of the host and access to its files. Encryption ransomware prevents access by encrypting data files. In both cases a ransom message is typically displayed, requesting payment in order to restore file access. - High
Rare SVCHOST service group executed The system process SVCHOST was observed running a rare service group. Malware often uses SVCHOST to masquerade its malicious activity. - Informational
Sticky keys attack detected Analysis of host data indicates that an attacker may be subverting an accessibility binary (for example sticky keys, onscreen keyboard, narrator) in order to provide backdoor access to the host %{Compromised Host}. - Medium
Successful brute force attack Several sign in attempts were detected from the same source. Some successfully authenticated to the host.
This resembles a burst attack, in which an attacker performs numerous authentication attempts to find valid account credentials.
- Medium/High
Suspect integrity level indicative of RDP hijacking Analysis of host data has detected the tscon.exe running with SYSTEM privileges - this can be indicative of an attacker abusing this binary in order to switch context to any other logged on user on this host; it is a known attacker technique to compromise additional user accounts and move laterally across a network. - Medium
Suspect service installation Analysis of host data has detected the installation of tscon.exe as a service: this binary being started as a service potentially allows an attacker to trivially switch to any other logged on user on this host by hijacking RDP connections; it is a known attacker technique to compromise additional user accounts and move laterally across a network. - Medium
Suspected Kerberos Golden Ticket attack parameters observed Analysis of host data detected commandline parameters consistent with a Kerberos Golden Ticket attack. - Medium
Suspicious Account Creation Detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected creation or use of a local account %{Suspicious account name} : this account name closely resembles a standard Windows account or group name '%{Similar To Account Name}'. This is potentially a rogue account created by an attacker, so named in order to avoid being noticed by a human administrator. - Medium
Suspicious Activity Detected Analysis of host data has detected a sequence of one or more processes running on %{machine name} that have historically been associated with malicious activity. While individual commands may appear benign the alert is scored based on an aggregation of these commands. This could either be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - Medium
Suspicious PowerShell Activity Detected Analysis of host data detected a PowerShell script running on %{Compromised Host} that has features in common with known suspicious scripts. This script could either be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - High
Suspicious PowerShell cmdlets executed Analysis of host data indicates execution of known malicious PowerShell PowerSploit cmdlets. - Medium
Suspicious SQL activity Machine logs indicate that '%{process name}' was executed by account: %{user name}. This activity is uncommon with this account. - Medium
Suspicious SVCHOST process executed The system process SVCHOST was observed running in an abnormal context. Malware often uses SVCHOST to masquerade its malicious activity. - High
Suspicious Screensaver process executed The process '%{process name}' was observed executing from an uncommon location. Files with the .scr extensions are screen saver files and are normally reside and execute from the Windows system directory. - Medium
Suspicious Volume Shadow Copy Activity Analysis of host data has detected a shadow copy deletion activity on the resource. Volume Shadow Copy (VSC) is an important artifact that stores data snapshots. Some malware and specifically Ransomware, targets VSC to sabotage backup strategies. - High
Suspicious WindowPosition registry value detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected an attempted WindowPosition registry configuration change that could be indicative of hiding application windows in non-visible sections of the desktop. This could be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised machine: this type of activity has been previously associated with known adware (or unwanted software) such as Win32/OneSystemCare and Win32/SystemHealer and malware such as Win32/Creprote. When the WindowPosition value is set to 201329664, (Hex: 0x0c00 0c00, corresponding to X-axis=0c00 and the Y-axis=0c00) this places the console app's window in a non-visible section of the user's screen in an area that is hidden from view below the visible start menu/taskbar. Known suspect Hex value includes, but not limited to c000c000 - Low
Suspicious authentication activity Although none of them succeeded, some of them used accounts were recognized by the host. This resembles a dictionary attack, in which an attacker performs numerous authentication attempts using a dictionary of predefined account names and passwords in order to find valid credentials to access the host. This indicates that some of your host account names might exist in a well-known account name dictionary. - Medium
Suspicious command execution Machine logs indicate a suspicious command-line execution by user %{user name}. -
Suspicious double extension file executed Analysis of host data indicates an execution of a process with a suspicious double extension. This extension may trick users into thinking files are safe to be opened and might indicate the presence of malware on the system. - High
Suspicious download using Certutil detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the use of certutil.exe, a built-in administrator utility, for the download of a binary instead of its mainstream purpose that relates to manipulating certificates and certificate data. Attackers are known to abuse functionality of legitimate administrator tools to perform malicious actions, for example using certutil.exe to download and decode a malicious executable that will then be subsequently executed. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Suspicious download using Certutil detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the use of certutil.exe, a built-in administrator utility, for the download of a binary instead of its mainstream purpose that relates to manipulating certificates and certificate data. Attackers are known to abuse functionality of legitimate administrator tools to perform malicious actions, for example using certutil.exe to download and decode a malicious executable that will then be subsequently executed. - Medium
Suspicious process executed [seen multiple times] Machine logs indicate that the suspicious process: '%{Suspicious Process}' was running on the machine, often associated with attacker attempts to access credentials. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - High
Suspicious process executed Machine logs indicate that the suspicious process: '%{Suspicious Process}' was running on the machine, often associated with attacker attempts to access credentials. - High
Suspicious process name detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a process whose name is suspicious, for example corresponding to a known attacker tool or named in a way that is suggestive of attacker tools that try to hide in plain sight. This process could be legitimate activity, or an indication that one of your machines has been compromised. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Suspicious process name detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a process whose name is suspicious, for example corresponding to a known attacker tool or named in a way that is suggestive of attacker tools that try to hide in plain sight. This process could be legitimate activity, or an indication that one of your machines has been compromised. - Medium
Suspicious process termination burst Analysis of host data indicates a suspicious process termination burst in %{Machine Name}. Specifically, %{NumberOfCommands} processes were killed between %{Begin} and %{Ending}. - Low
Suspicious system process executed The system process %{process name} was observed running in an abnormal context. Malware often uses this process name to masquerade its malicious activity. - High
Suspiciously named process detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a process whose name is very similar to but different from a very commonly run process (%{Similar To Process Name}). While this process could be benign attackers are known to sometimes hide in plain sight by naming their malicious tools to resemble legitimate process names. - Medium
Unusual process execution detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of a process by %{User Name} that was unusual. Accounts such as %{User Name} tend to perform a limited set of operations, this execution was determined to be out of character and may be suspicious. - High
VBScript HTTP object allocation detected Creation of a VBScript file using Command Prompt has been detected. The following script contains HTTP object allocation command. This action can be used to download malicious files. - High
Windows registry persistence method detected Analysis of host data has detected an attempt to persist an executable in the Windows registry. Malware often uses such a technique to survive a boot. - Low

Alerts for Linux machines

Further details and notes

Alert (alert type) Description MITRE tactics
(Learn more)
Severity
Access of htaccess file detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected possible manipulation of a htaccess file. Htaccess is a powerful configuration file that allows you to make multiple changes to a web server running the Apache Web software including basic redirect functionality, or for more advanced functions such as basic password protection. Attackers will often modify htaccess files on machines they have compromised to gain persistence. - Medium
An history file has been cleared Analysis of host data indicates that the command history log file has been cleared. Attackers may do this to cover their traces. The operation was performed by user: '%{user name}'. - Medium
Attempt to stop apt-daily-upgrade.timer service detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected an attempt to stop apt-daily-upgrade.timer service. In some recent attacks, attackers have been observed stopping this service, to download malicious files and granting execution privileges for their attack. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Low
Attempt to stop apt-daily-upgrade.timer service detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected an attempt to stop apt-daily-upgrade.timer service. In some recent attacks, attackers have been observed stopping this service, to download malicious files and granting execution privileges for their attack. - Low
Behavior similar to common Linux bots detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of a process normally associated with common Linux botnets. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Behavior similar to common Linux bots detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of a process normally associated with common Linux botnets. - Medium
Behavior similar to Fairware ransomware detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of rm -rf commands applied to suspicious locations. As rm -rf will recursively delete files, it is normally used on discrete folders. In this case, it is being used in a location that could remove a lot of data. Fairware ransomware is known to execute rm -rf commands in this folder. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Behavior similar to Fairware ransomware detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of rm -rf commands applied to suspicious locations. As rm -rf will recursively delete files, it is normally used on discrete folders. In this case, it is being used in a location that could remove a lot of data. Fairware ransomware is known to execute rm -rf commands in this folder. - Medium
Behavior similar to ransomware detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of files that have resemblance of known ransomware that can prevent users from accessing their system or personal files, and demands ransom payment in order to regain access. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - High
Container with a miner image detected Machine logs indicate execution of a Docker container that runs an image associated with a digital currency mining. This behavior can possibly indicate that your resources are abused by an attacker. - High
Detected anomalous mix of upper and lower case characters in command line Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a command line with anomalous mix of upper and lower case characters. This kind of pattern, while possibly benign, is also typical of attackers trying to hide from case-sensitive or hash-based rule matching when performing administrative tasks on a compromised host. - Medium
Detected file download from a known malicious source [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data has detected the download of a file from a known malware source on %{Compromised Host}. This behavior was seen over [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Detected file download from a known malicious source Analysis of host data has detected the download of a file from a known malware source on %{Compromised Host}. - Medium
Detected persistence attempt [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} has detected installation of a startup script for single-user mode. It is extremely rare that any legitimate process needs to execute in that mode, so this may indicate that an attacker has added a malicious process to every run-level to guarantee persistence. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Detected persistence attempt Host data analysis has detected that a startup script for single-user mode has been installed.
Because it's rare that any legitimate process would be required to run in that mode, this might indicate that an attacker has added a malicious process to every run-level to guarantee persistence.
Persistence Medium
Detected suspicious file download [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data has detected suspicious download of remote file on %{Compromised Host}. This behavior was seen 10 times today on the following machines: [Machine name] - Low
Detected suspicious file download Analysis of host data has detected suspicious download of remote file on %{Compromised Host}. - Low
Detected suspicious network activity Analysis of network traffic from %{Compromised Host} detected suspicious network activity. Such traffic, while possibly benign, is typically used by an attacker to communicate with malicious servers for downloading of tools, command-and-control and exfiltration of data. Typical related attacker activity includes copying remote administration tools to a compromised host and exfiltrating user data from it. - Low
Detected suspicious use of the useradd command [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data has detected suspicious use of the useradd command on %{Compromised Host}. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Detected suspicious use of the useradd command Analysis of host data has detected suspicious use of the useradd command on %{Compromised Host}. - Medium
Digital currency mining related behavior detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of a process or command normally associated with digital currency mining. - High
Disabling of auditd logging [seen multiple times] The Linux Audit system provides a way to track security-relevant information on the system. It records as much information about the events that are happening on your system as possible. Disabling auditd logging could hamper discovering violations of security policies used on the system. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Low
Executable found running from a suspicious location Analysis of host data detected an executable file on %{Compromised Host} that is running from a location in common with known suspicious files. This executable could either be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - High
Exploitation of Xorg vulnerability [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the user of Xorg with suspicious arguments. Attackers may use this technique in privilege escalation attempts. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Exposed Docker daemon detected Machine logs indicate that your Docker daemon (dockerd) exposes a TCP socket. By default, Docker configuration, does not use encryption or authentication when a TCP socket is enabled. This enables full access to the Docker daemon, by anyone with access to the relevant port. - Medium
Failed SSH brute force attack Failed brute force attacks were detected from the following attackers: %{Attackers}. Attackers were trying to access the host with the following user names: %{Accounts used on failed sign in to host attempts}. - Medium
Hidden file execution detected Analysis of host data indicates that a hidden file was executed by %{user name}. This activity could either be legitimate activity, or an indication of a compromised host. - Informational
Indicators associated with DDOS toolkit detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected file names that are part of a toolkit associated with malware capable of launching DDoS attacks, opening ports and services and taking full control over the infected system. This could also possibly be legitimate activity. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Indicators associated with DDOS toolkit detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected file names that are part of a toolkit associated with malware capable of launching DDoS attacks, opening ports and services and taking full control over the infected system. This could also possibly be legitimate activity. - Medium
Local host reconnaissance detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of a command normally associated with common Linux bot reconnaissance. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Local host reconnaissance detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of a command normally associated with common Linux bot reconnaissance. - Medium
Manipulation of host firewall detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected possible manipulation of the on-host firewall. Attackers will often disable this to exfiltrate data. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Manipulation of host firewall detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected possible manipulation of the on-host firewall. Attackers will often disable this to exfiltrate data. - Medium
MITRE Caldera agent detected
(VM_MitreCalderaTools)
Machine logs indicate that the suspicious process: '%{Suspicious Process}' was running on %{Compromised Host}. This is often associated with the MITRE 54ndc47 agent which could be used maliciously to attack other machines in some way. All Medium
New SSH key added [seen multiple times] A new SSH key was added to the authorized keys file. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Low
New SSH key added A new SSH key was added to the authorized keys file - Low
Possible attack tool detected [seen multiple times] Machine logs indicate that the suspicious process: '%{Suspicious Process}' was running on %{Compromised Host}. This tool is often associated with malicious users attacking other machines in some way. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Possible attack tool detected Machine logs indicate that the suspicious process: '%{Suspicious Process}' was running on %{Compromised Host}. This tool is often associated with malicious users attacking other machines in some way. - Medium
Possible backdoor detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data has detected a suspicious file being downloaded then run on %{Compromised Host} in your subscription. This activity has previously been associated with installation of a backdoor. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Possible credential access tool detected [seen multiple times] Machine logs indicate a possible known credential access tool was running on %{Compromised Host} launched by process: '%{Suspicious Process}'. This tool is often associated with attacker attempts to access credentials. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Possible credential access tool detected Machine logs indicate a possible known credential access tool was running on %{Compromised Host} launched by process: '%{Suspicious Process}'. This tool is often associated with attacker attempts to access credentials. - Medium
Possible exploitation of Hadoop Yarn Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the possible exploitation of the Hadoop Yarn service. - Medium
Possible exploitation of the mailserver detected
(VM_MailserverExploitation )
Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected an unusual execution under the mail server account Exploitation Medium
Possible Log Tampering Activity Detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected possible removal of files that tracks user's activity during the course of its operation. Attackers often try to evade detection and leave no trace of malicious activities by deleting such log files. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Possible Log Tampering Activity Detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected possible removal of files that tracks user's activity during the course of its operation. Attackers often try to evade detection and leave no trace of malicious activities by deleting such log files. - Medium
Possible loss of data detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a possible data egress condition. Attackers will often egress data from machines they have compromised. This behavior was seen [x]] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Possible loss of data detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a possible data egress condition. Attackers will often egress data from machines they have compromised. - Medium
Possible malicious web shell detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a possible web shell. Attackers will often upload a web shell to a machine they have compromised to gain persistence or for further exploitation. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Possible malicious web shell detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a possible web shell. Attackers will often upload a web shell to a machine they have compromised to gain persistence or for further exploitation. - Medium
Possible password change using crypt-method detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected password change using crypt method. Attackers can make this change to continue access and gaining persistence after compromise. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Potential overriding of common files [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data has detected common executables being overwritten on %{Compromised Host}. Attackers will overwrite common files as a way to obfuscate their actions or for persistence. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Potential overriding of common files Analysis of host data has detected common executables being overwritten on %{Compromised Host}. Attackers will overwrite common files as a way to obfuscate their actions or for persistence. - Medium
Potential port forwarding to external IP address [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the initiation of port forwarding to an external IP address. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Potential port forwarding to external IP address Host data analysis detected the initiation of port forwarding to an external IP address. Exfiltration / CommandAndControl Medium
Potential reverse shell detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a potential reverse shell. These are used to get a compromised machine to call back into a machine an attacker owns. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Potential reverse shell detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a potential reverse shell. These are used to get a compromised machine to call back into a machine an attacker owns. - Medium
Privileged command run in container Machine logs indicate that a privileged command was run in a Docker container. A privileged command has extended privileges on the host machine. - Low
Privileged Container Detected Machine logs indicate that a privileged Docker container is running. A privileged container has a full access to the host's resources. If compromised, an attacker can use the privileged container to gain access to the host machine. - Low
Process associated with digital currency mining detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of a process normally associated with digital currency mining. This behavior was seen over 100 times today on the following machines: [Machine name] - Medium
Process associated with digital currency mining detected Host data analysis detected the execution of a process that is normally associated with digital currency mining. Exploitation / Execution Medium
Process seen accessing the SSH authorized keys file in an unusual way An SSH authorized keys file has been accessed in a method similar to known malware campaigns. This access can indicate that an attacker is attempting to gain persistent access to a machine. -
Python encoded downloader detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the execution of encoded Python that downloads and runs code from a remote location. This may be an indication of malicious activity. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Low
Screenshot taken on host [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected the user of a screen capture tool. Attackers may use these tools to access private data. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Low
Script extension mismatch detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a mismatch between the script interpreter and the extension of the script file provided as input. This has frequently been associated with attacker script executions. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Script extension mismatch detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a mismatch between the script interpreter and the extension of the script file provided as input. This has frequently been associated with attacker script executions. - Medium
Shellcode detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected shellcode being generated from the command line. This process could be legitimate activity, or an indication that one of your machines has been compromised. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
SSH server is running inside a container Machine logs indicate that an SSH server is running inside a Docker container. While this behavior can be intentional, it frequently indicates that a container is misconfigured or breached. - Medium
Successful SSH brute force attack Analysis of host data has detected a successful brute force attack. The IP %{Attacker source IP} was seen making multiple login attempts. Successful logins were made from that IP with the following user(s): %{Accounts used to successfully sign in to host}. This means that the host may be compromised and controlled by a malicious actor. - High
Suspicious Account Creation Detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected creation or use of a local account %{Suspicious account name} : this account name closely resembles a standard Windows account or group name '%{Similar To Account Name}'. This is potentially a rogue account created by an attacker, so named in order to avoid being noticed by a human administrator. - Medium
Suspicious compilation detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected suspicious compilation. Attackers will often compile exploits on a machine they have compromised to escalate privileges. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Suspicious compilation detected Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected suspicious compilation. Attackers will often compile exploits on a machine they have compromised to escalate privileges. - Medium
Suspicious kernel module detected [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data on %{Compromised Host} detected a shared object file being loaded as a kernel module. This could be legitimate activity, or an indication that one of your machines has been compromised. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Medium
Suspicious password access [seen multiple times] Analysis of host data has detected suspicious access to encrypted user passwords on %{Compromised Host}. This behavior was seen [x] times today on the following machines: [Machine names] - Informational
Suspicious password access Analysis of host data has detected suspicious access to encrypted user passwords on %{Compromised Host}. - Informational
Suspicious PHP execution detected Machine logs indicate that a suspicious PHP process is running. The action included an attempt to run OS commands or PHP code from the command line using the PHP process. While this behavior can be legitimate, in web applications this behavior is also observed in malicious activities such as attempts to infect websites with web shells. - Medium
Suspicious request to Kubernetes API Machine logs indicate that a suspicious request was made to the Kubernetes API. The request was sent from a Kubernetes node, possibly from one of the containers running in the node. Although this behavior can be intentional, it might indicate that the node is running a compromised container. - Medium

Alerts for containers - Kubernetes clusters

Further details and notes

Alert Description MITRE tactics
(Learn more)
Severity
Container with a sensitive volume mount detected Kubernetes audit log analysis detected a new container with a sensitive volume mount. The volume that was detected is a hostPath type that mounts a sensitive file or folder from the node to the container. If the container gets compromised, the attacker can use this mount to gain access to the node. PrivilegeEscalation Medium
Digital currency mining container detected Kubernetes audit log analysis detected a container that has an image associated with a digital currency mining tool. Execution High
New container in the kube-system namespace detected Kubernetes audit log analysis detected a new container in the kube-system namespace that isn't among the containers that normally run in this namespace. The kube-system namespaces shouldn't contain user resources. Attackers can use this namespace to hide malicious components. Persistence Low
New high privileges role detected Kubernetes audit log analysis detected a new role with high privileges. A binding to a role with high privileges gives the user/group elevated privileges in the cluster. Unnecessarily providing elevated privileges might result in privilege escalation issues in the cluster. Persistence Low
Privileged container detected Kubernetes audit log analysis detected a new privileged container. A privileged container has access to the node's resources and breaks the isolation between containers. If compromised, an attacker can use the privileged container to gain access to the node. PrivilegeEscalation Low
Role binding to the cluster-admin role detected Kubernetes audit log analysis detected a new binding to the cluster-admin role resulting in administrator privileges. Unnecessarily providing administrator privileges might result in privilege escalation issues in the cluster. Persistence Low
Exposed Kubeflow dashboard detected The Kubernetes audit log analysis detected exposure of the Istio Ingress by a load balancer in a cluster that runs Kubeflow.
This action might expose the Kubeflow dashboard to the internet. If the dashboard is exposed to the internet, attackers can access it and run malicious containers or code on the cluster.
Learn more in Misconfigured Kubeflow workloads are a security risk.
Initial access Medium
Exposed Redis service in AKS detected The Kubernetes audit log analysis detected exposure of a Redis service by a load balancer.
If the service doesn’t require authentication, exposing it to the internet poses a security risk.
Initial access Medium
Exposed Kubernetes service detected The Kubernetes audit log analysis detected exposure of a service by a load balancer. This service is related to a sensitive application that allows high impact operations in the cluster such as running processes on the node or creating new containers.
In some cases, this service doesn’t require authentication. If the service doesn’t require authentication, exposing it to the internet poses a security risk.
Initial access Medium

Alerts for containers - host level

Further details and notes

Alert Description MITRE tactics
(Learn more)
Severity
Privileged Container Detected Machine logs indicate that a privileged Docker container is running. A privileged container has full access to the host's resources. If compromised, an attacker can use the privileged container to gain access to the host machine. PrivilegeEscalation / Execution Low
Privileged command run in container Machine logs indicate that a privileged command was run in a Docker container. A privileged command has extended privileges on the host machine. PrivilegeEscalation Low
Exposed Docker daemon detected Machine logs indicate that your Docker daemon (dockerd) exposes a TCP socket. By default, Docker configuration doesn't use encryption or authentication when a TCP socket is enabled. Anyone with access to the relevant port can then get full access to the Docker daemon. Exploitation / Execution Medium
SSH server is running inside a container Machine logs indicate that an SSH server is running inside a Docker container. While this behavior can be intentional, it frequently indicates that a container is misconfigured or breached. Execution Medium
Container with a miner image detected Machine logs indicate execution of a Docker container running an image associated with digital currency mining. This behavior can possibly indicate that your resources are being abused. Execution High
Suspicious request to Kubernetes API Machine logs indicate that a suspicious request was made to the Kubernetes API. The request was sent from a Kubernetes node, possibly from one of the containers running in the node. Although this behavior can be intentional, it might indicate that the node is running a compromised container. Execution Medium
Suspicious request to the Kubernetes Dashboard Machine logs indicate that a suspicious request was made to the Kubernetes Dashboard. The request was sent from a Kubernetes node, possibly from one of the containers running in the node. Although this behavior can be intentional, it might indicate that the node is running a compromised container. Lateral movement Medium

Alerts for SQL Database and Azure Synapse Analytics

Further details and notes

Alert Description MITRE tactics
(Learn more)
Severity
A possible vulnerability to SQL Injection An application has generated a faulty SQL statement in the database. This can indicate a possible vulnerability to SQL injection attacks. There are two possible reasons for a faulty statement. A defect in application code might have constructed the faulty SQL statement. Or, application code or stored procedures didn't sanitize user input when constructing the faulty SQL statement, which can be exploited for SQL injection. - Medium
Potential SQL injection An active exploit has occurred against an identified application vulnerable to SQL injection. This means an attacker is trying to inject malicious SQL statements by using the vulnerable application code or stored procedures. - High

Security incident alerts

Further details and notes

Alert Description MITRE tactics
(Learn more)
Severity
Security incident with shared process detected The incident which started on {Start Time (UTC)} and recently detected on {Detected Time (UTC)} indicates that an attacker has {Action taken} your resource {Host} - High
Security incident detected on multiple resources The incident which started on {Start Time (UTC)} and recently detected on {Detected Time (UTC)} indicates that similar attack methods were performed on your cloud resources {Host} - Medium
Security incident detected from same source The incident which started on {Start Time (UTC)} and recently detected on {Detected Time (UTC)} indicates that an attacker has {Action taken} your resource {Host} - High
Security incident detected on multiple machines The incident which started on {Start Time (UTC)} and recently detected on {Detected Time (UTC)} indicates that an attacker has {Action taken} your resources {Host} - Medium

MITRE ATT&CK tactics

Understanding the intention of an attack can help you investigate and report the event more easily. To help with these efforts, Microsoft Defender for Cloud alerts include the MITRE tactics with many alerts.

The series of steps that describe the progression of a cyberattack from reconnaissance to data exfiltration is often referred to as a "kill chain".

Defender for Cloud's supported kill chain intents are based on version 7 of the MITRE ATT&CK matrix and described in the table below.

Tactic Description
PreAttack PreAttack could be either an attempt to access a certain resource regardless of a malicious intent, or a failed attempt to gain access to a target system to gather information prior to exploitation. This step is usually detected as an attempt, originating from outside the network, to scan the target system and identify an entry point.
InitialAccess InitialAccess is the stage where an attacker manages to get a foothold on the attacked resource. This stage is relevant for compute hosts and resources such as user accounts, certificates etc. Threat actors will often be able to control the resource after this stage.
Persistence Persistence is any access, action, or configuration change to a system that gives a threat actor a persistent presence on that system. Threat actors will often need to maintain access to systems through interruptions such as system restarts, loss of credentials, or other failures that would require a remote access tool to restart or provide an alternate backdoor for them to regain access.
PrivilegeEscalation Privilege escalation is the result of actions that allow an adversary to obtain a higher level of permissions on a system or network. Certain tools or actions require a higher level of privilege to work and are likely necessary at many points throughout an operation. User accounts with permissions to access specific systems or perform specific functions necessary for adversaries to achieve their objective may also be considered an escalation of privilege.
DefenseEvasion Defense evasion consists of techniques an adversary may use to evade detection or avoid other defenses. Sometimes these actions are the same as (or variations of) techniques in other categories that have the added benefit of subverting a particular defense or mitigation.
CredentialAccess Credential access represents techniques resulting in access to or control over system, domain, or service credentials that are used within an enterprise environment. Adversaries will likely attempt to obtain legitimate credentials from users or administrator accounts (local system administrator or domain users with administrator access) to use within the network. With sufficient access within a network, an adversary can create accounts for later use within the environment.
Discovery Discovery consists of techniques that allow the adversary to gain knowledge about the system and internal network. When adversaries gain access to a new system, they must orient themselves to what they now have control of and what benefits operating from that system give to their current objective or overall goals during the intrusion. The operating system provides many native tools that aid in this post-compromise information-gathering phase.
LateralMovement Lateral movement consists of techniques that enable an adversary to access and control remote systems on a network and could, but does not necessarily, include execution of tools on remote systems. The lateral movement techniques could allow an adversary to gather information from a system without needing additional tools, such as a remote access tool. An adversary can use lateral movement for many purposes, including remote Execution of tools, pivoting to additional systems, access to specific information or files, access to additional credentials, or to cause an effect.
Execution The execution tactic represents techniques that result in execution of adversary-controlled code on a local or remote system. This tactic is often used in conjunction with lateral movement to expand access to remote systems on a network.
Collection Collection consists of techniques used to identify and gather information, such as sensitive files, from a target network prior to exfiltration. This category also covers locations on a system or network where the adversary may look for information to exfiltrate.
Exfiltration Exfiltration refers to techniques and attributes that result or aid in the adversary removing files and information from a target network. This category also covers locations on a system or network where the adversary may look for information to exfiltrate.
CommandAndControl The command and control tactic represents how adversaries communicate with systems under their control within a target network.
Impact Impact events primarily try to directly reduce the availability or integrity of a system, service, or network; including manipulation of data to impact a business or operational process. This would often refer to techniques such as ransomware, defacement, data manipulation, and others.

Next steps

To learn more about Microsoft Defender for Cloud security alerts, see the following: