process creation Archives

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Sysmon – Go-to Tool for IT Admins, Security Pros, and Threat Hunters Coming to Windows

Microsoft will integrate native System Monitor (Sysmon) functionality into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, enhancing security operations for IT teams. This integration will provide instant threat visibility, automate compliance through Windows Update, and include features such as process monitoring, network connection tracking, credential access detection, file system monitoring, process tampering detection, WMI persistence tracking, and custom configuration support. It will also offer official customer service support and allow seamless access to events through Windows Event Logs or Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. Administrators can enable Sysmon using the command "sysmon -i." Future plans include expanding Sysmon’s capabilities with enterprise-scale management and AI-powered detection.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Microsoft Integrates System Monitor (Sysmon) into Windows 11

Microsoft will integrate its forensic tool, System Monitor (Sysmon), into the Windows kernel with the upcoming releases of Windows 11 and Server 2025. This integration will transform Sysmon from a standalone utility into a native “Optional Feature” that will be serviced automatically through Windows Update. Administrators will no longer need to manually distribute Sysmon; instead, it can be activated through the “Turn Windows features on or off” dialog or command-line instructions. The integration will ensure that updates flow through the standard Windows Update pipeline, providing official support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Sysmon. Microsoft plans to utilize local computing capabilities for AI inferencing to enhance security measures, focusing on detecting credential theft and lateral movement patterns. Sysmon will maintain backward compatibility with existing workflows, allowing the use of custom configuration files and adhering to the XML schema while continuing to log events to the Windows event log. Community-driven configuration repositories will remain operational, preserving established community knowledge.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft is bringing native Sysmon support to Windows 11, Server 2025

Microsoft is integrating Sysmon into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, eliminating the need for separate deployments of Sysinternals tools. This integration will allow users to utilize custom configuration files for filtering captured events, which will be logged in the Windows event log. Sysmon is a free tool that monitors and blocks suspicious activities while logging events such as process creation, DNS queries, and executable file creation. It will be easily installable via the "Optional features" settings in Windows 11, with updates delivered through Windows Update. Sysmon will retain its standard features, including support for custom configuration files and advanced event filtering. Key events logged by Sysmon include process creation, network connections, process access, file creation, process tampering, and WMI events. Comprehensive documentation and new enterprise management features will be released next year.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft to integrate Sysmon directly into Windows 11, Server 2025

Microsoft will integrate Sysmon into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, eliminating the need for standalone deployment. Sysmon will allow users to utilize custom configuration files for event filtering, logging events in the Windows event log. It tracks events such as process creation, DNS queries, executable file creation, changes to the clipboard, and auto-backup of deleted files. Users can access Sysmon through "Optional features" in Windows 11 and receive updates via Windows Update. Key events logged by Sysmon include process creation, network connections, process access, file creation, process tampering, and WMI events. Comprehensive documentation and new enterprise management features will be released next year.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2025

New DefenderWrite Tool Allows Attackers to Inject Malicious DLLs into AV Executable Folders

DefenderWrite is a new tool that uses whitelisted Windows programs to bypass antivirus protections and write files into executable folders. Developed by cybersecurity expert Two Seven One Three, it allows penetration testers to deploy payloads in secure locations without needing kernel-level access. The tool identifies whitelisted system programs, enabling attackers to inject malicious DLLs into antivirus folders. In tests on Windows 11 with Microsoft Defender, four vulnerable programs were identified: msiexec.exe, Register-CimProvider.exe, svchost.exe, and lsass.exe. DefenderWrite includes parameters for targeted operations and a PowerShell script for scanning executables. It highlights the need for antivirus vendors to improve their whitelisting policies and process isolation. The tool is publicly available, raising concerns about its potential use in real-world attacks.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Hackers Exploit Windows MMC Zero-Day Vulnerability to Execute Malicious Code

Russian threat actors are exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), identified as CVE-2025-26633, allowing them to bypass security features and execute harmful code. The hacking group Water Gamayun, also known as EncryptHub and Larva-208, is behind this campaign, using a weaponized version of the vulnerability called “MSC EvilTwin” to deploy various malicious payloads, including information stealers and backdoors. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions, particularly older systems like Windows Server 2016. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added CVE-2025-26633 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, requiring federal agencies to patch affected systems by April 1, 2025. Microsoft included this vulnerability in its March 2025 Patch Tuesday update. Recommended mitigations include applying security patches, restricting network access to MMC ports, and monitoring for unusual MMC activity.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

CISA Warns of Microsoft Windows Management Console (MMC) Vulnerability Exploited in Wild

CISA has identified a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Management Console (MMC), designated as CVE-2025-26633, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code due to improper input sanitization. This vulnerability is included in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, and federal agencies must address it by April 2, 2025, as per Binding Operational Directive 22-01. Microsoft has released an out-of-band patch on March 10, 2025, to improve input validation in mmc.exe. Organizations are advised to prioritize patching, restrict MMC access, and monitor for exploitation.

Tech Optimizer

February 8, 2025

New Attack Technique to Bypassing EDR as Low Privileged Standard User

A new cyberattack technique allows attackers to bypass Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems while using low-privileged standard user accounts. This method utilizes masquerading and path obfuscation to disguise malicious payloads as legitimate processes, misleading detection systems and analysts. Process creation events are crucial for identifying threats, with tools like Sysmon logging detailed information about process execution. Attackers can manipulate file paths to evade restrictions on placing payloads in protected directories. They create folders that mimic legitimate antivirus software paths using Unicode characters to resemble spaces. For example, a folder may be named C:Program[U+2000]Files, allowing the attacker to introduce their payload (SuperJuicy.exe) without raising alarms. The execution of the payload results in logs that appear legitimate, complicating detection efforts. This technique poses challenges for EDR systems, including confusion in log analysis, deceptive attribution to legitimate software, and prolonged dwell time for malicious payloads. Defensive strategies include enhanced logging rules to flag Unicode characters, adjusting log viewers to display these characters, and restricting folder creation permissions for standard users.