T1562.009: Safe Mode Boot
Adversaries may abuse Windows safe mode to disable endpoint defenses. Safe mode starts up the Windows operating system with a limited set of drivers and services. Third-party security software such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools may not start after booting Windows in safe mode. There are two versions of safe mode: Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. It is possible to start additional services after a safe mode boot.
Adversaries may abuse safe mode to disable endpoint defenses that may not start with a limited boot. Hosts can be forced into safe mode after the next reboot via modifications to Boot Configuration Data (BCD) stores, which are files that manage boot application settings.
Adversaries may also add their malicious applications to the list of minimal services that start in safe mode by modifying relevant Registry values (i.e. Modify Registry). Malicious Component Object Model (COM) objects may also be registered and loaded in safe mode.
Positive Technologies products that cover the technique
MaxPatrol SIEM knowledge base
mitre_attck_defense_evasion: PT-CR-2224: Safe_Mode_Boot: A user changed a system setting or registry key responsible for booting the system or starting a process, service, or driver in safe mode. This allows attackers to disable endpoint protection and avoid detection.
Detection
ID | DS0009 | Data source and component | Process: Process Creation | Description | Monitor newly executed processes that may abuse Windows safe mode to disable endpoint defenses. |
---|
ID | DS0024 | Data source and component | Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification | Description | Monitor modifications to Registry data associated with enabling safe mode. For example, a service can be forced to start on safe mode boot by adding a |
---|
ID | DS0017 | Data source and component | Command: Command Execution | Description | Monitor executed commands and arguments associated with making configuration changes to boot settings, such as |
---|
ID | DS0024 | Data source and component | Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation | Description | Monitor Registry creation for services that may start on safe mode. For example, a program can be forced to start on safe mode boot by adding a |
---|
Mitigation
ID | M1026 | Name | Privileged Account Management | Description | Restrict administrator accounts to as few individuals as possible, following least privilege principles, that may be abused to remotely boot a machine in safe mode. |
---|
ID | M1054 | Name | Software Configuration | Description | Ensure that endpoint defenses run in safe mode. |
---|