Windows event logs were cleared with PowerShell

Synopsis

Field	Value
Activation Period	14 Days
Training Period	30 Days
Test Period	N/A (single event)
Deduplication Period	1 Day
Required Data	XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)
ATT&CK Tactic	Defense Impairment (TA0112)
ATT&CK Technique	Disable or Modify Tools: Clear Windows Event Logs (T1685.005)
Severity	Informational

Description

Windows event logs were cleared or deleted with PowerShell.

Attacker's Goals

Attackers may clear events from Windows event logs to remove traces of their malicious activity.

Investigative actions

• Validate if the script that was executed is from a legitimate IT activity.
• Look for additional suspicious actions that were executed on the host.

Variations

Suspicious clear or delete security provider event logs with PowerShell

Synopsis

Field	Value
ATT&CK Tactic	Defense Impairment (TA0112)
ATT&CK Technique	Disable or Modify Tools: Clear Windows Event Logs (T1685.005)
Severity	High

Description

Windows event logs were cleared or deleted with PowerShell.

Attacker's Goals

Attackers may clear events from Windows event logs to remove traces of their malicious activity.

Investigative actions

• Validate if the script that was executed is from a legitimate IT activity.
• Look for additional suspicious actions that were executed on the host.

Suspicious clear or delete default providers event logs with PowerShell

Synopsis

Field	Value
ATT&CK Tactic	Defense Impairment (TA0112)
ATT&CK Technique	Disable or Modify Tools: Clear Windows Event Logs (T1685.005)
Severity	Medium

Description

Windows event logs were cleared or deleted with PowerShell.

Attacker's Goals

Attackers may clear events from Windows event logs to remove traces of their malicious activity.

Investigative actions

• Validate if the script that was executed is from a legitimate IT activity.
• Look for additional suspicious actions that were executed on the host.

Windows event logs were cleared with uncommon PowerShell command line

Synopsis

Field	Value
ATT&CK Tactic	Defense Impairment (TA0112)
ATT&CK Technique	Disable or Modify Tools: Clear Windows Event Logs (T1685.005)
Severity	Low

Description

Windows event logs were cleared or deleted with PowerShell.

Attacker's Goals

Attackers may clear events from Windows event logs to remove traces of their malicious activity.

Investigative actions

• Validate if the script that was executed is from a legitimate IT activity.
• Look for additional suspicious actions that were executed on the host.