Microsoft Defender AV must audit process creations originating from PSExec and WMI commands.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-278651 | WNDF-AV-000047 | SV-278651r1190734_rule | CCI-001170 | medium |
| Description | ||||
| This policy setting blocks processes created through PsExec and WMI from running. Both PsExec and WMI can remotely execute code. There is a risk of malware abusing functionality of PsExec and WMI for command and control purposes, or to spread an infection throughout an organization's network. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2026-02-17 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-278651r1190734_chk)
Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard >> Attack Surface Reduction >> Configure Attack Surface Reduction rules is set to "Enabled".
Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\ASR\Rules
Criteria: If the value "d1e49aac-8f56-4280-b9ba-993a6d77406c" is REG_SZ = 2, this is not a finding.
If the value is other than 2, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-83090r1190733_fix)
Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard >> Attack Surface Reduction >> Configure Attack Surface Reduction rules to "Enabled".
Under the policy option "Set the state for each ASR rule:", then click "Show".
Enter GUID "d1e49aac-8f56-4280-b9ba-993a6d77406c" in the "Value Name" column.
Enter "2" in the "Value" column.