Windows Credential Guard Related Registry Value Deleted - Registry
Detects attempts to disable Windows Credential Guard by deleting registry values. Credential Guard uses virtualization-based security to isolate secrets so that only privileged system software can access them. Adversaries may disable Credential Guard to gain access to sensitive credentials stored in the system, such as NTLM hashes and Kerberos tickets, which can be used for lateral movement and privilege escalation.
Detection logic
selection
TargetObject|endswith:
- \DeviceGuard\EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity
- \DeviceGuard\LsaCfgFlags
- \DeviceGuard\RequirePlatformSecurityFeatures
- \Lsa\LsaCfgFlagsCondition
selectionRaw YAML
title: Windows Credential Guard Related Registry Value Deleted - Registry
id: d645ef86-2396-48a1-a2b6-b629ca3f57ff
related:
- id: c17d47b7-dcd6-4109-87eb-d1817bd4cbc9
type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
Detects attempts to disable Windows Credential Guard by deleting registry values. Credential Guard uses virtualization-based security to isolate secrets so that only privileged system software can access them.
Adversaries may disable Credential Guard to gain access to sensitive credentials stored in the system, such as NTLM hashes and Kerberos tickets, which can be used for lateral movement and privilege escalation.
references:
- https://github.com/DambergC/SaveFolder/blob/90e945eba80fae85f2d54b4616e05a44ec90c500/Cygate%20Installation%20tool%206.22/Script/OSD/OSDeployment-CredentialGuardDisable.ps1#L50
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/configure
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-12-26
tags:
- attack.defense-impairment
- attack.t1685
logsource:
category: registry_delete
product: windows
detection:
selection:
TargetObject|endswith:
- '\DeviceGuard\EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity'
- '\DeviceGuard\LsaCfgFlags'
- '\DeviceGuard\RequirePlatformSecurityFeatures'
- '\Lsa\LsaCfgFlags'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Unlikely
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/registry/registry_delete/registry_delete_disable_credential_guard/info.ymlFalse positives
- Unlikely
References
Related rules
Similar rules
Folder Removed From Exploit Guard ProtectedFolders List - Registry
highwindows · Shares T1685
Removal Of AMSI Provider Registry Keys
highwindows · Shares T1685
Removal Of Index Value to Hide Schedule Task - Registry
mediumwindows · Shares T1685
Removal Of SD Value to Hide Schedule Task - Registry
mediumwindows · Shares T1685