Registry Tampering

Modifying the Windows registry to disrupt system functionality or enable malicious actions.

Understanding:

Registry tampering involves malicious modifications to the Windows Registry, allowing attackers to achieve persistence, disable security mechanisms, or execute malware. The registry is a critical system database that controls configurations and settings for applications and the operating system.

Common Applications and Use Cases:

Persistence Mechanisms – Attackers modify registry keys to execute malware at startup.
Disabling Security Features – Malware alters registry values to disable Windows Defender, firewalls, and antivirus solutions.
Privilege Escalation Attacks – Exploiting registry vulnerabilities to gain higher system privileges.

Best Practices and Security Considerations:

Monitor Registry Changes – Use tools like Sysmon, SIEM solutions, and Windows Event Logging.
Implement Registry Whitelisting – Allow only authorized applications to modify critical registry keys.
Use Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) – Detects suspicious registry modifications in real time.