endpoint security

Implementing Application Whitelisting with AppLocker

Implements application whitelisting using Windows AppLocker to restrict unauthorized software execution on endpoints, reducing attack surface from malware, unauthorized tools, and shadow IT. Use when enforcing application control policies, meeting compliance requirements for software restriction, or preventing execution of unsigned or untrusted binaries. Activates for requests involving AppLocker, application whitelisting, software restriction, or executable control.

application-whitelistingapplockerendpointsoftware-restrictionwindows-security
Install this skill
npx skills add mukul975/Anthropic-Cybersecurity-Skills
Framework mappings

When to Use

Use this skill when:

  • Implementing application control to prevent unauthorized software execution on Windows endpoints
  • Meeting compliance requirements (PCI DSS 6.4.3, NIST 800-53 CM-7, ACSC Essential Eight)
  • Blocking common attack vectors: living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins), script-based attacks, unauthorized admin tools
  • Restricting software installation in kiosk, POS, or high-security environments

Do not use this skill for macOS/Linux application control (use OS-native tools like Gatekeeper or AppArmor) or for enterprise-grade WDAC (Windows Defender Application Control) deployments.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10/11 Enterprise or Education, or Windows Server 2016+
  • Application Identity service (AppIDSvc) enabled on target endpoints
  • Active Directory with Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
  • Complete application inventory of approved software
  • Test OU with representative endpoints for policy validation

Workflow

Step 1: Inventory Approved Applications

Before creating AppLocker rules, catalog all legitimate software:

# Generate application inventory on reference endpoint
Get-AppLockerFileInformation -Directory "C:\Program Files" -Recurse `
  -FileType Exe | Export-Csv "C:\AppLocker\app_inventory_progfiles.csv" -NoTypeInformation
 
Get-AppLockerFileInformation -Directory "C:\Program Files (x86)" -Recurse `
  -FileType Exe | Export-Csv "C:\AppLocker\app_inventory_progfiles86.csv" -NoTypeInformation
 
# Include Windows system executables
Get-AppLockerFileInformation -Directory "C:\Windows" -Recurse `
  -FileType Exe | Export-Csv "C:\AppLocker\app_inventory_windows.csv" -NoTypeInformation

Step 2: Create AppLocker Policy with Default Rules

# In Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or GPMC:
# Navigate to: Computer Configuration → Policies → Windows Settings
#   → Security Settings → Application Control Policies → AppLocker
 
# Enable default rules for each rule collection:
# - Executable Rules: Allow Everyone to run files in Program Files and Windows
# - Windows Installer Rules: Allow Everyone to run digitally signed MSIs
# - Script Rules: Allow Everyone to run scripts in Program Files and Windows
# - Packaged App Rules: Allow Everyone to run signed packaged apps
 
# PowerShell: Generate default rules
$defaultRules = Get-AppLockerPolicy -Local -Xml
Set-AppLockerPolicy -XmlPolicy $defaultRules -Merge

Step 3: Create Publisher-Based Rules (Preferred)

Publisher rules are the most maintainable since they survive application updates:

<!-- Example AppLocker policy XML for publisher rules -->
<RuleCollection Type="Exe" EnforcementMode="AuditOnly">
  <!-- Default: Allow Windows binaries -->
  <FilePublisherRule Id="a9e18c21-ff54-4677-b3ac-4b9a03261f6c"
    Name="Allow Microsoft signed" Description="Allow all Microsoft-signed executables"
    UserOrGroupSid="S-1-1-0" Action="Allow">
    <Conditions>
      <FilePublisherCondition PublisherName="O=MICROSOFT CORPORATION*"
        ProductName="*" BinaryName="*">
        <BinaryVersionRange LowSection="*" HighSection="*"/>
      </FilePublisherCondition>
    </Conditions>
  </FilePublisherRule>
 
  <!-- Allow specific third-party vendor -->
  <FilePublisherRule Id="b2e28c32-aa65-5788-c4bd-5c0b14372e7d"
    Name="Allow Adobe Acrobat" Description="Allow Adobe-signed Acrobat executables"
    UserOrGroupSid="S-1-1-0" Action="Allow">
    <Conditions>
      <FilePublisherCondition PublisherName="O=ADOBE INC.*"
        ProductName="ADOBE ACROBAT*" BinaryName="*">
        <BinaryVersionRange LowSection="*" HighSection="*"/>
      </FilePublisherCondition>
    </Conditions>
  </FilePublisherRule>
</RuleCollection>

Step 4: Block Known-Abused Binaries (LOLBins)

# Deny rules for commonly abused living-off-the-land binaries
# These are legitimate Windows tools frequently used by attackers
 
$denyPaths = @(
    "%SYSTEM32%\mshta.exe",
    "%SYSTEM32%\wscript.exe",
    "%SYSTEM32%\cscript.exe",
    "%SYSTEM32%\regsvr32.exe",
    "%SYSTEM32%\certutil.exe",
    "%SYSTEM32%\msbuild.exe",
    "%SYSTEM32%\installutil.exe",
    "%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\*\msbuild.exe",
    "%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\*\msbuild.exe"
)
 
# Create deny rules in AppLocker policy for standard users
# Important: Deny rules take precedence over Allow rules
# Apply only to standard users (not admins who may need these tools)

Step 5: Configure Script Rules

Script Rules (critical for preventing script-based attacks):
 
Allow:
  - Scripts in C:\Program Files\* (publisher or path-based)
  - Scripts in C:\Windows\* (default Windows scripts)
  - Approved admin scripts from \\fileserver\scripts\*
 
Deny (for standard users):
  - PowerShell scripts from user-writable directories
  - VBScript from %TEMP%, %APPDATA%, %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
  - JavaScript (.js) from any user-writable location
 
DLL Rules (optional, high performance impact):
  - Enable only in high-security environments
  - Allow signed DLLs from Program Files and Windows directories
  - Performance impact: 5-10% CPU increase during DLL loading

Step 6: Deploy in Audit Mode First

# CRITICAL: Always deploy AppLocker in Audit mode before Enforce mode
# Audit mode logs what would be blocked without actually blocking
 
# Set enforcement mode to Audit Only in GPO:
# AppLocker → Executable Rules → Properties → Configured: Audit only
# AppLocker → Script Rules → Properties → Configured: Audit only
# AppLocker → Windows Installer Rules → Properties → Configured: Audit only
 
# Ensure Application Identity service is running
Set-Service -Name AppIDSvc -StartupType Automatic
Start-Service AppIDSvc
 
# Link GPO to test OU
New-GPLink -Name "AppLocker-Audit-Policy" `
  -Target "OU=AppLocker-Pilot,DC=corp,DC=example,DC=com"
 
# Monitor audit logs for 2-4 weeks
# Event Log: Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → AppLocker
# Event IDs:
#   8003 = EXE/DLL would be blocked
#   8006 = Script/MSI would be blocked
#   8023 = Packaged app would be blocked

Step 7: Analyze Audit Logs and Refine Rules

# Export AppLocker audit events
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Microsoft-Windows-AppLocker/EXE and DLL" `
  -FilterXPath "*[System[EventID=8003]]" |
  Select-Object TimeCreated,
    @{N='User';E={$_.Properties[0].Value}},
    @{N='FilePath';E={$_.Properties[1].Value}},
    @{N='FileHash';E={$_.Properties[4].Value}} |
  Export-Csv "C:\AppLocker\audit_blocked_exes.csv" -NoTypeInformation
 
# Review blocked applications
# For each blocked legitimate application:
#   1. Create a publisher rule (if signed) or path rule (if unsigned)
#   2. Add to AppLocker policy
#   3. Re-audit for 1 additional week

Step 8: Switch to Enforce Mode

# After audit period with no legitimate applications blocked:
# Change enforcement mode from Audit to Enforce
 
# Update GPO:
# AppLocker → Executable Rules → Properties → Configured: Enforce rules
# AppLocker → Script Rules → Properties → Configured: Enforce rules
 
# Phased enforcement:
# Week 1: Enforce EXE rules only
# Week 2: Enforce Script rules
# Week 3: Enforce MSI rules
# Week 4: (Optional) Enforce DLL rules
 
# Maintain monitoring: Event IDs 8004 (blocked EXE), 8007 (blocked script)

Key Concepts

Term Definition
Application Whitelisting Security model that allows only pre-approved applications to execute, denying everything else by default
Publisher Rule AppLocker rule based on digital signature; most resilient to application updates
Path Rule AppLocker rule based on file system path; less secure as attackers can place files in allowed paths
Hash Rule AppLocker rule based on file hash; most restrictive but breaks on every application update
LOLBin Living Off the Land Binary; legitimate OS tool abused by attackers to avoid detection
Audit Mode AppLocker logs policy violations without blocking; essential for rule refinement
Enforcement Mode AppLocker actively blocks applications that violate policy rules

Tools & Systems

  • AppLocker (built-in): Windows application control feature in Enterprise/Education editions
  • WDAC (Windows Defender Application Control): More advanced successor to AppLocker for modern Windows
  • Microsoft LAPS: Manages local admin passwords to prevent bypassing AppLocker via admin rights
  • WDAC Wizard: GUI tool for creating Windows Defender Application Control policies
  • AaronLocker: Open-source AppLocker rule generator by Microsoft employee (GitHub)

Common Pitfalls

  • Skipping Audit mode: Deploying AppLocker in Enforce mode without audit period will block critical applications and cause outages.
  • Relying solely on path rules: Users with write access to allowed paths (C:\Windows\Temp) can bypass path-based rules. Prefer publisher rules.
  • Not blocking user-writable directories: The most common gap is allowing execution from %TEMP%, Downloads, or %APPDATA%.
  • Forgetting Application Identity service: AppLocker requires the AppIDSvc service running. If it stops, all rules stop enforcing.
  • Admin bypass: Local administrators can bypass AppLocker by default. For full enforcement, combine with WDAC which enforces for all users including admins.
  • DLL rule performance: Enabling DLL rules creates significant performance overhead. Only enable in high-security environments where the tradeoff is justified.
Source materials

References and resources

Everything below is rendered for inspection. Script files are read-only and never run.

References 3

api-reference.md1.5 KB

API Reference: Implementing Application Whitelisting with AppLocker

PowerShell AppLocker Management

# Export current policy
Get-AppLockerPolicy -Effective -Xml | Out-File applocker_policy.xml
 
# Import policy from XML
Set-AppLockerPolicy -XmlPolicy applocker_policy.xml
 
# Test if file is allowed
Test-AppLockerPolicy -XmlPolicy policy.xml -Path "C:\app.exe" -User Everyone
 
# Get AppLocker event logs
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Microsoft-Windows-AppLocker/EXE and DLL"

AppLocker Event IDs

Event ID Type Meaning
8002 EXE/DLL Allowed
8003 EXE/DLL Blocked
8004 EXE/DLL Would block (audit)
8005 Script Allowed
8006 Script Blocked
8007 Script Would block (audit)

Rule Collections

Collection File Types
Executable .exe, .com
Windows Installer .msi, .msp, .mst
Script .ps1, .bat, .cmd, .vbs, .js
DLL .dll, .ocx
Packaged App AppX/MSIX

GPO Configuration Path

Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings >
  Security Settings > Application Control Policies > AppLocker

Default Rule Paths

%PROGRAMFILES%\*     - Allow Everyone
%WINDIR%\*           - Allow Everyone
*                    - Allow BUILTIN\Administrators

References

standards.md2.8 KB

Standards & References - Implementing Application Whitelisting with AppLocker

Primary Standards

NIST SP 800-167 - Guide to Application Whitelisting

ACSC Essential Eight - Application Control

CIS Control 2 - Software Inventory and Control

  • Publisher: Center for Internet Security
  • Relevance: CIS Controls v8 Control 2 requires software allowlisting for authorized applications

Compliance Mappings

Framework Requirement AppLocker Coverage
PCI DSS 4.0 6.4.3 - Restrict active content AppLocker script rules block unauthorized scripts
NIST 800-53 CM-7 - Least Functionality AppLocker enforces minimum required software
NIST 800-53 CM-11 - User-Installed Software AppLocker prevents unauthorized software installation
NIST 800-171 3.4.8 - Application whitelisting Direct requirement for application control
ISO 27001 A.12.5.1 - Installation of software on operational systems AppLocker restricts installation capability
HIPAA 164.312(a)(1) - Access Control Restricts executable access to authorized applications

Microsoft Documentation

Supporting References

  • LOLBAS Project: https://lolbas-project.github.io/ - Living Off The Land Binaries reference for deny rule creation
  • AaronLocker (GitHub): Open-source toolkit for generating robust AppLocker policies
  • UltimateAppLockerByPassList: Security research on AppLocker bypass techniques for defense awareness
workflows.md3.8 KB

Workflows - Implementing Application Whitelisting with AppLocker

Workflow 1: Initial AppLocker Deployment

[Application Inventory]

    ├── Scan reference endpoints for installed applications
    ├── Catalog all approved software by publisher/path/hash
    ├── Identify admin tools vs. standard user applications


[Policy Design]

    ├── Create default allow rules (Program Files, Windows)
    ├── Create publisher rules for third-party vendors
    ├── Create deny rules for LOLBins (standard users only)
    ├── Create script control rules


[Audit Mode Deployment]

    ├── Deploy via GPO to pilot OU (Audit Only)
    ├── Enable Application Identity service
    ├── Monitor for 2-4 weeks


[Audit Log Analysis]

    ├── Export blocked events (8003, 8006)
    ├── Identify legitimate applications being blocked

    ├── Blocked app is legitimate ──► [Create allow rule]
    │                                       │
    │                                       ▼
    │                                  [Re-audit 1 week]

    └── All blocked apps are unauthorized ──► [Proceed to enforcement]


                                               [Switch to Enforce mode (phased)]

                                                    ├── Week 1: EXE rules
                                                    ├── Week 2: Script rules
                                                    ├── Week 3: MSI rules
                                                    └── Week 4: DLL rules (optional)

Workflow 2: New Application Approval

[User requests new application]


[Security review of application]

    ├── Is it signed by trusted publisher? ──► [Create publisher rule]

    ├── Unsigned but necessary? ──► [Create hash rule + document exception]

    └── Fails security review ──► [Deny request, document reason]


[Add rule to AppLocker GPO]


[Deploy to pilot OU, verify no conflicts]


[Deploy to production OU]


[Update application inventory]

Workflow 3: AppLocker Bypass Incident Response

[Detection: Unauthorized execution despite AppLocker]


[Identify bypass technique]

    ├── LOLBin not blocked ──► [Add deny rule for specific binary]

    ├── Execution from allowed path ──► [Restrict path rule scope]

    ├── Admin user bypass ──► [Evaluate WDAC migration for admin enforcement]

    └── DLL side-loading ──► [Enable DLL rules or deploy WDAC]


[Update AppLocker policy with fix]


[Verify fix in audit mode on test endpoint]


[Deploy fix to production]


[Update threat model and rule documentation]

Workflow 4: AppLocker to WDAC Migration

[Decision: Migrate from AppLocker to WDAC]


[Audit current AppLocker policy]

    ├── Export AppLocker rules as XML
    ├── Identify rules that need WDAC equivalents


[Create WDAC policy using WDAC Wizard]

    ├── Convert publisher rules to WDAC signer rules
    ├── Convert path rules to WDAC filepath rules
    ├── Add Microsoft recommended block rules


[Deploy WDAC in Audit mode alongside AppLocker]


[Monitor WDAC audit events for 4 weeks]


[Resolve WDAC audit findings]


[Switch WDAC to Enforce mode]


[Disable AppLocker policy]

Scripts 2

agent.py7.1 KB
Display-only source. This catalog never executes bundled scripts.
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""Agent for implementing and auditing AppLocker application whitelisting policies."""

import json
import argparse
import re
import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
from datetime import datetime
from pathlib import Path


APPLOCKER_EVENT_IDS = {
    8002: ("EXE/DLL allowed", "INFO"),
    8003: ("EXE/DLL denied", "HIGH"),
    8004: ("EXE/DLL would be denied (audit)", "MEDIUM"),
    8005: ("Script allowed", "INFO"),
    8006: ("Script denied", "HIGH"),
    8007: ("Script would be denied (audit)", "MEDIUM"),
    8020: ("Packaged app allowed", "INFO"),
    8021: ("Packaged app denied", "HIGH"),
    8022: ("Packaged app would be denied (audit)", "MEDIUM"),
}


def parse_applocker_policy(xml_path):
    """Parse an exported AppLocker policy XML file."""
    tree = ET.parse(xml_path)
    root = tree.getroot()
    ns = {"al": "http://schemas.microsoft.com/windows/2006/applocker"}
    rules = []
    for collection in root.findall(".//al:RuleCollection", ns):
        rule_type = collection.get("Type", "")
        mode = collection.get("EnforcementMode", "NotConfigured")
        for rule in collection:
            rule_data = {
                "collection": rule_type,
                "enforcement_mode": mode,
                "name": rule.get("Name", ""),
                "action": rule.get("Action", ""),
                "user_or_group": rule.get("UserOrGroupSid", ""),
                "type": rule.tag.replace(f"{{{ns.get('al', '')}}}", ""),
            }
            conditions = rule.findall(".//*")
            for cond in conditions:
                if "Path" in cond.tag:
                    rule_data["path"] = cond.get("Path", "")
                elif "Publisher" in cond.tag:
                    rule_data["publisher"] = cond.get("PublisherName", "")
                elif "Hash" in cond.tag:
                    rule_data["hash"] = cond.get("Data", "")
            rules.append(rule_data)
    return rules


def audit_applocker_rules(rules):
    """Audit AppLocker rules for security weaknesses."""
    findings = []
    for rule in rules:
        if rule.get("enforcement_mode") == "AuditOnly":
            findings.append({
                "collection": rule["collection"],
                "issue": "audit_mode_only",
                "severity": "MEDIUM",
                "recommendation": "Switch to Enforce mode after validation",
            })
        if rule.get("enforcement_mode") == "NotConfigured":
            findings.append({
                "collection": rule["collection"],
                "issue": "not_configured",
                "severity": "HIGH",
                "recommendation": "Enable enforcement for this rule collection",
            })
        path = rule.get("path", "")
        if path and rule.get("action") == "Allow":
            risky_paths = [r"\\Users\\", r"\\Temp\\", r"\\Downloads\\",
                          r"\\AppData\\", r"\\ProgramData\\"]
            for rp in risky_paths:
                if re.search(rp, path, re.IGNORECASE):
                    findings.append({
                        "rule_name": rule["name"],
                        "path": path,
                        "issue": "allow_from_user_writable_path",
                        "severity": "CRITICAL",
                    })
                    break
        if rule.get("user_or_group") == "S-1-1-0" and rule.get("action") == "Allow":
            findings.append({
                "rule_name": rule["name"],
                "issue": "allow_for_everyone",
                "severity": "MEDIUM",
            })
    return findings


def analyze_applocker_events(log_path):
    """Analyze AppLocker event logs for blocked and audit events."""
    events = []
    with open(log_path) as f:
        for line in f:
            try:
                entry = json.loads(line)
            except json.JSONDecodeError:
                continue
            event_id = int(entry.get("EventID", entry.get("event_id", 0)))
            if event_id in APPLOCKER_EVENT_IDS:
                desc, severity = APPLOCKER_EVENT_IDS[event_id]
                events.append({
                    "event_id": event_id,
                    "description": desc,
                    "severity": severity,
                    "timestamp": entry.get("TimeCreated", entry.get("timestamp", "")),
                    "computer": entry.get("Computer", entry.get("hostname", "")),
                    "user": entry.get("User", entry.get("user", "")),
                    "file_path": entry.get("FilePath", entry.get("file_path", "")),
                    "publisher": entry.get("Publisher", ""),
                })
    denied = [e for e in events if "denied" in e["description"].lower()]
    audit = [e for e in events if "audit" in e["description"].lower()]
    return {"total_events": len(events), "denied": denied, "audit_blocks": audit}


def generate_baseline_policy():
    """Generate a baseline AppLocker policy recommendation."""
    return {
        "exe_rules": {
            "enforcement_mode": "Enforce",
            "default_rules": [
                {"action": "Allow", "path": "%PROGRAMFILES%\\*", "scope": "Everyone"},
                {"action": "Allow", "path": "%WINDIR%\\*", "scope": "Everyone"},
                {"action": "Allow", "path": "*", "scope": "BUILTIN\\Administrators"},
            ],
        },
        "script_rules": {
            "enforcement_mode": "Enforce",
            "default_rules": [
                {"action": "Allow", "path": "%PROGRAMFILES%\\*", "scope": "Everyone"},
                {"action": "Allow", "path": "%WINDIR%\\*", "scope": "Everyone"},
            ],
        },
        "dll_rules": {
            "enforcement_mode": "AuditOnly",
            "note": "Start with audit mode due to high volume",
        },
    }


def main():
    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="AppLocker Whitelisting Agent")
    parser.add_argument("--policy", help="Exported AppLocker policy XML")
    parser.add_argument("--events", help="AppLocker event log (JSON lines)")
    parser.add_argument("--output", default="applocker_audit_report.json")
    parser.add_argument("--action", choices=["audit", "events", "baseline", "full"],
                        default="full")
    args = parser.parse_args()

    report = {"generated_at": datetime.utcnow().isoformat(), "findings": {}}

    if args.action in ("audit", "full") and args.policy:
        rules = parse_applocker_policy(args.policy)
        findings = audit_applocker_rules(rules)
        report["findings"]["policy_audit"] = findings
        report["findings"]["total_rules"] = len(rules)
        print(f"[+] Policy rules: {len(rules)}, Issues: {len(findings)}")

    if args.action in ("events", "full") and args.events:
        result = analyze_applocker_events(args.events)
        report["findings"]["event_analysis"] = result
        print(f"[+] Events: {result['total_events']}, Denied: {len(result['denied'])}")

    if args.action in ("baseline", "full"):
        baseline = generate_baseline_policy()
        report["findings"]["baseline_policy"] = baseline
        print("[+] Baseline policy generated")

    with open(args.output, "w") as fout:
        json.dump(report, fout, indent=2, default=str)
    print(f"[+] Report saved to {args.output}")


if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()
process.py9.1 KB
Display-only source. This catalog never executes bundled scripts.
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
AppLocker Audit Log Analyzer

Parses Windows AppLocker audit event logs to identify blocked applications,
generate rule recommendations, and track policy effectiveness.
"""

import json
import csv
import sys
import os
import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
from collections import defaultdict, Counter
from datetime import datetime


def parse_applocker_evtx_export(csv_path: str) -> list:
    """
    Parse AppLocker events exported from Event Viewer as CSV.
    Export: Event Viewer → AppLocker/EXE and DLL → Save All Events As → CSV
    """
    events = []

    with open(csv_path, "r", encoding="utf-8-sig") as f:
        reader = csv.DictReader(f)
        for row in reader:
            event = {
                "timestamp": row.get("Date and Time", ""),
                "event_id": row.get("Event ID", ""),
                "level": row.get("Level", ""),
                "source": row.get("Source", ""),
                "message": row.get("Message", ""),
                "user": "",
                "file_path": "",
                "file_hash": "",
                "publisher": "",
                "rule_name": "",
            }

            msg = event["message"]
            if msg:
                if "was allowed to run" in msg:
                    event["action"] = "allowed"
                elif "was prevented from running" in msg:
                    event["action"] = "blocked"
                elif "would have been prevented" in msg:
                    event["action"] = "audit_block"
                else:
                    event["action"] = "unknown"

                lines = msg.split("\n")
                for line in lines:
                    line = line.strip()
                    if line.startswith("File path:") or line.startswith("Filer path:"):
                        event["file_path"] = line.split(":", 1)[1].strip()
                    elif line.startswith("User:"):
                        event["user"] = line.split(":", 1)[1].strip()
                    elif line.startswith("Publisher name:"):
                        event["publisher"] = line.split(":", 1)[1].strip()
                    elif line.startswith("File hash:"):
                        event["file_hash"] = line.split(":", 1)[1].strip()
                    elif line.startswith("Rule name:"):
                        event["rule_name"] = line.split(":", 1)[1].strip()

            events.append(event)

    return events


def analyze_blocked_applications(events: list) -> dict:
    """Analyze which applications are being blocked and why."""
    analysis = {
        "total_events": len(events),
        "blocked_events": 0,
        "allowed_events": 0,
        "audit_block_events": 0,
        "unique_blocked_files": set(),
        "blocked_by_path": defaultdict(int),
        "blocked_by_user": defaultdict(int),
        "blocked_by_publisher": defaultdict(int),
        "top_blocked_files": Counter(),
        "user_writable_blocks": [],
        "potential_legitimate": [],
    }

    user_writable_indicators = [
        "\\users\\", "\\appdata\\", "\\temp\\", "\\downloads\\",
        "\\desktop\\", "\\documents\\", "%temp%", "%appdata%",
    ]

    signed_publishers = set()

    for event in events:
        action = event.get("action", "")
        if action in ("blocked", "audit_block"):
            analysis["blocked_events"] += 1
            file_path = event.get("file_path", "").lower()
            user = event.get("user", "Unknown")
            publisher = event.get("publisher", "Unknown")

            analysis["unique_blocked_files"].add(file_path)
            analysis["blocked_by_path"][file_path] += 1
            analysis["blocked_by_user"][user] += 1
            analysis["top_blocked_files"][file_path] += 1

            if publisher and publisher != "Unknown":
                analysis["blocked_by_publisher"][publisher] += 1
                signed_publishers.add(publisher)

            is_user_writable = any(ind in file_path for ind in user_writable_indicators)
            if is_user_writable:
                analysis["user_writable_blocks"].append({
                    "file": file_path,
                    "user": user,
                    "timestamp": event.get("timestamp", ""),
                })

            if publisher and publisher != "Unknown" and not is_user_writable:
                analysis["potential_legitimate"].append({
                    "file": file_path,
                    "publisher": publisher,
                    "user": user,
                    "recommendation": "Consider creating publisher rule",
                })

        elif action == "allowed":
            analysis["allowed_events"] += 1

        if action == "audit_block":
            analysis["audit_block_events"] += 1

    analysis["unique_blocked_files"] = len(analysis["unique_blocked_files"])
    analysis["signed_publishers_blocked"] = list(signed_publishers)

    return analysis


def generate_rule_recommendations(analysis: dict) -> list:
    """Generate AppLocker rule recommendations based on audit analysis."""
    recommendations = []

    for item in analysis.get("potential_legitimate", []):
        recommendations.append({
            "type": "publisher_rule",
            "action": "allow",
            "publisher": item["publisher"],
            "file": item["file"],
            "reason": f"Signed application blocked for user {item['user']}",
            "priority": "high",
        })

    top_blocked = analysis.get("top_blocked_files", Counter())
    for file_path, count in top_blocked.most_common(20):
        if count >= 10:
            is_in_recommendations = any(
                r["file"] == file_path for r in recommendations
            )
            if not is_in_recommendations:
                recommendations.append({
                    "type": "investigate",
                    "action": "review",
                    "file": file_path,
                    "count": count,
                    "reason": f"Blocked {count} times - determine if legitimate",
                    "priority": "medium",
                })

    return recommendations


def export_analysis_report(analysis: dict, recommendations: list, output_path: str) -> None:
    """Export analysis and recommendations to JSON report."""
    report = {
        "report_generated": datetime.utcnow().isoformat() + "Z",
        "summary": {
            "total_events": analysis["total_events"],
            "blocked": analysis["blocked_events"],
            "audit_blocked": analysis["audit_block_events"],
            "allowed": analysis["allowed_events"],
            "unique_blocked_files": analysis["unique_blocked_files"],
        },
        "top_blocked_files": dict(analysis["top_blocked_files"].most_common(30)),
        "blocked_by_user": dict(analysis["blocked_by_user"]),
        "signed_publishers_blocked": analysis.get("signed_publishers_blocked", []),
        "user_writable_path_blocks": len(analysis.get("user_writable_blocks", [])),
        "rule_recommendations": recommendations,
    }

    with open(output_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
        json.dump(report, f, indent=2)


def export_blocked_apps_csv(analysis: dict, output_path: str) -> None:
    """Export blocked applications to CSV for review."""
    with open(output_path, "w", newline="", encoding="utf-8") as f:
        writer = csv.writer(f)
        writer.writerow(["File Path", "Block Count", "Action Needed", "Rule Type"])
        for file_path, count in analysis["top_blocked_files"].most_common(100):
            writer.writerow([file_path, count, "Review", "TBD"])


if __name__ == "__main__":
    if len(sys.argv) < 2:
        print("Usage: python process.py <applocker_events.csv>")
        print()
        print("Analyzes AppLocker audit events exported from Windows Event Viewer.")
        print("Export events from: Event Viewer → AppLocker/EXE and DLL → Save All Events As CSV")
        sys.exit(1)

    csv_path = sys.argv[1]
    if not os.path.exists(csv_path):
        print(f"Error: File not found: {csv_path}")
        sys.exit(1)

    print("Parsing AppLocker audit events...")
    events = parse_applocker_evtx_export(csv_path)
    print(f"Parsed {len(events)} events")

    print("Analyzing blocked applications...")
    analysis = analyze_blocked_applications(events)

    print("Generating rule recommendations...")
    recommendations = generate_rule_recommendations(analysis)

    base_name = os.path.splitext(os.path.basename(csv_path))[0]
    output_dir = os.path.dirname(csv_path) or "."

    report_path = os.path.join(output_dir, f"{base_name}_analysis.json")
    export_analysis_report(analysis, recommendations, report_path)
    print(f"Analysis report: {report_path}")

    blocked_csv = os.path.join(output_dir, f"{base_name}_blocked_apps.csv")
    export_blocked_apps_csv(analysis, blocked_csv)
    print(f"Blocked apps CSV: {blocked_csv}")

    print(f"\n--- AppLocker Audit Summary ---")
    print(f"Total events: {analysis['total_events']}")
    print(f"Blocked: {analysis['blocked_events']}")
    print(f"Audit-blocked: {analysis['audit_block_events']}")
    print(f"Unique blocked files: {analysis['unique_blocked_files']}")
    print(f"Rule recommendations: {len(recommendations)}")

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