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Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager

Written By Deepak Rai
Last Updated August 16, 2024
Posted In SCCM
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Let’s analyze the options to fix SCCM SCEP related issues. In this post, I will try to cover the knowledge acquired from the field to fix different problems with Windows Defender or Endpoint Protection clients (a.k.a, SCEP?).

Don’t get confused between SCEP and Windows Defender or Endpoint Protection clients. All these are the same from an IT Professional perspective. Microsoft changed the name of SCEP to Windows Defender or Endpoint Protection client.

In this post, I’m sharing information for Endpoint protection (defender) clients managed through Configuration Manager (a.k.a. SCCM). Let me know in the comments section if you have any queries or concerns.

Endpoint Protection manages antimalware policies and Windows Firewall security for client computers in our Configuration Manager hierarchy. This statement has been correct until now, and SCEP does what it’s supposed to do. However, some offenders refuse to get regular definition updates from SCCM, which makes our entire infrastructure vulnerable.

Patch My PC

Issue

We started this SCEP (Windows Defender or Endpoint Protection client) Remediation project early in 2019, and the task was simple. We just had to ensure all the clients in the infrastructure were running the latest definitions if they were connected to the network.

It sounds simple, but when we got our hands dirty and started seeing different errors, we saw limited articles and fixes to help us achieve the goal.

There is not much information available on google too apart from the generic MS article https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/protect/deploy-use/troubleshoot-endpoint-client and the one from Henrik Hoe https://blog.ctglobalservices.com/configuration-manager-sccm/heh/configuration-items-and-baselines-example-scep-client-compliance/

So finally, we reached home to HTMD: https://forum.howtomanagedevices.com/ and tried.

Important – Read more about the question here: https://forum.howtomanagedevices.com/endpointmanager/configuration-manager/scep-definitions-not-updating-mecm-2002-adr/

If you are done reading the question, you noticed the HOD – Anoop C Nair. It was suggested that a case with MS be opened because of the complexity of the question.

Note: Most of the points explained in this blog are from several Microsoft forums, and the data was collected from those including several other websites like CTGLOBAL (Link already given in the block above), MANAGE ENGINE, COMPARITECH, BERKELEY, SEARCH SECURITY TECH, TRUSTRADIUS, and REDDIT.

Objectives:

So, without further delay, let’s deep dive from page 1.

  1. The evolution of malware
  2. Overview of System Center Endpoint Protection
  3. Management + Security
  4. Overview of the Endpoint Protection client
1. In 1991, 1000 known threats, in 2001 there were 60,000
2. Today there are millions, and it’s growing every day
3. Sophistication and production rates continue to evolve
4. Anybody can do it—full malware suites available online
5. Your stuff is worth money, and they want it!

The below figure shows the current reprehensible entities.

Fastest growing segment. Less-skilled attackers and criminals now use tools created by experts.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.1
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.1

WHY SCEP?

Reduce the cost of maintaining secure endpoints with unified management and security infrastructure. Single administrator experience for simplified endpoint protection and management. Protect against known and unknown threats with endpoint inspection at behaviour, application, and network levels.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.2
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.2

Mgmt + Security In Configuration Manager

Endpoint protection software updates +SCUP settings management exchange connector.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.3
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.3
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.4
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.4

Infrastructure Changes from FEP 2010

Configuration manager site servers and management point.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.5
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.5

Simplified Deployment of AM Policies

Centralized management for AM and firewall policy. AM and FW policy is delivered as ConfigMgr policy—no package/program dependency exists—out-of-the-box templates—import, export, Merge—prioritization of policies by collection, Simplified UI for customizing policy.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.6
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.6

Signature Update Distribution

More straightforward distribution process and automatic deployment rules within ConfigMgr software updates. Minimizes WAN impact and user distribution points and reduces definition size. Ensures always up-to-date security regardless of the client’s location—multiple update sources (ConfigMgr, WSUS, Microsoft update, windows file share).

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.7
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.7

Simplified Client Setup

Ease of client setup and deployment.Flexible administrative control, easy migration from existing solutions and automatic removal of existing clients.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.8
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.8

Client Deployment

System centre endpoint protection, single interface for client management and security. Improved alerting, clint to admin within 5 minutes, and reporting with real-time and user-centric data views.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.9
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.9

Single Interface For Management And Security

A single interface for client management and security. Quick identification and remediation of client security.Flexibility to separate security admin roles.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.10
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.10

Monitoring Client Security

The console provides quick and event alerts, which can be notified in real-time using a high-speed data channel.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.11
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.11

Rich Reporting And Analysis

Rich reporting on client security. SQL reporting services -based reports on many categories. Users-centric reports enable the identification of commonly impacted users. Customizable reports are simplified through database integration.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.12
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.12

Management and Real-time Monitoring

It automatically deploys definition updates three times per day. The category is based on the scan from the client to WSUS. Real-time administrative actions. Client-side merge of antimalware policies.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.13
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.13

Real-time Administrative Actions

Select “Run Full Scan” on a collection in the administrative console. A task is created, and MP is told that a new urgent task has been requested.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.14
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.14

Real-time Administrative Actions in Endpoint Protection

Protect against known and unknown threats with endpoint inspection of behaviour, application, and network levels. Comprehensive protection stack building on Windows security.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.15
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.15

Comprehensive Protection Stack

Reactive techniques and protective techniques. Address space layout Randomization, user account control, and Windows resource protection.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.16

Dynamic Translation With Heuristics

Industry-leading proactive detection enables faster scanning and response to threats. Emulation-based detection helps provide better protection and safe translation into a virtual environment for analysis.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.17
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.17

Behavior Monitoring And Dynamic Signatures

Live system monitoring identifies new threats and updates for new threats delivered through the cloud in real-time. Tracks behaviour of the unknown processes and known bad processes, multiple sensors to detect OS anomaly.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.18
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.18

Protect Clients With Reduced Complexity

Simple interface, administrative control, maintains high productivity—minimal high-level user interactions.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.19
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.19

Summary

Key scenarios, forefront protection 2010, system centre 2012 endpoint protection.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.20
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.20

Managing Endpoint Protection client with Command Line Interface – MpCmdRun.exe

Below are a few of the most commonly used command lines. For a complete list of available switches, please see MpCmdRun help using the MpCmdRun.exe/? Command line.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.21
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.21

Managing Definitions:

Remove definitions (Rollback to previous version, SCEP stores up to 3 previous version of definition files):

MpCmdRun.exe- Remove definition.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.22
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.22

Collecting SCEP support logs:

SCEP client missing the latest definitions is a common issue.To troubleshoot the issue, you have to look into a few log files available at different locations.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.23
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.23

Endpoint Protection Log Files

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware\Support: This folder contains a bunch of log files that provide more information about SCEP definition updates and SCEP functionality.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.24
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.24

WMI Namespace and Classes for System Center Endpoint Protection

Before we move with troubleshooting tips & tricks, let’s have the information about the WMI namespace and classes for SCEP.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.25
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.25

AntiMalware Health Status

As the name suggests, this WMI class represent the status of Microsoft Antimalware service. The PowerShell command below lists all properties of this class.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.26
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.26

AntiMalware Infection Status

This class represents Microsoft Antimalware service infection status; you can use the Powershell command below to get the list of all properties within this class.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.27
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.27
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.28
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.28

Force State Message for SCEP on SCCM Client

You may have a scenario when everything looks good at the client end for SCEP&SCCM. However, the status of the latest definition has not been reported to SCCM. You can try the below powershell script to force sending status messages.

Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager - Fig.29
Fix SCCM SCEP Related Issues | Client Side | ConfigMgr | Defender | Configuration Manager – Fig.29

Disclaimer – The information provided on site is for general informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the website.

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Author

Deepak Rai is a Technical Lead with over 14 years of experience in IT. He specializes in SCCM (AKA ConfigMgr, CB, MECM, etc.), Intune, and Azure (Runbooks). Throughout his career, he has worked on various platforms such as Active Directory, Exchange, Veritas NETBACKUP, Symantec Backup Exec, NDMP devices like Netapp, EMC Data Domain, Quantum using Backup Exec 2010 and 2012, and HP StorageWorks 4048 MSL G3. He also has experience in data deduplication-related troubleshooting. Ultimately, he returned to his roots as an IT Engineer focusing on SCCM technology.

Written by

My name is Deepak Rai and i am Technical Lead on SCCM and Intune with more than 14 years of experience in IT. My main domain is SCCM 2012, CB, MECM, Intune and Azure (Runbooks). I have worked on several platforms (Active Directory, Exchange, Veritas NETBACKUP, Symantec Backup Exec NDMP devices Like Netapp, EMC Data Domain, Quantam using Backup Exec 2010 and 2012, HP storage works 4048 MSL G3 , Data Deduplication related troubleshooting.) in these 13 years but finally ended up to the technology from which i started as IT Engineer (SCCM).

Discussion · 2 comments

  1. Hi Anoop. We have a problem in our environment where around 3k machines are still stuck on the anti malware engine version that’s shipped with 1909. Despite all efforts it’s not updating to latest anti malware version. Have already tried a few solutions posted on technet, but no joy so far. These machines however are up to date with virus definitions. Could you please advise, what are we not doing to fix aforementioned issue?

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