title: Suspicious Child Process Of BgInfo.EXE
id: 811f459f-9231-45d4-959a-0266c6311987
related:
    - id: aaf46cdc-934e-4284-b329-34aa701e3771
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious child processes of "BgInfo.exe" which could be a sign of potential abuse of the binary to proxy execution via external VBScript
references:
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/OtherMSBinaries/Bginfo/
    - https://oddvar.moe/2017/05/18/bypassing-application-whitelisting-with-bginfo/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-08-16
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059.005
    - attack.t1218
    - attack.t1202
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\bginfo.exe'
            - '\bginfo64.exe'
    selection_child:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\calc.exe'
              - '\cmd.exe'
              - '\cscript.exe'
              - '\mshta.exe'
              - '\notepad.exe'
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
              - '\wscript.exe'
        - Image|contains:
              - '\AppData\Local\'
              - '\AppData\Roaming\'
              - ':\Users\Public\'
              - ':\Temp\'
              - ':\Windows\Temp\'
              - ':\PerfLogs\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Child Process Of Manage Engine ServiceDesk
id: cea2b7ea-792b-405f-95a1-b903ea06458f
status: test
description: Detects suspicious child processes of the "Manage Engine ServiceDesk Plus" Java web service
references:
    - https://www.horizon3.ai/manageengine-cve-2022-47966-technical-deep-dive/
    - https://github.com/horizon3ai/CVE-2022-47966/blob/3a51c6b72ebbd87392babd955a8fbeaee2090b35/CVE-2022-47966.py
    - https://blog.viettelcybersecurity.com/saml-show-stopper/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-01-18
modified: 2023-08-29
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1102
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|contains|all:
            - '\ManageEngine\ServiceDesk\'
            - '\java.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\AppVLP.exe'
            - '\bash.exe'
            - '\bitsadmin.exe'
            - '\calc.exe'
            - '\certutil.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\curl.exe'
            - '\forfiles.exe'
            - '\mftrace.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\net.exe'
            - '\net1.exe'
            - '\notepad.exe'  # Often used in POCs
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\query.exe'
            - '\reg.exe'
            - '\schtasks.exe'
            - '\scrcons.exe'
            - '\sh.exe'
            - '\systeminfo.exe'
            - '\whoami.exe'  # Often used in POCs
            - '\wmic.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
            # - '\hh.exe'
            # - '\regsvr32.exe'
            # - '\rundll32.exe'
            # - '\scriptrunner.exe'
    filter_main_net:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\net.exe'
            - '\net1.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: ' stop'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate sub processes started by Manage Engine ServiceDesk Pro
level: high

title: Suspicious Child Process Of SQL Server
id: 869b9ca7-9ea2-4a5a-8325-e80e62f75445
related:
    - id: 344482e4-a477-436c-aa70-7536d18a48c7
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects suspicious child processes of the SQLServer process. This could indicate potential RCE or SQL Injection.
references:
    - Internal Research
author: FPT.EagleEye Team, wagga
date: 2020-12-11
modified: 2023-05-04
tags:
    - attack.t1505.003
    - attack.t1190
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\sqlservr.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            # You can add other uncommon or suspicious processes
            - '\bash.exe'
            - '\bitsadmin.exe'
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\netstat.exe'
            - '\nltest.exe'
            - '\ping.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\sh.exe'
            - '\systeminfo.exe'
            - '\tasklist.exe'
            - '\wsl.exe'
    filter_optional_datev:
        ParentImage|startswith: 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\'
        ParentImage|endswith: 'DATEV_DBENGINE\MSSQL\Binn\sqlservr.exe'
        Image: 'C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe'
        CommandLine|startswith: '"C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe" '
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_optional_*
level: high

title: Suspicious Child Process Of Wermgr.EXE
id: 396f6630-f3ac-44e3-bfc8-1b161bc00c4e
related:
    - id: 5394fcc7-aeb2-43b5-9a09-cac9fc5edcd5
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious Windows Error Reporting manager (wermgr.exe) child process
references:
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/j/black-basta-infiltrates-networks-via-qakbot-brute-ratel-and-coba.html
    - https://www.echotrail.io/insights/search/wermgr.exe
    - https://github.com/binderlabs/DirCreate2System
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-14
modified: 2024-08-29
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1055
    - attack.t1036
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\wermgr.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\ipconfig.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\net.exe'
            - '\net1.exe'
            - '\netstat.exe'
            - '\nslookup.exe'
            - '\powershell_ise.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\systeminfo.exe'
            - '\whoami.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
    filter_main_rundll32:
        Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'C:\Windows\system32\WerConCpl.dll'
            - 'LaunchErcApp '
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '-queuereporting'
            - '-responsepester'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Child Process of AspNetCompiler
id: 9ccba514-7cb6-4c5c-b377-700758f2f120 # SuspChild
related:
    - id: 4c7f49ee-2638-43bb-b85b-ce676c30b260 # TMP File
      type: similar
    - id: 9f50fe98-fe5c-4a2d-86c7-fad7f63ed622 # Susp Paths
      type: similar
    - id: a01b8329-5953-4f73-ae2d-aa01e1f35f00 # Exec
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects potentially suspicious child processes of "aspnet_compiler.exe".
references:
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Aspnet_Compiler/
    - https://ijustwannared.team/2020/08/01/the-curious-case-of-aspnet_compiler-exe/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-08-14
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1127
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\aspnet_compiler.exe'
    selection_child:
        # Note: add other potential suspicious child processes and paths
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\calc.exe'
              - '\notepad.exe'
        - Image|contains:
              - '\Users\Public\'
              - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
              - '\AppData\Local\Roaming\'
              - ':\Temp\'
              - ':\Windows\Temp\'
              - ':\Windows\System32\Tasks\'
              - ':\Windows\Tasks\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Child Process of Notepad++ Updater - GUP.Exe
id: bb0e87ce-c89f-4857-84fa-095e4483e9cb
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects suspicious child process creation by the Notepad++ updater process (gup.exe).
    This could indicate potential exploitation of the updater component to deliver unwanted malware.
references:
    - https://notepad-plus-plus.org/news/v889-released/
    - https://www.heise.de/en/news/Notepad-updater-installed-malware-11109726.html
    - https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/tr-chrysalis-backdoor-dive-into-lotus-blossoms-toolkit/
    - https://www.validin.com/blog/exploring_notepad_plus_plus_network_indicators/
    - https://securelist.com/notepad-supply-chain-attack/118708/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-02-03
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1195.002
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1557
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\gup.exe'
    selection_child_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
    selection_child_cli:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'bitsadmin'
            - 'certutil'
            - 'curl'
            - 'finger'
            - 'forfiles'
            - 'regsvr32'
            - 'rundll32'
            - 'wget'
    condition: selection_parent and 1 of selection_child_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious Child Process of SolarWinds WebHelpDesk
id: 8c7f4a2d-3b9e-4f1c-9a6d-2e8f5c3d9a1b
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects suspicious child processes spawned by SolarWinds WebHelpDesk (WHD) application, which may indicate exploitation activity leveraging RCE vulnerabilities such as CVE-2025-40551, CVE-2025-40536, or CVE-2025-26399
references:
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/02/06/active-exploitation-solarwinds-web-help-desk/
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/active-exploitation-solarwinds-web-help-desk-cve-2025-26399
    - https://documentation.solarwinds.com/en/success_center/whd/content/release_notes/whd_2026-1_release_notes.htm
author: Huntress Team, Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-02-11
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1190
    - cve.2025-26399
    - cve.2025-40536
    - cve.2025-40551
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|contains: '\WebHelpDesk\bin\'
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\java.exe'
            - '\javaw.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains: 'tomcat'
    selection_suspicious_child:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '-enc'
            - 'base64'
            - 'bitsadmin'
            - 'certutil'
            - 'curl'
            - 'Invoke-RestMethod'
            - 'Invoke-WebRequest'
            - 'irm '
            - 'iwr '
            - 'mshta'
            - 'msiexec'
            - 'Net.WebClient'
            - 'Start-BitsTransfer'
            - 'wget'
            - 'wmic'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Chromium Browser Instance Executed With Custom Extension
id: 27ba3207-dd30-4812-abbf-5d20c57d474e
related:
    - id: 88d6e60c-759d-4ac1-a447-c0f1466c2d21
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious process spawning a Chromium based browser process with the 'load-extension' flag to start an instance with a custom extension
references:
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/chromeloader/
    - https://emkc.org/s/RJjuLa
    - https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/lnk-between-browsers
author: Aedan Russell, frack113, X__Junior (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-19
modified: 2023-11-28
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1176.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\cmd.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
            - '\mshta.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\rundll32.exe'
            - '\wscript.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\brave.exe'
            - '\chrome.exe'
            - '\msedge.exe'
            - '\opera.exe'
            - '\vivaldi.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '--load-extension='
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_browsers_chromium_susp_load_extension/info.yml

title: Suspicious ClickFix/FileFix Execution Pattern
id: d487ed4a-fd24-436d-a0b2-f4e95f7b2635
related:
    - id: f5fe36cf-f1ec-4c23-903d-09a3110f6bbb
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects suspicious execution patterns where users are tricked into running malicious commands via clipboard manipulation, either through the Windows Run dialog (ClickFix) or File Explorer address bar (FileFix).
    Attackers leverage social engineering campaigns—such as fake CAPTCHA challenges or urgent alerts—encouraging victims to paste clipboard contents, often executing mshta.exe, powershell.exe, or similar commands to infect systems.
references:
    - https://github.com/JohnHammond/recaptcha-phish
    - https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/deepseek-lure-using-captchas-spread-malware
    - https://www.threatdown.com/blog/clipboard-hijacker-tries-to-install-a-trojan/
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/5c16b4db-4b36-4039-a0ed-9b09abff8be2
    - https://www.esentire.com/security-advisories/netsupport-rat-clickfix-distribution
    - https://www.scpx.com.au/2025/11/16/decades-old-finger-protocol-abused-in-clickfix-malware-attacks/ # filefix variant
author: montysecurity, Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-11-19
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1204.001
    - attack.t1204.004
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '#'
    selection_cli_captcha:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'account'
            - 'anti-bot'
            - 'botcheck'
            - 'captcha'
            - 'challenge'
            - 'confirmation'
            - 'fraud'
            - 'human'
            - 'identification'
            - 'identificator'
            - 'identity'
            - 'robot'
            - 'validation'
            - 'verification'
            - 'verify'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious Command Patterns In Scheduled Task Creation
id: f2c64357-b1d2-41b7-849f-34d2682c0fad
status: test
description: Detects scheduled task creation using "schtasks" that contain potentially suspicious or uncommon commands
references:
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/512c1352-6380-4436-b27d-bb62f0c020d6/
    - https://twitter.com/RedDrip7/status/1506480588827467785
    - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/static-assets/documents/malware-analysis-reports/devil-bait/NCSC-MAR-Devil-Bait.pdf
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-02-23
modified: 2024-03-19
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1053.005
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_schtasks:
        Image|endswith: '\schtasks.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '/Create '
    selection_pattern_1:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/sc minute '
            - '/ru system '
    selection_pattern_2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'cmd /c'
            - 'cmd /k'
            - 'cmd /r'
            - 'cmd.exe /c '
            - 'cmd.exe /k '
            - 'cmd.exe /r '
    selection_uncommon:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -decode '
            - ' -enc '
            - ' -w hidden '
            - ' bypass '
            - ' IEX'
            - '.DownloadData'
            - '.DownloadFile'
            - '.DownloadString'
            - '/c start /min ' # https://twitter.com/RedDrip7/status/1506480588827467785
            - 'FromBase64String'
            - 'mshta http'
            - 'mshta.exe http'
    selection_anomaly_1:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ':\ProgramData\'
            - ':\Temp\'
            - ':\Tmp\'
            - ':\Users\Public\'
            - ':\Windows\Temp\'
            - '\AppData\'
            - '%AppData%'
            - '%Temp%'
            - '%tmp%'
    selection_anomaly_2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'cscript'
            - 'curl'
            - 'wscript'
    condition: selection_schtasks and ( all of selection_pattern_* or selection_uncommon or all of selection_anomaly_* )
falsepositives:
    - Software installers that run from temporary folders and also install scheduled tasks are expected to generate some false positives
level: high

title: Suspicious Computer Account Name Change CVE-2021-42287
id: 45eb2ae2-9aa2-4c3a-99a5-6e5077655466
status: test
description: Detects the renaming of an existing computer account to a account name that doesn't contain a $ symbol as seen in attacks against CVE-2021-42287
references:
    - https://medium.com/@mvelazco/hunting-for-samaccountname-spoofing-cve-2021-42287-and-domain-controller-impersonation-f704513c8a45
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-12-22
modified: 2022-12-25
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036
    - attack.t1098
    - cve.2021-42287
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4781 # rename user
        OldTargetUserName|contains: '$'
    filter:
        NewTargetUserName|contains: '$'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Control Panel DLL Load
id: d7eb979b-c2b5-4a6f-a3a7-c87ce6763819
status: test
description: Detects suspicious Rundll32 execution from control.exe as used by Equation Group and Exploit Kits
references:
    - https://twitter.com/rikvduijn/status/853251879320662017
    - https://twitter.com/felixw3000/status/853354851128025088
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2017-04-15
modified: 2023-02-09
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218.011
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_parent:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\System32\control.exe'
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
    filter:
        CommandLine|contains: 'Shell32.dll'
    condition: all of selection_* and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Creation with Colorcpl
id: e15b518d-b4ce-4410-a9cd-501f23ce4a18
status: test
description: Once executed, colorcpl.exe will copy the arbitrary file to c:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\color\
references:
    - https://twitter.com/eral4m/status/1480468728324231172?s=20
author: frack113
date: 2022-01-21
modified: 2023-01-05
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1564
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\colorcpl.exe'
    filter_ext:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.icm'
            - '.gmmp'
            - '.cdmp'
            - '.camp'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Curl.EXE Download
id: e218595b-bbe7-4ee5-8a96-f32a24ad3468
related:
    - id: bbeaed61-1990-4773-bf57-b81dbad7db2d # Basic curl execution
      type: derived
    - id: 9a517fca-4ba3-4629-9278-a68694697b81 # Curl download
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious curl process start on Windows and outputs the requested document to a local file
references:
    - https://twitter.com/max_mal_/status/1542461200797163522
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20200128160046/https://twitter.com/reegun21/status/1222093798009790464
    - https://github.com/pr0xylife/Qakbot/blob/4f0795d79dabee5bc9dd69f17a626b48852e7869/Qakbot_AA_23.06.2022.txt
    - https://www.volexity.com/blog/2022/07/28/sharptongue-deploys-clever-mail-stealing-browser-extension-sharpext/
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/0f229c0e42bfe7ca736a14023836d65baa941ed2/atomics/T1105/T1105.md#atomic-test-18---curl-download-file
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-07-03
modified: 2023-02-21
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1105
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_curl:
        - Image|endswith: '\curl.exe'
        - Product: 'The curl executable'
    selection_susp_locations:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '%AppData%'
            - '%Public%'
            - '%Temp%'
            - '%tmp%'
            - '\AppData\'
            - '\Desktop\'
            - '\Temp\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - 'C:\PerfLogs\'
            - 'C:\ProgramData\'
            - 'C:\Windows\Temp\'
    selection_susp_extensions:
        CommandLine|endswith:
            - '.dll'
            - '.gif'
            - '.jpeg'
            - '.jpg'
            - '.png'
            - '.temp'
            - '.tmp'
            - '.txt'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
    filter_optional_git_windows:
        # Example FP
        #   CommandLine: "C:\Program Files\Git\mingw64\bin\curl.exe" --silent --show-error --output C:/Users/test/AppData/Local/Temp/gfw-httpget-jVOEoxbS.txt --write-out %{http_code} https://gitforwindows.org/latest-tag.txt
        ParentImage: 'C:\Program Files\Git\usr\bin\sh.exe'
        Image: 'C:\Program Files\Git\mingw64\bin\curl.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '--silent --show-error --output '
            - 'gfw-httpget-'
            - 'AppData'
    condition: selection_curl and 1 of selection_susp_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_curl_susp_download/info.yml
simulation:
    - type: atomic-red-team
      name: Curl Download File
      technique: T1105
      atomic_guid: 2b080b99-0deb-4d51-af0f-833d37c4ca6a

title: Suspicious CustomShellHost Execution
id: 84b14121-9d14-416e-800b-f3b829c5a14d
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of CustomShellHost.exe where the child isn't located in 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'. CustomShellHost is a known LOLBin that can be abused by attackers for defense evasion techniques.
references:
    - https://github.com/LOLBAS-Project/LOLBAS/pull/180
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/CustomShellHost/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-19
modified: 2025-10-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1216
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\CustomShellHost.exe'
    filter_main_explorer:
        Image: 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - False positives are unlikely, investigate matches carefully.
level: high

title: Suspicious DLL Loaded via CertOC.EXE
id: 84232095-ecca-4015-b0d7-7726507ee793
related:
    - id: 242301bc-f92f-4476-8718-78004a6efd9f
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects when a user installs certificates by using CertOC.exe to load the target DLL file.
references:
    - https://twitter.com/sblmsrsn/status/1445758411803480072?s=20
    - https://github.com/elastic/protections-artifacts/commit/746086721fd385d9f5c6647cada1788db4aea95f#diff-fe98e74189873d6df72a15df2eaa0315c59ba9cdaca93ecd68afc4ea09194ef2
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Certoc/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-15
modified: 2024-03-05
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\certoc.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'CertOC.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: ' -LoadDLL '
    selection_paths:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '\Appdata\Local\Temp\'
            - '\Desktop\'
            - '\Downloads\'
            - '\Users\Public\'
            - 'C:\Windows\Tasks\'
            - 'C:\Windows\Temp\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious DNS Query Indicating Kerberos Coercion via DNS Object SPN Spoofing
id: e7a21b5f-d8c4-4ae5-b8d9-93c5d3f28e1c
related:
    - id: b07e58cf-cacc-4135-8473-ccb2eba63dd2 # Potential Kerberos Coercion via DNS Object Spoofing
      type: similar
    - id: 5588576c-5898-4fac-bcdd-7475a60e8f43 # Suspicious DNS Query Indicating Kerberos Coercion via DNS Object Spoofing - Network
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects DNS queries containing patterns associated with Kerberos coercion attacks via DNS object spoofing.
    The pattern "1UWhRCAAAAA..BAAAA" is a base64-encoded signature that corresponds to a marshaled CREDENTIAL_TARGET_INFORMATION structure.
    Attackers can use this technique to coerce authentication from victim systems to attacker-controlled hosts.
    It is one of the strong indicators of a Kerberos coercion attack, where adversaries manipulate DNS records
    to spoof Service Principal Names (SPNs) and redirect authentication requests like CVE-2025-33073.
references:
    - https://www.synacktiv.com/publications/ntlm-reflection-is-dead-long-live-ntlm-reflection-an-in-depth-analysis-of-cve-2025
    - https://googleprojectzero.blogspot.com/2021/10/using-kerberos-for-authentication-relay.html
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-06-20
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.t1557.001
    - attack.t1187
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: dns_query
detection:
    selection:
        QueryName|contains|all:
            - 'UWhRCA'
            - 'BAAAA'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious DNS Query Indicating Kerberos Coercion via DNS Object SPN Spoofing - Network
id: 5588576c-5898-4fac-bcdd-7475a60e8f43
related:
    - id: b07e58cf-cacc-4135-8473-ccb2eba63dd2 # Potential Kerberos Coercion via DNS Object Spoofing
      type: similar
    - id: e7a21b5f-d8c4-4ae5-b8d9-93c5d3f28e1c # Suspicious DNS Query Indicating Kerberos Coercion via DNS Object Spoofing
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects DNS queries containing patterns associated with Kerberos coercion attacks via DNS object spoofing.
    The pattern "1UWhRCAAAAA..BAAAA" is a base64-encoded signature that corresponds to a marshaled CREDENTIAL_TARGET_INFORMATION structure.
    Attackers can use this technique to coerce authentication from victim systems to attacker-controlled hosts.
    It is one of the strong indicators of a Kerberos coercion attack, where adversaries manipulate DNS records
    to spoof Service Principal Names (SPNs) and redirect authentication requests like CVE-2025-33073.
references:
    - https://www.synacktiv.com/publications/ntlm-reflection-is-dead-long-live-ntlm-reflection-an-in-depth-analysis-of-cve-2025
    - https://googleprojectzero.blogspot.com/2021/10/using-kerberos-for-authentication-relay.html
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-06-20
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.t1557.001
    - attack.t1187
logsource:
    product: zeek
    service: dns
detection:
    selection:
        query|contains|all:
            - 'UWhRCA' # Follows this pattern UWhRCAAAAA..BAAA
            - 'BAAAA'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Debugger Registration Cmdline
id: ae215552-081e-44c7-805f-be16f975c8a2
status: test
description: Detects the registration of a debugger for a program that is available in the logon screen (sticky key backdoor).
references:
    - https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/jonathantrull/2016/10/03/detecting-sticky-key-backdoors/
    - https://bazaar.abuse.ch/sample/6f3aa9362d72e806490a8abce245331030d1ab5ac77e400dd475748236a6cc81/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), oscd.community, Jonhnathan Ribeiro
date: 2019-09-06
modified: 2022-08-06
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.t1546.008
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection1:
        CommandLine|contains: '\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\'
    selection2:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'sethc.exe'
            - 'utilman.exe'
            - 'osk.exe'
            - 'magnify.exe'
            - 'narrator.exe'
            - 'displayswitch.exe'
            - 'atbroker.exe'
            - 'HelpPane.exe'
    condition: all of selection*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Desktopimgdownldr Command
id: bb58aa4a-b80b-415a-a2c0-2f65a4c81009
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious Microsoft desktopimgdownldr execution with parameters used to download files from the Internet
references:
    - https://labs.sentinelone.com/living-off-windows-land-a-new-native-file-downldr/
    - https://twitter.com/SBousseaden/status/1278977301745741825
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-07-03
modified: 2021-11-27
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1105
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection1:
        CommandLine|contains: ' /lockscreenurl:'
    selection1_filter:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.jpg'
            - '.jpeg'
            - '.png'
    selection_reg:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'reg delete'
            - '\PersonalizationCSP'
    condition: ( selection1 and not selection1_filter ) or selection_reg
falsepositives:
    - False positives depend on scripts and administrative tools used in the monitored environment
level: high

title: Suspicious Desktopimgdownldr Target File
id: fc4f4817-0c53-4683-a4ee-b17a64bc1039
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious Microsoft desktopimgdownldr file creation that stores a file to a suspicious location or contains a file with a suspicious extension
references:
    - https://labs.sentinelone.com/living-off-windows-land-a-new-native-file-downldr/
    - https://twitter.com/SBousseaden/status/1278977301745741825
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2020-07-03
modified: 2022-06-02
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1105
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\svchost.exe'
        TargetFilename|contains: '\Personalization\LockScreenImage\'
    filter1:
        TargetFilename|contains: 'C:\Windows\'
    filter2:
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '.jpg'
            - '.jpeg'
            - '.png'
    condition: selection and not filter1 and not filter2
falsepositives:
    - False positives depend on scripts and administrative tools used in the monitored environment
level: high

title: Suspicious DotNET CLR Usage Log Artifact
id: e0b06658-7d1d-4cd3-bf15-03467507ff7c
related:
    - id: 4508a70e-97ef-4300-b62b-ff27992990ea
      type: derived
    - id: e4b63079-6198-405c-abd7-3fe8b0ce3263
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: Detects the creation of Usage Log files by the CLR (clr.dll). These files are named after the executing process once the assembly is finished executing for the first time in the (user) session context.
references:
    - https://bohops.com/2021/03/16/investigating-net-clr-usage-log-tampering-techniques-for-edr-evasion/
    - https://github.com/olafhartong/sysmon-modular/blob/fa1ae53132403d262be2bbd7f17ceea7e15e8c78/11_file_create/include_dotnet.xml
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20221026202428/https://gist.github.com/code-scrap/d7f152ffcdb3e0b02f7f394f5187f008
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20230329154538/https://blog.menasec.net/2019/07/interesting-difr-traces-of-net-clr.html
author: frack113, omkar72, oscd.community, Wojciech Lesicki
date: 2022-11-18
modified: 2023-02-23
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
    definition: 'Requirements: UsageLogs folder must be monitored by the sysmon configuration'
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '\UsageLogs\cmstp.exe.log'
            - '\UsageLogs\cscript.exe.log'
            - '\UsageLogs\mshta.exe.log'
            - '\UsageLogs\msxsl.exe.log'
            - '\UsageLogs\regsvr32.exe.log'
            - '\UsageLogs\rundll32.exe.log'
            - '\UsageLogs\svchost.exe.log'
            - '\UsageLogs\wscript.exe.log'
            - '\UsageLogs\wmic.exe.log'
    filter_main_rundll32:
        # This filter requires the event to be enriched by additional information such as ParentImage and CommandLine activity
        ParentImage|endswith: '\MsiExec.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains: ' -Embedding'
        Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'Temp'
            - 'zzzzInvokeManagedCustomActionOutOfProc'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Rundll32.exe with zzzzInvokeManagedCustomActionOutOfProc in command line and msiexec.exe as parent process - https://twitter.com/SBousseaden/status/1388064061087260675
level: high

title: Suspicious Double Extension File Execution
id: 1cdd9a09-06c9-4769-99ff-626e2b3991b8
related:
    - id: 5e6a80c8-2d45-4633-9ef4-fa2671a39c5c # ParentImage/ParentCommandLine
      type: similar
status: stable
description: Detects suspicious use of an .exe extension after a non-executable file extension like .pdf.exe, a set of spaces or underlines to cloak the executable file in spear phishing campaigns
references:
    - https://blu3-team.blogspot.com/2019/06/misleading-extensions-xlsexe-docexe.html
    - https://twitter.com/blackorbird/status/1140519090961825792
    - https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/cybercriminals-weaponize-fake-ai-websites
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), @blu3_team (idea), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-06-26
modified: 2025-05-30
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1566.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '      .exe'
            - '______.exe'
            - '.doc.exe'
            - '.doc.js'
            - '.docx.exe'
            - '.docx.js'
            - '.gif.exe'
            - '.jpeg.exe'
            - '.jpg.exe'
            - '.mkv.exe'
            - '.mov.exe'
            - '.mp3.exe'
            - '.mp4.exe'
            - '.pdf.exe'
            - '.pdf.js'
            - '.png.exe'
            - '.ppt.exe'
            - '.ppt.js'
            - '.pptx.exe'
            - '.pptx.js'
            - '.rtf.exe'
            - '.rtf.js'
            - '.svg.exe'
            - '.txt.exe'
            - '.txt.js'
            - '.xls.exe'
            - '.xls.js'
            - '.xlsx.exe'
            - '.xlsx.js'
            - '⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.exe' # Unicode Space Character: Braille Pattern Blank (Unicode: U+2800)
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '      .exe'
            - '______.exe'
            - '.doc.exe'
            - '.doc.js'
            - '.docx.exe'
            - '.docx.js'
            - '.gif.exe'
            - '.jpeg.exe'
            - '.jpg.exe'
            - '.mkv.exe'
            - '.mov.exe'
            - '.mp3.exe'
            - '.mp4.exe'
            - '.pdf.exe'
            - '.pdf.js'
            - '.png.exe'
            - '.ppt.exe'
            - '.ppt.js'
            - '.pptx.exe'
            - '.pptx.js'
            - '.rtf.exe'
            - '.rtf.js'
            - '.svg.exe'
            - '.txt.exe'
            - '.txt.js'
            - '.xls.exe'
            - '.xls.js'
            - '.xlsx.exe'
            - '.xlsx.js'
            - '⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.exe' # Unicode Space Character: Braille Pattern Blank (Unicode: U+2800)
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Double Extension Files
id: b4926b47-a9d7-434c-b3a0-adc3fa0bd13e
related:
    - id: 1cdd9a09-06c9-4769-99ff-626e2b3991b8
      type: derived
    - id: 3215aa19-f060-4332-86d5-5602511f3ca8
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects dropped files with double extensions, which is often used by malware as a method to abuse the fact that Windows hide default extensions by default.
references:
    - https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/meet-crowdstrikes-adversary-of-the-month-for-june-mustang-panda/
    - https://www.anomali.com/blog/china-based-apt-mustang-panda-targets-minority-groups-public-and-private-sector-organizations
    - https://www.cybereason.com/blog/research/a-bazar-of-tricks-following-team9s-development-cycles
    - https://twitter.com/malwrhunterteam/status/1235135745611960321
    - https://twitter.com/luc4m/status/1073181154126254080
    - https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/cybercriminals-weaponize-fake-ai-websites
    - https://vipre.com/blog/svg-phishing-attacks-the-new-trick-in-the-cybercriminals-playbook/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), frack113
date: 2022-06-19
modified: 2026-03-31
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036.007
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_gen:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.exe'
            - '.iso'
            - '.rar'
            - '.svg'
            - '.zip'
            # - '.lnk'  # legitimate links can happen just anywhere
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '.doc.'
            - '.docx.'
            - '.gif.'
            - '.jpeg.'
            - '.jpg.'
            - '.mp3.'
            - '.mp4.'
            - '.pdf.'
            - '.png.'
            - '.ppt.'
            - '.pptx.'
            - '.rtf.'
            - '.svg.'
            - '.txt.'
            - '.xls.'
            - '.xlsx.'
    selection_exe:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.rar.exe'
            - '.zip.exe'
    # Note: If you wanna keep using the ".lnk" extension. You might uncomment this filter and add additional locations
    # filter_main_lnk:
    #     TargetFilename|contains:
    #         - '\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Office\Recent\'
    #         - '\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\'
    filter_icons_linux:
        TargetFilename|startswith: '/usr/share/icons/'
    condition: 1 of selection_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious Download From Direct IP Via Bitsadmin
id: 99c840f2-2012-46fd-9141-c761987550ef
related:
    - id: 90f138c1-f578-4ac3-8c49-eecfd847c8b7
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects usage of bitsadmin downloading a file using an URL that contains an IP
references:
    - https://blog.netspi.com/15-ways-to-download-a-file/#bitsadmin
    - https://isc.sans.edu/diary/22264
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Bitsadmin/
    - https://blog.talosintelligence.com/breaking-the-silence-recent-truebot-activity/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-28
modified: 2023-02-15
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1197
    - attack.s0190
    - attack.t1036.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\bitsadmin.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'bitsadmin.exe'
    selection_flags:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' /transfer '
            - ' /create '
            - ' /addfile '
    selection_extension:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '://1'
            - '://2'
            - '://3'
            - '://4'
            - '://5'
            - '://6'
            - '://7'
            - '://8'
            - '://9'
    filter_seven_zip:
        CommandLine|contains: '://7-' # For https://7-zip.org/
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_bitsadmin_download_direct_ip/info.yml

title: Suspicious Download From File-Sharing Website Via Bitsadmin
id: 8518ed3d-f7c9-4601-a26c-f361a4256a0c
status: test
description: Detects usage of bitsadmin downloading a file from a suspicious domain
references:
    - https://blog.netspi.com/15-ways-to-download-a-file/#bitsadmin
    - https://isc.sans.edu/diary/22264
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Bitsadmin/
    - https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/ransomware-hive-conti-avoslocker
    - https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa22-321a
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/01/17/new-ttps-observed-in-mint-sandstorm-campaign-targeting-high-profile-individuals-at-universities-and-research-orgs/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-06-28
modified: 2025-12-10
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1197
    - attack.s0190
    - attack.t1036.003
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1105
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\bitsadmin.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'bitsadmin.exe'
    selection_flags:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' /transfer '
            - ' /create '
            - ' /addfile '
    selection_domain:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.githubusercontent.com'       # Includes both gists and github repositories / Michael Haag (idea)
            - 'anonfiles.com'
            - 'cdn.discordapp.com'
            - 'ddns.net'
            - 'dl.dropboxusercontent.com'
            - 'ghostbin.co'
            - 'github.com' # bitsadmin /transfer n https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/raw/master/atomics/T1047/bin/calc.dll %PUBLIC%\calc.dll
            - 'glitch.me'
            - 'gofile.io'
            - 'hastebin.com'
            - 'mediafire.com'
            - 'mega.nz'
            - 'onrender.com'
            - 'pages.dev'
            - 'paste.ee'
            - 'pastebin.com'
            - 'pastebin.pl'
            - 'pastetext.net'
            - 'privatlab.com'
            - 'privatlab.net'
            - 'send.exploit.in'
            - 'sendspace.com'
            - 'storage.googleapis.com'
            - 'storjshare.io'
            - 'supabase.co'
            - 'temp.sh'
            - 'transfer.sh'
            - 'trycloudflare.com'
            - 'ufile.io'
            - 'w3spaces.com'
            - 'workers.dev'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Some legitimate apps use this, but limited.
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_bitsadmin_download_file_sharing_domains/info.yml
simulation:
    - type: atomic-red-team
      name: Windows - BITSAdmin BITS Download
      technique: T1105
      atomic_guid: a1921cd3-9a2d-47d5-a891-f1d0f2a7a31b

title: Suspicious Download and Execute Pattern via Curl/Wget
id: a2d9e2f3-0f43-4c7a-bcd9-9acfc0d723aa
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects suspicious use of command-line tools such as curl or wget to download remote
    content - particularly scripts - into temporary directories (e.g., /dev/shm, /tmp), followed by
    immediate execution, indicating potential malicious activity. This pattern is commonly used
    by malicious scripts, stagers, or downloaders in fileless or multi-stage Linux attacks.
references:
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/wget/
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/curl/
author: Aayush Gupta
date: 2025-06-17
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.004
    - attack.t1203
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_downloader:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/curl'
            - '/wget'
    selection_tmp:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/tmp/'
            - '/dev/shm/'
    selection_executor:
        CommandLine|contains: 'sh -c'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - System update scripts using temporary files
    - Installer scripts or automated provisioning tools
level: high

title: Suspicious Download from Office Domain
id: 00d49ed5-4491-4271-a8db-650a4ef6f8c1
status: test
description: Detects suspicious ways to download files from Microsoft domains that are used to store attachments in Emails or OneNote documents
references:
    - https://twitter.com/an0n_r0/status/1474698356635193346?s=12
    - https://twitter.com/mrd0x/status/1475085452784844803?s=12
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-12-27
modified: 2022-08-02
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.resource-development
    - attack.t1105
    - attack.t1608
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_download:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\curl.exe'
              - '\wget.exe'
        - CommandLine|contains:
              - 'Invoke-WebRequest'
              - 'iwr '
              - 'curl '
              - 'wget '
              - 'Start-BitsTransfer'
              - '.DownloadFile('
              - '.DownloadString('
    selection_domains:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'https://attachment.outlook.live.net/owa/'
            - 'https://onenoteonlinesync.onenote.com/onenoteonlinesync/'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Scripts or tools that download attachments from these domains (OneNote, Outlook 365)
level: high

title: Suspicious Driver/DLL Installation Via Odbcconf.EXE
id: cb0fe7c5-f3a3-484d-aa25-d350a7912729
related:
    - id: 3f5491e2-8db8-496b-9e95-1029fce852d4
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects execution of "odbcconf" with the "INSTALLDRIVER" action where the driver doesn't contain a ".dll" extension. This is often used as a defense evasion method.
references:
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Odbcconf/
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20191023232753/https://twitter.com/Hexacorn/status/1187143326673330176
    - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2020/08/23/odbcconf-lolbin-trifecta/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-23
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218.008
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\odbcconf.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'odbcconf.exe'
    selection_cli:
        # Note: The "/A" flag is not required to call a specific action
        CommandLine|contains: 'INSTALLDRIVER '
    filter_main_dll_ext:
        CommandLine|contains: '.dll'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious Dropbox API Usage
id: 25eabf56-22f0-4915-a1ed-056b8dae0a68
status: test
description: Detects an executable that isn't dropbox but communicates with the Dropbox API
references:
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/7e906adc-9d11-447f-8641-5f40375ecebb
    - https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/new-espionage-attack-molerats-apt-targeting-users-middle-east
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-04-20
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.exfiltration
    - attack.t1105
    - attack.t1567.002
logsource:
    category: network_connection
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Initiated: 'true'
        DestinationHostname|endswith:
            - 'api.dropboxapi.com'
            - 'content.dropboxapi.com'
    filter_main_legit_dropbox:
        # Note: It's better to add a specific path to the exact location(s) where dropbox is installed
        Image|contains: '\Dropbox'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of the API with a tool that the author wasn't aware of
level: high

title: Suspicious DumpMinitool Execution
id: eb1c4225-1c23-4241-8dd4-051389fde4ce
status: test
description: Detects suspicious ways to use the "DumpMinitool.exe" binary
references:
    - https://twitter.com/mrd0x/status/1511415432888131586
    - https://twitter.com/mrd0x/status/1511489821247684615
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/OtherMSBinaries/DumpMinitool/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-04-06
modified: 2023-04-12
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036
    - attack.t1003.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\DumpMinitool.exe'
              - '\DumpMinitool.x86.exe'
              - '\DumpMinitool.arm64.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'DumpMinitool.exe'
              - 'DumpMinitool.x86.exe'
              - 'DumpMinitool.arm64.exe'
    filter_folder:
        Image|contains:
            - '\Microsoft Visual Studio\'
            - '\Extensions\'  # https://github.com/microsoft/vstest/blob/b2e2126f1aa7e5753cafe9515563c99ade6a59ce/src/package/nuspec/Microsoft.TestPlatform.Portable.nuspec#L159
    susp_flags:
        CommandLine|contains: '.txt'
    cmd_has_flags:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' Full'
            - ' Mini'
            - ' WithHeap'
    filter_cmd_misses_flags:
        CommandLine|contains: '--dumpType'
    condition: selection and ( ( not filter_folder ) or susp_flags or ( cmd_has_flags and not filter_cmd_misses_flags ) )
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Encoded And Obfuscated Reflection Assembly Load Function Call
id: 9c0295ce-d60d-40bd-bd74-84673b7592b1
related:
    - id: 62b7ccc9-23b4-471e-aa15-6da3663c4d59
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious base64 encoded and obfuscated "LOAD" keyword used in .NET "reflection.assembly"
references:
    - https://github.com/Neo23x0/Raccine/blob/20a569fa21625086433dcce8bb2765d0ea08dcb6/yara/mal_revil.yar
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2022/05/09/seo-poisoning-a-gootloader-story/
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.appdomain.load?view=net-7.0
author: pH-T (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-03-01
modified: 2023-04-06
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.t1027
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains:
            # ::("L"+"oad")
            - 'OgA6ACgAIgBMACIAKwAiAG8AYQBkACIAKQ'
            - 'oAOgAoACIATAAiACsAIgBvAGEAZAAiACkA'
            - '6ADoAKAAiAEwAIgArACIAbwBhAGQAIgApA'
            # ::("Lo"+"ad")
            - 'OgA6ACgAIgBMAG8AIgArACIAYQBkACIAKQ'
            - 'oAOgAoACIATABvACIAKwAiAGEAZAAiACkA'
            - '6ADoAKAAiAEwAbwAiACsAIgBhAGQAIgApA'
            # ::("Loa"+"d")
            - 'OgA6ACgAIgBMAG8AYQAiACsAIgBkACIAKQ'
            - 'oAOgAoACIATABvAGEAIgArACIAZAAiACkA'
            - '6ADoAKAAiAEwAbwBhACIAKwAiAGQAIgApA'
            # ::('L'+'oad')
            - 'OgA6ACgAJwBMACcAKwAnAG8AYQBkACcAKQ'
            - 'oAOgAoACcATAAnACsAJwBvAGEAZAAnACkA'
            - '6ADoAKAAnAEwAJwArACcAbwBhAGQAJwApA'
            # ::('Lo'+'ad')
            - 'OgA6ACgAJwBMAG8AJwArACcAYQBkACcAKQ'
            - 'oAOgAoACcATABvACcAKwAnAGEAZAAnACkA'
            - '6ADoAKAAnAEwAbwAnACsAJwBhAGQAJwApA'
            # ::('Loa'+'d')
            - 'OgA6ACgAJwBMAG8AYQAnACsAJwBkACcAKQ'
            - 'oAOgAoACcATABvAGEAJwArACcAZAAnACkA'
            - '6ADoAKAAnAEwAbwBhACcAKwAnAGQAJwApA'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious Encoded PowerShell Command Line
id: ca2092a1-c273-4878-9b4b-0d60115bf5ea
status: test
description: Detects suspicious powershell process starts with base64 encoded commands (e.g. Emotet)
references:
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/6217d77d-3189-4db2-a957-8ab239f3e01e
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Markus Neis, Jonhnathan Ribeiro, Daniil Yugoslavskiy, Anton Kutepov, oscd.community
date: 2018-09-03
modified: 2023-04-06
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\powershell.exe'
              - '\pwsh.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'PowerShell.EXE'
              - 'pwsh.dll'
    selection_cli_enc:
        CommandLine|contains: ' -e' # covers -en and -enc
    selection_cli_content:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' JAB'
            - ' SUVYI'
            - ' SQBFAFgA'
            - ' aQBlAHgA'
            - ' aWV4I'
            - ' IAA'
            - ' IAB'
            - ' UwB'
            - ' cwB'
    selection_standalone:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.exe -ENCOD '
            - ' BA^J e-' # Reversed
    filter_optional_remote_signed:
        CommandLine|contains: ' -ExecutionPolicy remotesigned '
    condition: selection_img and (all of selection_cli_* or selection_standalone) and not 1 of filter_optional_*
level: high

title: Suspicious Encoded Scripts in a WMI Consumer
id: 83844185-1c5b-45bc-bcf3-b5bf3084ca5b
status: test
description: Detects suspicious encoded payloads in WMI Event Consumers
references:
    - https://github.com/RiccardoAncarani/LiquidSnake
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2021-09-01
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1047
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1546.003
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: wmi_event
detection:
    selection_destination:
        Destination|base64offset|contains:
            - 'WriteProcessMemory'
            - 'This program cannot be run in DOS mode'
            - 'This program must be run under Win32'
    condition: selection_destination
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Environment Variable Has Been Registered
id: 966315ef-c5e1-4767-ba25-fce9c8de3660
status: test
description: Detects the creation of user-specific or system-wide environment variables via the registry. Which contains suspicious commands and strings
references:
    - https://infosec.exchange/@sbousseaden/109542254124022664
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-12-20
modified: 2023-08-17
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: registry_set
detection:
    selection_main:
        TargetObject|contains: '\Environment\'
    selection_details:
        - Details:
              - 'powershell'
              - 'pwsh'
        - Details|contains:
              # Add more suspicious strings in env variables below
              - '\AppData\Local\Temp\'
              - 'C:\Users\Public\'
              # Base64 MZ Header
              - 'TVqQAAMAAAAEAAAA' # MZ..........
              - 'TVpQAAIAAAAEAA8A'
              - 'TVqAAAEAAAAEABAA'
              - 'TVoAAAAAAAAAAAAA'
              - 'TVpTAQEAAAAEAAAA'
              # Base64 Invoke- (UTF-8)
              - 'SW52b2tlL'
              - 'ludm9rZS'
              - 'JbnZva2Ut'
              # Base64 Invoke- (UTF-16LE)
              - 'SQBuAHYAbwBrAGUALQ'
              - 'kAbgB2AG8AawBlAC0A'
              - 'JAG4AdgBvAGsAZQAtA'
        - Details|startswith:  # https://gist.github.com/Neo23x0/6af876ee72b51676c82a2db8d2cd3639
              - 'SUVY'
              - 'SQBFAF'
              - 'SQBuAH'
              - 'cwBhA'
              - 'aWV4'
              - 'aQBlA'
              - 'R2V0'
              - 'dmFy'
              - 'dgBhA'
              - 'dXNpbm'
              - 'H4sIA'
              - 'Y21k'
              - 'cABhAH'
              - 'Qzpc'
              - 'Yzpc'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Eventlog Clearing or Configuration Change Activity
id: cc36992a-4671-4f21-a91d-6c2b72a2edf5
status: stable
description: |
    Detects the clearing or configuration tampering of EventLog using utilities such as "wevtutil", "powershell" and "wmic".
    This technique were seen used by threat actors and ransomware strains in order to evade defenses.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1070.001/T1070.001.md
    - https://eqllib.readthedocs.io/en/latest/analytics/5b223758-07d6-4100-9e11-238cfdd0fe97.html
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/wevtutil
    - https://gist.github.com/fovtran/ac0624983c7722e80a8f5a4babb170ee
    - https://jdhnet.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/changing-the-location-of-the-windows-event-logs/
    - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/huntress-labs_when-a-sketchy-incident-hits-your-network-activity-7304940371078238208-Th_l/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAJTlRcB28IaUtg03HUU-IdliwzoAL1flGc
    - https://stackoverflow.com/questions/66011412/how-to-clear-a-event-log-in-powershell-7
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.diagnostics.eventing.reader.eventlogsession.clearlog?view=windowsdesktop-9.0&viewFallbackFrom=dotnet-plat-ext-5.0#System_Diagnostics_Eventing_Reader_EventLogSession_ClearLog_System_String_
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.diagnostics.eventlog.clear
author: Ecco, Daniil Yugoslavskiy, oscd.community, D3F7A5105, Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2019-09-26
modified: 2026-06-01
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685.005
    - attack.t1685.001
    - car.2016-04-002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_wevtutil_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\wevtutil.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'wevtutil.exe'
    selection_wevtutil_cmd:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'clear-log '          # clears specified log
            - ' cl '                # short version of 'clear-log'
            - 'set-log '            # modifies config of specified log. could be used to set it to a tiny size
            - ' sl '                # short version of 'set-log'
            - 'lfn:'                # change log file location and name
    selection_other_ps_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\powershell_ise.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
    selection_other_ps_cmd:
        - CommandLine|contains:
              - 'Clear-EventLog '
              - 'Remove-EventLog '
              - 'Limit-EventLog '
              - 'Clear-WinEvent '
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - 'Eventing.Reader.EventLogSession' # [System.Diagnostics.Eventing.Reader.EventLogSession]::GlobalSession.ClearLog($_.LogName)
              - 'ClearLog'
        - CommandLine|contains|all:
              - 'Diagnostics.EventLog'
              - 'Clear'
    selection_other_wmi:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\powershell_ise.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
            - '\wmic.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: 'ClearEventLog'
    filter_main_msiexec:
        # Example seen during office update/installation:
        #   ParentImage: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\msiexec.exe
        #   CommandLine: "C:\WINDOWS\system32\wevtutil.exe" sl Microsoft-RMS-MSIPC/Debug /q:true /e:true /l:4 /rt:false
        ParentImage:
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\msiexec.exe'
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\msiexec.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: ' sl '
    condition: ((all of selection_wevtutil_*) or (all of selection_other_ps_*) or selection_other_wmi) and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Admin activity
    - Scripts and administrative tools used in the monitored environment
    - Maintenance activity
level: high

title: Suspicious Executable File Creation
id: 74babdd6-a758-4549-9632-26535279e654
status: test
description: |
    Detect creation of suspicious executable file names.
    Some strings look for suspicious file extensions, others look for filenames that exploit unquoted service paths.
references:
    - https://medium.com/@SumitVerma101/windows-privilege-escalation-part-1-unquoted-service-path-c7a011a8d8ae
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/76c69e2d-01e8-49d9-9aea-fb7cc0c4d3ad/
author: frack113
date: 2022-09-05
modified: 2023-12-11
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1564
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - ':\$Recycle.Bin.exe'
            - ':\Documents and Settings.exe'
            - ':\MSOCache.exe'
            - ':\PerfLogs.exe'
            - ':\Recovery.exe'
            - '.bat.exe'
            - '.sys.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Execution From Outlook Temporary Folder
id: a018fdc3-46a3-44e5-9afb-2cd4af1d4b39
status: test
description: Detects a suspicious program execution in Outlook temp folder
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
references:
    - Internal Research
date: 2019-10-01
modified: 2022-10-09
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1566.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|contains: '\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Execution Location Of Wermgr.EXE
id: 5394fcc7-aeb2-43b5-9a09-cac9fc5edcd5
related:
    - id: 396f6630-f3ac-44e3-bfc8-1b161bc00c4e
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects suspicious Windows Error Reporting manager (wermgr.exe) execution location.
references:
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/j/black-basta-infiltrates-networks-via-qakbot-brute-ratel-and-coba.html
    - https://www.echotrail.io/insights/search/wermgr.exe
    - https://github.com/binderlabs/DirCreate2System
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-10-14
modified: 2023-08-23
tags:
    - attack.execution
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\wermgr.exe'
    filter_main_legit_location:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
            - 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious Execution Of Renamed Sysinternals Tools - Registry
id: f50f3c09-557d-492d-81db-9064a8d4e211
related:
    - id: 25ffa65d-76d8-4da5-a832-3f2b0136e133
      type: derived
    - id: 8023f872-3f1d-4301-a384-801889917ab4
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects the creation of the "accepteula" key related to the Sysinternals tools being created from executables with the wrong name (e.g. a renamed Sysinternals tool)
references:
    - Internal Research
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-24
modified: 2025-10-26
tags:
    - attack.resource-development
    - attack.t1588.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: registry_set
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains:
            # Please add new values while respecting the alphabetical order
            - '\Active Directory Explorer'
            - '\Handle'
            - '\LiveKd'
            - '\ProcDump'
            - '\Process Explorer'
            - '\PsExec'
            - '\PsLoggedon'
            - '\PsLoglist'
            - '\PsPasswd'
            - '\PsPing'
            - '\PsService'
            - '\SDelete'
        TargetObject|endswith: '\EulaAccepted'
    filter:
        Image|endswith:
            # Please add new values while respecting the alphabetical order
            - '\ADExplorer.exe'
            - '\ADExplorer64.exe'
            - '\handle.exe'
            - '\handle64.exe'
            - '\livekd.exe'
            - '\livekd64.exe'
            - '\procdump.exe'
            - '\procdump64.exe'
            - '\procexp.exe'
            - '\procexp64.exe'
            - '\PsExec.exe'
            - '\PsExec64.exe'
            - '\PsLoggedon.exe'
            - '\PsLoggedon64.exe'
            - '\psloglist.exe'
            - '\psloglist64.exe'
            - '\pspasswd.exe'
            - '\pspasswd64.exe'
            - '\PsPing.exe'
            - '\PsPing64.exe'
            - '\PsService.exe'
            - '\PsService64.exe'
            - '\sdelete.exe'
    condition: selection and not filter
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/registry/registry_set/registry_set_pua_sysinternals_renamed_execution_via_eula/info.yml

title: Suspicious Explorer Process with Whitespace Padding - ClickFix/FileFix
id: 3ae9974a-eb09-4044-8e70-8980a50c12c8
related:
    - id: 8f2a5c3d-9e4b-4a7c-8d1f-2e5a6b9c3d7e
      type: similar
    - id: 7a1b4c5e-8f3d-4b9a-7c2e-1f4a5b8c6d9e
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects process creation with suspicious whitespace padding followed by a '#' character, which may indicate ClickFix or FileFix techniques used to conceal malicious commands from visual inspection.
    ClickFix and FileFix are social engineering attack techniques where adversaries distribute phishing documents or malicious links that deceive users into opening the Windows Run dialog box or File Explorer search bar.
    The victims are then instructed to paste commands from their clipboard, which contain extensive whitespace padding using various Unicode space characters to push the actual malicious command far to the right, effectively hiding it from immediate view.
references:
    - https://expel.com/blog/cache-smuggling-when-a-picture-isnt-a-thousand-words/
    - https://mrd0x.com/filefix-clickfix-alternative/
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-11-04
modified: 2025-11-26
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1204.004
    - attack.t1027.010
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_explorer:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: '#'
    selection_space_variation:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '            ' # En Quad (U+2000)
            - '            ' # Em Quad (U+2001)
            - '            ' # En Space (U+2002)
            - '            ' # Em Space (U+2003)
            - '            ' # Three-Per-Em Space (U+2004)
            - '            ' # Four-Per-Em Space (U+2005)
            - '            ' # Six-Per-Em Space (U+2006)
            - '            ' # Figure Space (U+2007)
            - '            ' # Punctuation Space (U+2008)
            - '            ' # Thin Space (U+2009)
            - '            ' # Hair Space (U+200A)
            - '            ' # No-Break Space (U+00A0)
            - '            ' # Normal space (0x20)
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious External WebDAV Execution
id: 1ae64f96-72b6-48b3-ad3d-e71dff6c6398
related:
    - id: 4c55738d-72d8-490e-a2db-7969654e375f
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects executables launched from external WebDAV shares using the WebDAV Explorer integration, commonly seen in initial access campaigns.
references:
    - https://dear-territory-023.notion.site/WebDav-Share-Testing-e4950fa0c00149c3aa430d779b9b1d0f?pvs=4
    - https://micahbabinski.medium.com/search-ms-webdav-and-chill-99c5b23ac462
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/en_no/research/24/b/cve202421412-water-hydra-targets-traders-with-windows-defender-s.html
    - https://www.trellix.com/en-us/about/newsroom/stories/research/beyond-file-search-a-novel-method.html
author: Ahmed Farouk
date: 2024-05-10
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.resource-development
    - attack.t1584
    - attack.t1566
logsource:
    category: proxy
detection:
    selection_webdav:
        c-useragent|startswith: 'Microsoft-WebDAV-MiniRedir/'
        cs-method: 'GET'
    selection_execution:
        c-uri|endswith:
            - '.7z'
            - '.bat'
            - '.dat'
            - '.cmd'
            - '.exe'
            - '.js'
            - '.lnk'
            - '.ps1'
            - '.rar'
            - '.url'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
            - '.zip'
    filter_main_local_ips:
        dst_ip|cidr:
            - '127.0.0.0/8'
            - '10.0.0.0/8'
            - '172.16.0.0/12'
            - '192.168.0.0/16'
            - '169.254.0.0/16'
            - '::1/128'  # IPv6 loopback
            - 'fe80::/10'  # IPv6 link-local addresses
            - 'fc00::/7'  # IPv6 private addresses
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious File Created Via OneNote Application
id: fcc6d700-68d9-4241-9a1a-06874d621b06
status: test
description: Detects suspicious files created via the OneNote application. This could indicate a potential malicious ".one"/".onepkg" file was executed as seen being used in malware activity in the wild
references:
    - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-now-use-microsoft-onenote-attachments-to-spread-malware/
    - https://blog.osarmor.com/319/onenote-attachment-delivers-asyncrat-malware/
    - https://twitter.com/MaD_c4t/status/1623414582382567424
    - https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/detecting-onenote-abuse
    - https://www.trustedsec.com/blog/new-attacks-old-tricks-how-onenote-malware-is-evolving/
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/17f2d378-6d11-4d6f-8340-954b04f35e83/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-02-09
modified: 2023-02-27
tags:
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\onenote.exe'
            - '\onenotem.exe'
            - '\onenoteim.exe'
        TargetFilename|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\OneNote\'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            # TODO: Add more suspicious extensions
            - '.bat'
            - '.chm'
            - '.cmd'
            - '.dll'
            - '.exe'
            - '.hta'
            - '.htm'
            - '.html'
            - '.js'
            - '.lnk'
            - '.ps1'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
            - '.wsf'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - False positives should be very low with the extensions list cited. Especially if you don't heavily utilize OneNote.
    - Occasional FPs might occur if OneNote is used internally to share different embedded documents
level: high

title: Suspicious File Created by ArcSOC.exe
id: e890acee-d488-420e-8f20-d9b19b3c3d43
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects instances where the ArcGIS Server process ArcSOC.exe, which hosts REST services running on an ArcGIS
    server, creates a file with suspicious file type, indicating that it may be an executable, script file,
    or otherwise unusual.
references:
    - https://reliaquest.com/blog/threat-spotlight-inside-flax-typhoons-arcgis-compromise/
    - https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/server/12.0/administer/windows/inside-an-arcgis-server-site.htm
author: Micah Babinski
date: 2025-11-25
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1127
    - attack.t1105
    - attack.t1133
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\ArcSOC.exe'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.ahk'
            - '.aspx'
            - '.au3'
            - '.bat'
            - '.cmd'
            - '.dll'
            - '.exe'
            - '.hta'
            - '.js'
            - '.ps1'
            - '.py'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
            - '.wsf'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious File Created in Outlook Temporary Directory
id: fabb0e80-030c-4e3e-a104-d09676991ac3
related:
    - id: f748c45a-f8d3-4e6f-b617-fe176f695b8f
      type: obsolete
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the creation of files with suspicious file extensions in the temporary directory that Outlook uses when opening attachments.
    This can be used to detect spear-phishing campaigns that use suspicious files as attachments, which may contain malicious code.
references:
    - https://vipre.com/blog/svg-phishing-attacks-the-new-trick-in-the-cybercriminals-playbook/
    - https://thecyberexpress.com/rogue-rdp-files-used-in-ukraine-cyberattacks/
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/10/29/midnight-blizzard-conducts-large-scale-spear-phishing-campaign-using-rdp-files/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2025-07-22
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1566.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection_extension:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '.cpl'
            - '.hta'
            - '.iso'
            - '.rdp'
            - '.svg'
            - '.vba'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
    selection_location:
        - TargetFilename|contains:
              - '\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Outlook_'
              - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Olk\Attachments\'
        - TargetFilename|contains|all:
              - '\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\'
              - '\Content.Outlook\'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Opening of headers or footers in email signatures that include SVG images or legitimate SVG attachments
level: high

title: Suspicious File Creation Activity From Fake Recycle.Bin Folder
id: cd8b36ac-8e4a-4c2f-a402-a29b8fbd5bca
related:
    - id: 5ce0f04e-3efc-42af-839d-5b3a543b76c0
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects file write event from/to a fake recycle bin folder that is often used as a staging directory for malware
references:
    - https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/infected-usb-steal-secrets
    - https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cloaked-ursa-phishing/
author: X__Junior (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-07-12
modified: 2023-12-11
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - Image|contains:
              # e.g. C:\$RECYCLER.BIN
              - 'RECYCLERS.BIN\'
              - 'RECYCLER.BIN\'
        - TargetFilename|contains:
              # e.g. C:\$RECYCLER.BIN
              - 'RECYCLERS.BIN\'
              - 'RECYCLER.BIN\'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/file/file_event/file_event_win_susp_recycle_bin_fake_exec/info.yml

title: Suspicious File Creation In Uncommon AppData Folder
id: d7b50671-d1ad-4871-aa60-5aa5b331fe04
status: test
description: Detects the creation of suspicious files and folders inside the user's AppData folder but not inside any of the common and well known directories (Local, Romaing, LocalLow). This method could be used as a method to bypass detection who exclude the AppData folder in fear of FPs
references:
    - Internal Research
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-05
modified: 2023-02-23
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
        TargetFilename|contains: '\AppData\'
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            # Add more as needed
            - '.bat'
            - '.cmd'
            - '.cpl'
            - '.dll'
            - '.exe'
            - '.hta'
            - '.iso'
            - '.lnk'
            - '.msi'
            - '.ps1'
            - '.psm1'
            - '.scr'
            - '.vbe'
            - '.vbs'
    filter_main:
        TargetFilename|startswith: 'C:\Users\'
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '\AppData\Local\'
            - '\AppData\LocalLow\'
            - '\AppData\Roaming\'
    condition: selection and not filter_main
falsepositives:
    - Unlikely
level: high

title: Suspicious File Download From File Sharing Domain Via Curl.EXE
id: 56454143-524f-49fb-b1c6-3fb8b1ad41fb
status: test
description: Detects potentially suspicious file download from file sharing domains using curl.exe
references:
    - https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/fin7-target-veeam-servers
    - https://github.com/WithSecureLabs/iocs/blob/344203de742bb7e68bd56618f66d34be95a9f9fc/FIN7VEEAM/iocs.csv
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-05
modified: 2025-12-10
tags:
    - attack.execution
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\curl.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'curl.exe'
    selection_websites:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.githubusercontent.com'       # Includes both gists and github repositories / Michael Haag (idea)
            - 'anonfiles.com'
            - 'cdn.discordapp.com'
            - 'ddns.net'
            - 'dl.dropboxusercontent.com'
            - 'ghostbin.co'
            - 'github.com'
            - 'glitch.me'
            - 'gofile.io'
            - 'hastebin.com'
            - 'mediafire.com'
            - 'mega.nz'
            - 'onrender.com'
            - 'pages.dev'
            - 'paste.ee'
            - 'pastebin.com'
            - 'pastebin.pl'
            - 'pastetext.net'
            - 'pixeldrain.com'
            - 'privatlab.com'
            - 'privatlab.net'
            - 'send.exploit.in'
            - 'sendspace.com'
            - 'storage.googleapis.com'
            - 'storjshare.io'
            - 'supabase.co'
            - 'temp.sh'
            - 'transfer.sh'
            - 'trycloudflare.com'
            - 'ufile.io'
            - 'w3spaces.com'
            - 'workers.dev'
    selection_http:
        CommandLine|contains: 'http'
    selection_flag:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' -O'  # covers the alias for --remote-name and --output
            - '--remote-name'
            - '--output'
    selection_ext:
        CommandLine|endswith:
            - ".ps1"
            - ".ps1'"
            - '.ps1"'
            - ".dat"
            - ".dat'"
            - '.dat"'
            - ".msi"
            - ".msi'"
            - '.msi"'
            - ".bat"
            - ".bat'"
            - '.bat"'
            - ".exe"
            - ".exe'"
            - '.exe"'
            - ".vbs"
            - ".vbs'"
            - '.vbs"'
            - ".vbe"
            - ".vbe'"
            - '.vbe"'
            - ".hta"
            - ".hta'"
            - '.hta"'
            - ".dll"
            - ".dll'"
            - '.dll"'
            - ".psm1"
            - ".psm1'"
            - '.psm1"'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_curl_download_susp_file_sharing_domains/info.yml

title: Suspicious File Download From File Sharing Domain Via Wget.EXE
id: a0d7e4d2-bede-4141-8896-bc6e237e977c
status: test
description: Detects potentially suspicious file downloads from file sharing domains using wget.exe
references:
    - https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/fin7-target-veeam-servers
    - https://github.com/WithSecureLabs/iocs/blob/344203de742bb7e68bd56618f66d34be95a9f9fc/FIN7VEEAM/iocs.csv
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/01/17/new-ttps-observed-in-mint-sandstorm-campaign-targeting-high-profile-individuals-at-universities-and-research-orgs/
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-05-05
modified: 2025-12-10
tags:
    - attack.execution
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\wget.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'wget.exe'
    selection_websites:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.githubusercontent.com'       # Includes both gists and github repositories / Michael Haag (idea)
            - 'anonfiles.com'
            - 'cdn.discordapp.com'
            - 'ddns.net'
            - 'dl.dropboxusercontent.com'
            - 'ghostbin.co'
            - 'github.com'
            - 'glitch.me'
            - 'gofile.io'
            - 'hastebin.com'
            - 'mediafire.com'
            - 'mega.nz'
            - 'onrender.com'
            - 'pages.dev'
            - 'paste.ee'
            - 'pastebin.com'
            - 'pastebin.pl'
            - 'pastetext.net'
            - 'pixeldrain.com'
            - 'privatlab.com'
            - 'privatlab.net'
            - 'send.exploit.in'
            - 'sendspace.com'
            - 'storage.googleapis.com'
            - 'storjshare.io'
            - 'supabase.co'
            - 'temp.sh'
            - 'transfer.sh'
            - 'trycloudflare.com'
            - 'ufile.io'
            - 'w3spaces.com'
            - 'workers.dev'
    selection_http:
        CommandLine|contains: 'http'
    selection_flag:
        - CommandLine|re: '\s-O\s'
        - CommandLine|contains: '--output-document'
    selection_ext:
        CommandLine|endswith:
            - '.ps1'
            - ".ps1'"
            - '.ps1"'
            - '.dat'
            - ".dat'"
            - '.dat"'
            - '.msi'
            - ".msi'"
            - '.msi"'
            - '.bat'
            - ".bat'"
            - '.bat"'
            - '.exe'
            - ".exe'"
            - '.exe"'
            - '.vbs'
            - ".vbs'"
            - '.vbs"'
            - '.vbe'
            - ".vbe'"
            - '.vbe"'
            - '.hta'
            - ".hta'"
            - '.hta"'
            - '.dll'
            - ".dll'"
            - '.dll"'
            - '.psm1'
            - ".psm1'"
            - '.psm1"'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Suspicious File Download From File Sharing Websites -  File Stream
id: 52182dfb-afb7-41db-b4bc-5336cb29b464
related:
    - id: ae02ed70-11aa-4a22-b397-c0d0e8f6ea99
      type: similar
status: test
description: Detects the download of suspicious file type from a well-known file and paste sharing domain
references:
    - https://www.ultimatewindowssecurity.com/securitylog/encyclopedia/event.aspx?eventid=90015
    - https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa22-321a
    - https://fabian-voith.de/2020/06/25/sysmon-v11-1-reads-alternate-data-streams/
    - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/01/17/new-ttps-observed-in-mint-sandstorm-campaign-targeting-high-profile-individuals-at-universities-and-research-orgs/
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems)
date: 2022-08-24
modified: 2025-12-10
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.s0139
    - attack.t1564.004
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: create_stream_hash
detection:
    selection_domain:
        Contents|contains:
            - '.githubusercontent.com'       # Includes both gists and github repositories / Michael Haag (idea)
            - 'anonfiles.com'
            - 'cdn.discordapp.com'
            - 'ddns.net'
            - 'dl.dropboxusercontent.com'
            - 'ghostbin.co'
            - 'github.com'
            - 'glitch.me'
            - 'gofile.io'
            - 'hastebin.com'
            - 'mediafire.com'
            - 'mega.nz'
            - 'onrender.com'
            - 'pages.dev'
            - 'paste.ee'
            - 'pastebin.com'
            - 'pastebin.pl'
            - 'pastetext.net'
            - 'pixeldrain.com'
            - 'privatlab.com'
            - 'privatlab.net'
            - 'send.exploit.in'
            - 'sendspace.com'
            - 'storage.googleapis.com'
            - 'storjshare.io'
            - 'supabase.co'
            - 'temp.sh'
            - 'transfer.sh'
            - 'trycloudflare.com'
            - 'ufile.io'
            - 'w3spaces.com'
            - 'workers.dev'
    selection_extension:
        TargetFilename|contains:
            - '.cpl:Zone'
            - '.dll:Zone'
            - '.exe:Zone'
            - '.hta:Zone'
            - '.lnk:Zone'
            - '.one:Zone'
            - '.vbe:Zone'
            - '.vbs:Zone'
            - '.xll:Zone'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Some false positives might occur with binaries download via Github
level: high