Mark-of-the-Web Removal by an Unusual Process
Identifies an unusual process deleting the Zone.Identifier alternate data stream from an executable or Windows Installer package. Attackers can remove this stream to bypass Mark-of-the-Web protections.
Detection logic
Its licence does not clear it for publishing here
Sunturai publishes a detection's own text where the licence it arrived under has been reviewed and permits it, and Elastic License 2.0 has not. The query as its source wrote it, its canonical form and the hash that pins this revision are in the workspace record.
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- event_index
Known benign triggers
- Administrative scripts and software deployment tools may intentionally unblock trusted executables or installers.
- Browsers, download utilities, and security tools may remove Mark-of-the-Web during legitimate file handling.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| any.run/cybersecurity-blog/rmm-blind-spot-for-cisos/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.cyfirma.com/research/apt36-multi-vector-execution-malware-campaign-targeting-indian-government-entities/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.forcepoint.com/blog/x-labs/screenconnect-attack | 2 |
| www.sonicwall.com/blog/living-off-legit-tools-stealthy-installation-of-remote-monitoring-agents-using-smartscreen-bypass | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 757371cd-5e9e-4adb-bc4e-d81f0ad0ec4d
- Tagged by the source as
- Data Source: Elastic DefendDomain: EndpointNoise: HighOS: WindowsPerformance: NormalPlatform: WindowsProfile: AggressiveResources: Investigation GuideRule Type: Event Correlation (EQL)Tactic: Defense EvasionUse Case: Threat Detection
Licence
- Published under
- Elastic License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Sep 26, 2026
- Version
- 4