Cisco ASA - Device File Copy Activity
This analytic detects file copy activity on Cisco ASA devices via CLI or ASDM. Adversaries may copy device files including configurations, logs, packet captures, or system files for reconnaissance, credential…
Description
This analytic detects file copy activity on Cisco ASA devices via CLI or ASDM. Adversaries may copy device files including configurations, logs, packet captures, or system files for reconnaissance, credential extraction, or data exfiltration. While legitimate file operations occur during backups and maintenance, unauthorized copies may indicate malicious activity. The detection monitors for command execution events (message ID 111008 or 111010) containing copy commands targeting running-config, startup-config, packet capture files, or other system files from disk0:, flash:, system:, or capture: locations. Investigate unexpected file copies, especially from non-administrative accounts, during unusual hours, or when combined with other suspicious activities.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- cisco_asa_logs
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate configuration exports may occur during normal administrative activities. These events should be verified and investigated.
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 |
|---|---|
| blog.talosintelligence.com/arcanedoor-new-espionage-focused-campaign-found-targeting-perimeter-network-devices/ | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 4d7e8f3a-9c2b-4e6f-8a1d-5b9c7e2f4a8c
- Tagged by the source as
- ArcaneDoorSuspicious Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance ActivityNetworkapplicationSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securitynetwork
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1