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Cisco ASA - Packet Capture Activity

This analytic detects execution of packet capture commands on Cisco ASA devices via CLI or ASDM. Adversaries may abuse the built-in packet capture functionality to perform network sniffing, intercept credentials…

Description

This analytic detects execution of packet capture commands on Cisco ASA devices via CLI or ASDM. Adversaries may abuse the built-in packet capture functionality to perform network sniffing, intercept credentials transmitted over the network, capture sensitive data in transit, or gather intelligence about network traffic patterns and internal communications. Packet captures can reveal usernames, passwords, session tokens, and confidential business data. The detection monitors for command execution events (message ID 111008 or 111010) containing "capture" commands, which are used to initiate packet capture sessions on specific interfaces or for specific traffic patterns on the ASA device. Investigate unauthorized packet capture activities, especially captures targeting sensitive interfaces (internal network segments, DMZ), captures configured to capture large volumes of traffic, captures with suspicious filter criteria, captures initiated by non-administrative accounts, or captures during unusual hours.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
IaaSLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

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

  • Admins use packet captures for troubleshooting, performance monitoring, or security investigations. Verify against change management. Filter known admin accounts during maintenance windows.

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