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Cisco NVM - Non-Network Binary Making Network Connection

This analytic detects network connections initiated by binaries that are not typically associated with network communication, such as 'notepad.exe', 'calc.exe' or 'write.exe'. It leverages Cisco Network Visibility…

Description

This analytic detects network connections initiated by binaries that are not typically associated with network communication, such as 'notepad.exe', 'calc.exe' or 'write.exe'. It leverages Cisco Network Visibility Module logs to correlate network flow activity with process context, including command-line arguments, process path, and parent process information. These applications are normally used for locally and do not require outbound network access. When they do initiate such connections, it may indicate process hollowing, code injection, or proxy execution, where adversaries abuse a trusted process to mask malicious activity.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiLinuxmacOSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.

Known benign triggers

  • Rare cases may exist where these binaries are used by plugins or third-party extensions to initiate outbound communication. However, such behavior is extremely uncommon and should be investigated for potential injection or abuse.

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