Back to results

Detect Rare Executables

The following analytic detects the execution of rare processes that appear only once across the network within a specified timeframe. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on…

Description

The following analytic detects the execution of rare processes that appear only once across the network within a specified timeframe. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs. This activity is significant for a SOC as it helps identify potentially malicious activities or unauthorized software, which could indicate a security breach or ongoing attack. If confirmed malicious, such rare processes could lead to data theft, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise, making early detection crucial for minimizing impact. The search currently identifies processes executed on fewer than 10 hosts, but this threshold can be adjusted based on the organization's environment and risk tolerance. The search groups results by process name which can lead to blind spots if a malicious process uses a common name. To mitigate this, consider enhancing the detection logic to group by additional attributes such as process hash.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersIaaSLinuxmacOSWindows

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

Known benign triggers

  • Some legitimate processes may be only rarely executed in your environment. Apply additional filters as needed.

Detections can measure how the public catalogue is used — which detections people look for, and which pages bring them here. It sets a cookie that recognises this browser for 180 days. It is never linked to an account and never follows you to other sites. Privacy notice