Excessive Usage Of Cacls App
The following analytic identifies excessive usage of `cacls.exe`, `xcacls.exe`, or `icacls.exe` to change file or folder permissions. It looks for 10 or more execution of the aforementioned processes in the span of 1…
Description
The following analytic identifies excessive usage of `cacls.exe`, `xcacls.exe`, or `icacls.exe` to change file or folder permissions. It looks for 10 or more execution of the aforementioned processes in the span of 1 minute. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant as it may indicate an adversary attempting to restrict access to malware components or artifacts on a compromised system. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could prevent users from deleting or accessing critical files, aiding in the persistence and concealment of malicious activities.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Administrators or administrative scripts may use this application. Filter as needed.
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 |
|---|---|
| thedfirreport.com/2020/04/20/sqlserver-or-the-miner-in-the-basement/ | 20from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 0bdf6092-af17-11eb-939a-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- AzorultCrypto StealerDefense Evasion or Unauthorized Access Via SDDL TamperingPrestige RansomwareWindows Post-ExploitationXMRigEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
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