Suspicious MSBuild Rename
The following analytic detects the execution of renamed instances of msbuild.exe. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and original file names within the…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of renamed instances of msbuild.exe. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and original file names within the Endpoint data model. This activity is significant because msbuild.exe is a legitimate tool often abused by attackers to execute malicious code while evading detection. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Although unlikely, some legitimate applications may use a moved copy of msbuild, triggering a false positive.
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 |
|---|---|
| github.com/infosecn1nja/MaliciousMacroMSBuild/ | Only this detection cites it |
| github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/master/atomics/T1127.001/T1127.001.md | 3 |
| lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Msbuild/ | 5from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 4006adac-5937-11eb-ae93-0242ac130002
- Tagged by the source as
- BlackByte RansomwareCobalt StrikeGraceful Wipe Out AttackLiving Off The LandMasquerading - Rename System UtilitiesStorm-2460 CLFS Zero Day ExploitationTrusted Developer Utilities Proxy Execution MSBuildEndpointendpointSplunk 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
- Oct 6, 2026
- Version
- 2