Windows Alternate DataStream - Executable Content
The following analytic detects the writing of data with an IMPHASH value to an Alternate Data Stream (ADS) in the NTFS file system. It leverages Sysmon Event ID 15 and regex to identify files with a Portable…
Description
The following analytic detects the writing of data with an IMPHASH value to an Alternate Data Stream (ADS) in the NTFS file system. It leverages Sysmon Event ID 15 and regex to identify files with a Portable Executable (PE) structure. This activity is significant as it may indicate a threat actor staging malicious code in hidden areas for persistence or future execution. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute hidden code, maintain persistence, or escalate privileges within the environment.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_15
Known benign triggers
- No false positives have been identified at this time.
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 |
|---|---|
| blogs.juniper.net/en-us/threat-research/bitpaymer-ransomware-hides-behind-windows-alternate-data-streams | 3 |
| car.mitre.org/analytics/CAR-2020-08-001/ | 3 |
| twitter.com/0xrawsec/status/1002478725605273600?s=21 | 2from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- a258bf2a-34fd-4986-8086-78f506e00206
- Tagged by the source as
- Windows Defense Evasion TacticsEndpointendpointSplunk 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