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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.

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