Windows Alternate DataStream - Process Execution
The following analytic detects when a process attempts to execute a file from within an NTFS file system alternate data stream. This detection leverages process execution data from sources like Windows process…
Description
The following analytic detects when a process attempts to execute a file from within an NTFS file system alternate data stream. This detection leverages process execution data from sources like Windows process monitoring or Sysmon Event ID 1, focusing on specific processes known for such behavior. This activity is significant because alternate data streams can be used by threat actors to hide malicious code, making it difficult to detect. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to execute hidden code, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and further compromise of the system.
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_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- False positives may be generated by process executions within the commandline, regex has been provided to minimize the possibilty.
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 |
|---|---|
| blog.netwrix.com/2022/12/16/alternate_data_stream/ | 2 |
| 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 |
| gist.github.com/api0cradle/cdd2d0d0ec9abb686f0e89306e277b8f | 11from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 30c32c5c-41fe-45db-84fe-275e4320da3f
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Windows HostWindows 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