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MediumSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +2

Windows Data Destruction Recursive Exec Files Deletion

The following analytic identifies a suspicious process that is recursively deleting executable files on a compromised host. It leverages Sysmon Event Codes 23 and 26 to detect this activity by monitoring for a high…

Description

The following analytic identifies a suspicious process that is recursively deleting executable files on a compromised host. It leverages Sysmon Event Codes 23 and 26 to detect this activity by monitoring for a high volume of deletions or overwrites of files with extensions like .exe, .sys, and .dll. This behavior is significant as it is commonly associated with destructive malware such as CaddyWiper, DoubleZero, and SwiftSlicer, which aim to make file recovery impossible. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to significant data loss and system instability, severely impacting business operations.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Log source category
sysmon_eventid_23sysmon_eventid_26

Known benign triggers

  • The uninstallation of a large software application or the use of cleanmgr.exe may trigger this detection. A filter is necessary to reduce false positives.

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