Windows Default Rdp File Deletion
This detection identifies the deletion of the Default.rdp file from a user’s Documents folder. This file is automatically created or updated by the Remote Desktop Connection client (mstsc.exe) whenever a user…
Description
This detection identifies the deletion of the Default.rdp file from a user’s Documents folder. This file is automatically created or updated by the Remote Desktop Connection client (mstsc.exe) whenever a user initiates an RDP session. It contains session configuration data, such as the remote hostname and display settings. While the presence of this file is normal during legitimate RDP usage, its deletion may indicate an attempt to conceal evidence of remote access activity. Threat actors and red team operators often remove Default.rdp as part of post-access cleanup to evade forensic detection. Detecting this action—especially when correlated with recent RDP activity—can help identify defense evasion techniques and uncover potentially malicious use of remote desktop connections. Monitoring for this file's deletion adds an important layer of visibility into user behavior and can serve as an early indicator of interactive attacker presence.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOSWindows
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
- 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 |
|---|---|
| medium.com/@bonguides25/how-to-clear-rdp-connections-history-in-windows-cf0ffb67f344 | 10 |
| thelocalh0st.github.io/posts/rdp/ | 10 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 30a334c1-f9a5-4fbd-8958-5b65a8435cb2
- Tagged by the source as
- Windows RDP Artifacts and Defense EvasionEndpointendpointSplunk 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