Windows Dir Piped to Findstr Activity
The following analytic detects the execution of the `dir` command piped to `findstr` on Windows systems. This technique is commonly used by attackers during the reconnaissance phase to enumerate files, directories,…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of the `dir` command piped to `findstr` on Windows systems. This technique is commonly used by attackers during the reconnaissance phase to enumerate files, directories, or sensitive data by filtering directory listings for specific strings or patterns. While this command combination can have legitimate administrative uses, adversaries frequently leverage it to locate credentials, configuration files, or other high-value targets on a compromised system. If confirmed malicious, this activity could indicate an attacker is actively mapping the file system in preparation for data exfiltration, lateral movement, or further exploitation.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- IaaSLinuxmacOSOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate administrative tasks and scripts may use `dir` piped to `findstr` for routine file searches. Filter based on known user behavior and approved administrative activity.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
No references are available for this detection.
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 43cd7a59-3d52-4969-a01a-d677630b1426
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory DiscoverySuspicious Command-Line ExecutionsWindows Discovery TechniquesEndpointendpointSplunk 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