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Windows DNS Gather Network Info

The following analytic detects the use of the dnscmd.exe command to enumerate DNS records. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process command-line executions. This…

Description

The following analytic detects the use of the dnscmd.exe command to enumerate DNS records. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process command-line executions. This activity is significant as it may indicate an adversary gathering network information, a common precursor to more targeted attacks. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could enable attackers to map the network, identify critical assets, and plan subsequent actions, potentially leading to data exfiltration or further compromise of the network.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
PRE

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

Known benign triggers

  • network administrator can execute this command to enumerate DNS record. Filter or add other paths to the exclusion as needed.

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