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.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- network administrator can execute this command to enumerate DNS record. Filter or add other paths to the exclusion as needed.
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 |
|---|---|
| cert.gov.ua/article/3718487 | 9 |
| media.defense.gov/2023/May/24/2003229517/-1/-1/0/CSA_Living_off_the_Land.PDF | 9 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 347e0892-e8f3-4512-afda-dc0e3fa996f3
- Tagged by the source as
- Sandworm ToolsVolt TyphoonEndpointendpointSplunk 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