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Windows DNS Query Request To TinyUrl

The following analytic detects a process located in a potentially suspicious location making DNS queries to known URL shortening services, specifically tinyurl. URL shorteners are frequently used by threat actors to…

Description

The following analytic detects a process located in a potentially suspicious location making DNS queries to known URL shortening services, specifically tinyurl. URL shorteners are frequently used by threat actors to obfuscate malicious destinations, including phishing pages, malware distribution sites, or command-and-control (C2) endpoints. While tinyurl.com is a legitimate service, its use in enterprise environments—particularly by non-browser processes or scripts—should be considered suspicious, especially if correlated with subsequent outbound connections, file downloads, process file path or credential prompts. Analysts should investigate the source process, execution context, and destination domain to determine intent and risk.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

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

Log source category
sysmon_eventid_22

Known benign triggers

  • Noise and false positive can be seen if the following instant messaging is allowed to use within corporate network. In this case, a filter is needed.

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