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Windows Executable Masquerading as Benign File Types

The following analytic detects the presence of executable files masquerading as benign file types on Windows systems. Adversaries employ this technique to evade defenses and trick users into executing malicious code…

Description

The following analytic detects the presence of executable files masquerading as benign file types on Windows systems. Adversaries employ this technique to evade defenses and trick users into executing malicious code by renaming executables with extensions commonly associated with documents, images, or other non-executable formats (e.g., .pdf, .jpg, .doc, .png).

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
LinuxmacOSWindows

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

Log source category
sysmon_eventid_29

Known benign triggers

  • File types that are not included in the filter for this detection may generate false positives, so proper filtering is required.

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