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Windows FFmpeg DirectShow Video Capture

This analytic detects active video capture performed by FFmpeg (ffmpeg.exe) via the Windows DirectShow (dshow) interface, a technique observed in SalatStealer and related UAC-0252 campaigns. After enumerating…

Description

This analytic detects active video capture performed by FFmpeg (ffmpeg.exe) via the Windows DirectShow (dshow) interface, a technique observed in SalatStealer and related UAC-0252 campaigns. After enumerating available devices, threat actors invoke FFmpeg with a specific video capture command that references a named webcam device (video=), requests MJPEG encoding (mjpeg), and uses the dshow input filter — all from a temporary directory to reduce forensic footprint. This sequence moves beyond reconnaissance into active collection, aligning with MITRE ATT&CK T1125 (Video Capture), where adversaries silently record from the victim's webcam to gather intelligence or capture sensitive on-screen activity. The presence of ffmpeg.exe in a temp path combined with these DirectShow video arguments is highly anomalous outside of dedicated multimedia or screen-recording software, making it a strong signal of covert surveillance activity.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
LinuxmacOSWindows

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

Known benign triggers

  • Administrators or administrative scripts may use this application. Filter as needed.

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