Windows File and Directory Permissions Remove Inheritance
The following analytic detects the removal of permission inheritance using ICACLS. This analytic identifies instances where ICACLS is used to remove permission inheritance from files or directories. The…
Description
The following analytic detects the removal of permission inheritance using ICACLS. This analytic identifies instances where ICACLS is used to remove permission inheritance from files or directories. The /inheritance:r flag, which strips inherited permissions while optionally preserving or altering explicit permissions, is monitored to detect changes that may restrict access or establish isolated permission configurations. Removing inheritance can be a legitimate administrative action but may also indicate an attempt to conceal malicious activity or bypass inherited security controls.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Administrators or administrative scripts may use this application. Filter 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 |
|---|---|
| www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/-applocker-rules-as-defense-evasion-complete-analysis.html | 5 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 9b62da2c-e442-474f-83ca-fac4dabab1b3
- Tagged by the source as
- Crypto StealerEndpointendpointSplunk 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