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Windows Ingress Tool Transfer Using Explorer

The following analytic identifies instances where the Windows Explorer process (explorer.exe) is executed with a URL in its command line. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)…

Description

The following analytic identifies instances where the Windows Explorer process (explorer.exe) is executed with a URL in its command line. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs. This activity is significant because adversaries, such as those using DCRat malware, may abuse explorer.exe to open URLs with the default browser, which is an uncommon and suspicious behavior. If confirmed malicious, this technique could allow attackers to download and execute malicious payloads, leading to potential system compromise and further malicious activities.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

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

Known benign triggers

  • False positives may be present based on legitimate applications or third party utilities. Filter out any additional parent process names.

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