Windows ISO LNK File Creation
The following analytic detects the creation of .iso.lnk files in the %USER%\AppData\Local\Temp\<random folder name>\ path, indicating that an ISO file has been mounted and accessed. This detection leverages the…
Description
The following analytic detects the creation of .iso.lnk files in the %USER%\AppData\Local\Temp\<random folder name>\ path, indicating that an ISO file has been mounted and accessed. This detection leverages the Endpoint.Filesystem data model, specifically monitoring file creation events in the Windows Recent folder. This activity is significant as it may indicate the delivery and execution of potentially malicious payloads via ISO files. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized code execution, data exfiltration, or further system compromise.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_11
Known benign triggers
- False positives may be high depending on the environment and consistent use of ISOs mounting. Restrict to servers, or filter out based on commonly used ISO names. 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 |
|---|---|
| github.com/MHaggis/notes/blob/master/utilities/ISOBuilder.ps1 | Only this detection cites it |
| isc.sans.edu/diary/Recent+AZORult+activity/25120 | 2 |
| tccontre.blogspot.com/2020/01/remcos-rat-evading-windows-defender-av.html | 10 |
| www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/05/27/new-sophisticated-email-based-attack-from-nobelium/ | 5from 3 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- d7c2c09b-9569-4a9e-a8b6-6a39a99c1d32
- Tagged by the source as
- AgentTeslaAmadeyAPT37 Rustonotto and FadeStealerAzorultBrute Ratel C4Gozi MalwareIcedIDQakbotRemcosSpearphishing AttachmentsWarzone RATEndpointendpointSplunk 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