Windows Phishing PDF File Executes URL Link
The following analytic detects suspicious PDF viewer processes spawning browser application child processes. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process and parent process…
Description
The following analytic detects suspicious PDF viewer processes spawning browser application child processes. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process and parent process names. This activity is significant as it may indicate a PDF spear-phishing attempt where a malicious URL link is executed, leading to potential payload download. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute code, escalate privileges, or persist in the environment by exploiting the user's browser to connect to a malicious site.
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
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- False positives in PDF file opened PDF Viewer having legitimate URL link, however 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 |
|---|---|
| twitter.com/pr0xylife/status/1615382907446767616?s=20 | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 2fa9dec8-9d8e-46d3-96c1-202c06f0e6e1
- Tagged by the source as
- MuddyWaterSnake KeyloggerSpearphishing AttachmentsEndpointendpointSplunk 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