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MediumSplunk security contentMichael Haag +1

Windows Protocol Tunneling with Plink

This analytic detects the use of Plink (including renamed versions like pvhost.exe) for protocol tunneling, which may be used for egress or lateral movement within an organization. It identifies specific command-line…

Description

This analytic detects the use of Plink (including renamed versions like pvhost.exe) for protocol tunneling, which may be used for egress or lateral movement within an organization. It identifies specific command-line options (-R, -L, -D, -l, -N, -P, -pw) commonly used for port forwarding and tunneling by analyzing process execution logs from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attempt to bypass network security controls or establish unauthorized connections. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to exfiltrate data, move laterally across the network, or maintain persistent access, posing a severe threat to the organization's security. The detection covers both the original Plink executable and potential renamed versions, enhancing its ability to catch evasion attempts.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ESXiLinuxmacOSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.

Log source category
crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688

Known benign triggers

  • False positives may be present if the organization allows for SSH tunneling outbound or internally. Filter as needed.

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