Windows RDP Bitmap Cache File Creation
This detection identifies the creation of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) bitmap cache files on a Windows system, typically located in the user’s profile under the Terminal Server Client cache directory. These files…
Description
This detection identifies the creation of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) bitmap cache files on a Windows system, typically located in the user’s profile under the Terminal Server Client cache directory. These files (*.bmc, cache*.bin) are generated when a user initiates an RDP session using the built-in mstsc.exe client. Their presence can indicate interactive remote access activity and may be useful in detecting lateral movement or unauthorized RDP usage. Monitoring this behavior is especially important, as attackers may attempt to delete or suppress these artifacts to evade forensic analysis.
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_11
Known benign triggers
- False positives will be present, filter as needed or restrict to critical assets on the perimeter.
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 |
|---|---|
| medium.com/@bonguides25/how-to-clear-rdp-connections-history-in-windows-cf0ffb67f344 | 10 |
| thelocalh0st.github.io/posts/rdp/ | 10 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 5f8671b6-07a7-425d-b3da-c39a53f2a6ae
- Tagged by the source as
- Windows RDP Artifacts and Defense EvasionEndpointendpointSplunk 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