Windows Symlink Evaluation Change via Fsutil
This analytic detects the execution of the Windows built-in tool Fsutil.exe with the "behavior", "set" and "SymlinkEvaluation" parameters. Attackers can abuse this to alter symlink evaluation behavior on Windows,…
Description
This analytic detects the execution of the Windows built-in tool Fsutil.exe with the "behavior", "set" and "SymlinkEvaluation" parameters. Attackers can abuse this to alter symlink evaluation behavior on Windows, potentially enabling remote traversal over SMB shares or evading defenses. Such changes should be uncommon or even rare in enterprise environments and should be investigated.
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
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Edge cases may exist in environments where this command is used for legitimate purposes. However, such usage is expected to be uncommon. It is recommended to investigate any occurrences of this command, and apply filters as necessary.
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 |
|---|---|
| learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/fsutil-behavior | Only this detection cites it |
| www.group-ib.com/blog/blackcat/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.intrinsec.com/alphv-ransomware-gang-analysis/ | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 9777e7e3-2499-4a16-a519-ebe33630c1e8
- Tagged by the source as
- Windows Post-ExploitationEndpointendpointSplunk 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