Windows TOR Client Execution
The following analytic detects the execution of the TOR Browser and related TOR components on Windows endpoints by monitoring process creation activity. Adversaries and insider threats leverage TOR to anonymize…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of the TOR Browser and related TOR components on Windows endpoints by monitoring process creation activity. Adversaries and insider threats leverage TOR to anonymize command-and-control traffic, facilitate data exfiltration, and evade network monitoring and policy enforcement. While TOR can be used for legitimate research and privacy purposes, its presence on enterprise endpoints is often unusual and should be investigated to determine intent, scope, and any associated malicious behavior.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
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
- This detection focuses on TOR-related processes and may generate benign matches in environments where TOR is intentionally used, such as security testing, research, or lab environments.
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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/software/S0183/ | Only this detection cites it |
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/003/ | Only this detection cites it |
| unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tor-traffic-enterprise-networks/ | 2 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- f164bc6f-ecbe-45e0-aaa6-f5c4d8c84b9a
- Tagged by the source as
- Command And ControlCompromised Windows HostData ExfiltrationData ProtectionWindows 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