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InformationalSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Windows WinSCP Configuration Security Access

This analytic detects unauthorized access to the WinSCP security configuration folder by processes other than WinSCP itself. WinSCP stores sensitive SSH and FTP session credentials, including passwords and private…

Description

This analytic detects unauthorized access to the WinSCP security configuration folder by processes other than WinSCP itself. WinSCP stores sensitive SSH and FTP session credentials, including passwords and private key references, under the user profile path Martin Prikryl\WinSCP 2\Configuration\Security. Information-stealing malware such as Phantom Stealer targets this directory to harvest stored credentials for exfiltration. The detection uses Windows Security Event 4663 (Object Access) to identify any non-WinSCP process reading or accessing files within this path, which is abnormal during routine system operation. Analysts should investigate the accessing process, its parent, and any associated network activity to determine whether a credential theft attempt is underway.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersIaaSLinuxmacOSWindows

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

Log source category
windows_event_log_security_4663

Known benign triggers

  • False positive may occur during backup or anti-virus scanning process, as well as from WinSCP itself if it is installed in a different path than the default path. Filter as needed.

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