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SSL Certificates with Punycode

The following analytic detects SSL certificates with Punycode domains in the SSL issuer email domain, identified by the prefix "xn--". It leverages the Certificates Datamodel to flag these domains and uses CyberChef…

Description

The following analytic detects SSL certificates with Punycode domains in the SSL issuer email domain, identified by the prefix "xn--". It leverages the Certificates Datamodel to flag these domains and uses CyberChef for decoding. This activity is significant as Punycode can be used for domain spoofing and phishing attacks. If confirmed malicious, attackers could deceive users and systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

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

Known benign triggers

  • False positives may be present if the organization works with international businesses. Filter as needed.

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