splunk-security_content/detections/endpoint/suspicious_process_file_path.yml

name: Suspicious Process File Path
id: 9be25988-ad82-11eb-a14f-acde48001122
version: 1
date: '2023-06-13'
author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
status: production
type: TTP
description: This analytic identifies a suspicious processes running in file paths
  that are not typically associated with legitimate software. Adversaries often employ
  this technique to drop and execute malicious executables in accessible locations
  that do not require administrative privileges. By monitoring for processes running
  in such unconventional file paths, we can identify potential indicators of compromise
  and proactively respond to malicious activity. This analytic plays a crucial role
  in enhancing system security by pinpointing suspicious behaviors commonly associated
  with malware and unauthorized software execution.
data_source:
- Sysmon Event ID 1
search: '| tstats `security_content_summariesonly` count values(Processes.process_name)
  as process_name values(Processes.process) as process min(_time) as firstTime max(_time)
  as lastTime from datamodel=Endpoint.Processes where Processes.process_path = "*\\windows\\fonts\\*"
  OR Processes.process_path = "*\\windows\\temp\\*" OR Processes.process_path = "*\\users\\public\\*"
  OR Processes.process_path = "*\\windows\\debug\\*" OR Processes.process_path = "*\\Users\\Administrator\\Music\\*"
  OR Processes.process_path = "*\\Windows\\servicing\\*" OR Processes.process_path
  = "*\\Users\\Default\\*" OR Processes.process_path = "*Recycle.bin*" OR Processes.process_path
  = "*\\Windows\\Media\\*" OR Processes.process_path = "\\Windows\\repair\\*" OR Processes.process_path
  = "*\\temp\\*" OR Processes.process_path = "*\\PerfLogs\\*" by Processes.parent_process_name
  Processes.parent_process Processes.process_path Processes.dest Processes.user |
  `drop_dm_object_name(Processes)` | `security_content_ctime(firstTime)` | `security_content_ctime(lastTime)`
  | `suspicious_process_file_path_filter`'
how_to_implement: The detection is based on data that originates from Endpoint Detection
  and Response (EDR) agents. These agents are designed to provide security-related
  telemetry from the endpoints where the agent is installed. To implement this search,
  you must ingest logs that contain the process GUID, process name, and parent process.
  Additionally, you must ingest complete command-line executions. These logs must
  be processed using the appropriate Splunk Technology Add-ons that are specific to
  the EDR product. The logs must also be mapped to the `Processes` node of the `Endpoint`
  data model. Use the Splunk Common Information Model (CIM) to normalize the field
  names and speed up the data modeling process.
known_false_positives: Administrators may allow execution of specific binaries in
  non-standard paths. Filter as needed.
references:
- https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hk/threat-encyclopedia/malware/trojan.ps1.powtran.a/
- https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/01/15/destructive-malware-targeting-ukrainian-organizations/
- https://twitter.com/pr0xylife/status/1590394227758104576
- https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/details/win.asyncrat
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/05/24/volt-typhoon-targets-us-critical-infrastructure-with-living-off-the-land-techniques/
tags:
  analytic_story:
  - WhisperGate
  - XMRig
  - Industroyer2
  - Remcos
  - Data Destruction
  - Hermetic Wiper
  - Azorult
  - DarkCrystal RAT
  - Graceful Wipe Out Attack
  - IcedID
  - Swift Slicer
  - Qakbot
  - RedLine Stealer
  - Brute Ratel C4
  - Prestige Ransomware
  - AsyncRAT
  - LockBit Ransomware
  - AgentTesla
  - Double Zero Destructor
  - Volt Typhoon
  - Chaos Ransomware
  - Trickbot
  - Amadey
  - BlackByte Ransomware
  - Warzone RAT
  asset_type: Endpoint
  confidence: 50
  impact: 70
  message: Suspicious process $process_name$ running from a suspicious process path-
    $process_path$ on host- $dest$
  mitre_attack_id:
  - T1543
  observable:
  - name: dest
    type: Endpoint
    role:
    - Victim
  - name: process_path
    type: Process Name
    role:
    - Attacker
  product:
  - Splunk Enterprise
  - Splunk Enterprise Security
  - Splunk Cloud
  required_fields:
  - _time
  - Processes.process_name
  - Processes.process
  - Processes.parent_process_name
  - Processes.parent_process
  - Processes.process_path
  - Processes.dest
  - Processes.user
  risk_score: 35
  security_domain: endpoint
tests:
- name: True Positive Test
  attack_data:
  - data: https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/splunk/attack_data/master/datasets/malware/xmrig_miner/windows-sysmon.log
    source: XmlWinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon/Operational
    sourcetype: xmlwineventlog