DNS Query Length With High Standard Deviation: networkEndpointNoneversion:16
The following analytic identifies DNS queries with unusually large lengths by computing the standard deviation of query lengths and filtering those exceeding two times the standard deviation. It leverages DNS query data from the Network_Resolution data model, focusing on the length of the domain names being resolved. This activity is significant as unusually long DNS queries can indicate data exfiltration or command-and-control communication attempts. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to stealthily transfer data or maintain persistent communication channels within the network.
Detect Outbound SMB Traffic: networkEndpointNoneversion:17
The following analytic detects outbound SMB (Server Message Block) connections from internal hosts to external servers. It identifies this activity by monitoring network traffic for SMB requests directed towards the Internet, which are unusual for standard operations. This detection is significant for a SOC as it can indicate an attacker's attempt to retrieve credential hashes through compromised servers, a key step in lateral movement and privilege escalation. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential full system compromise.
Remote Desktop Network Traffic: networkEndpointNoneversion:17
The following analytic detects unusual Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) traffic on TCP/3389 by filtering out known RDP sources and destinations, focusing on atypical connections within the network. This detection leverages network traffic data to identify potentially unauthorized RDP access. Monitoring this activity is crucial for a SOC as unauthorized RDP access can indicate an attacker's attempt to control networked systems, leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or further network compromise. If confirmed malicious, this activity could result in significant data breaches or complete system and network control loss.
Suspicious File Write: endpointEndpoint2024-11-14version:6
The search looks for files created with names that have been linked to malicious activity.
Windows Process Execution From RDP Share: endpointEndpointNoneversion:5
The following analytic identifies process executions originating from RDP shares on Windows endpoints.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) shares, typically accessed via the "tsclient" path, allow users to share files between their local machine and a remote desktop session. However, threat actors may exploit RDP shares to execute malicious processes or transfer harmful files onto a compromised system.
This detection focuses on identifying any process executions that originate from RDP shares, which could indicate unauthorized access or malicious activity.
Security teams should investigate any instances of such process executions, especially if they are found on systems that should not be using RDP shares or if the executed processes are unfamiliar or suspicious.
Create or delete windows shares using net exe: endpointEndpointNoneversion:18
The following analytic detects the creation or deletion of Windows shares using the net.exe command. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data to identify processes involving net.exe with actions related to share management. This activity is significant because it may indicate an attacker attempting to manipulate network shares for malicious purposes, such as data exfiltration, malware distribution, or establishing persistence. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, service disruption, or malware introduction. Immediate investigation is required to determine the intent and mitigate potential threats.
SMB Traffic Spike: networkEndpointNoneversion:11
The following analytic detects spikes in Server Message Block (SMB) traffic connections, which are used for sharing files and resources between computers. It leverages network traffic logs to monitor connections on ports 139 and 445, and SMB application usage. By calculating the average and standard deviation of SMB connections over the past 70 minutes, it identifies sources exceeding two standard deviations from the average. This activity is significant as it may indicate potential SMB-based attacks, such as ransomware or data theft. If confirmed malicious, attackers could exfiltrate data or spread malware within the network.
DNS Query Length Outliers - MLTK: networkEndpoint2026-03-10version:10
The following analytic identifies DNS requests with unusually large query lengths for the record type being requested. It leverages the Network_Resolution data model and applies a machine learning model to detect outliers in DNS query lengths. This activity is significant because unusually large DNS queries can indicate data exfiltration or command-and-control communication attempts. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data or maintain persistent communication channels with compromised systems.
First time seen command line argument: endpointEndpoint2024-11-14version:8
This search looks for command-line arguments that use a `/c` parameter to execute a command that has not previously been seen.
SMB Traffic Spike - MLTK: networkEndpoint2026-03-10version:11
The following analytic identifies spikes in the number of Server Message Block (SMB) connections using the Machine Learning Toolkit (MLTK). It leverages the Network_Traffic data model to monitor SMB traffic on ports 139 and 445, applying a machine learning model to detect anomalies. This activity is significant because sudden increases in SMB traffic can indicate lateral movement or data exfiltration attempts by attackers. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or further compromise of the network.
Remote Desktop Process Running On System: endpointEndpointNoneversion:14
The following analytic detects the execution of the remote desktop process (mstsc.exe) on systems where it is not typically run. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, filtering out systems categorized as common RDP sources. This activity is significant because unauthorized use of mstsc.exe can indicate lateral movement or unauthorized remote access attempts. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to gain remote control of a system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or further network compromise.
