Sigma Rule Library

DNS Query To Remote Access Software Domain From Non-Browser App

An adversary may use legitimate desktop support and remote access software, such as Team Viewer, Go2Assist, LogMein, AmmyyAdmin, etc, to establish an interactive command and control channel to target systems within networks. These services are commonly used as legitimate technical support software, and may be allowed by application control within a target environment. Remote access tools like VNC, Ammyy, and Teamviewer are used frequently when compared with other legitimate software commonly used by adversaries. (Citation: Symantec Living off the Land)

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Detection logic

selection_generic

QueryName|endswith:
  - agent.jumpcloud.com
  - agentreporting.atera.com
  - ammyy.com
  - api.parsec.app
  - api.playanext.com
  - api.splashtop.com
  - app.atera.com
  - assist.zoho.com
  - authentication.logmeininc.com
  - beyondtrustcloud.com
  - cdn.kaseya.net
  - client.teamviewer.com
  - comserver.corporate.beanywhere.com
  - control.connectwise.com
  - downloads.zohocdn.com
  - dwservice.net
  - express.gotoassist.com
  - getgo.com
  - getscreen.me
  - integratedchat.teamviewer.com
  - join.zoho.com
  - kickstart.jumpcloud.com
  - license.bomgar.com
  - logmein-gateway.com
  - logmein.com
  - logmeincdn.http.internapcdn.net
  - n-able.com
  - net.anydesk.com
  - netsupportsoftware.com
  - parsecusercontent.com
  - pubsub.atera.com
  - relay.kaseya.net
  - relay.screenconnect.com
  - relay.splashtop.com
  - remoteassistance.support.services.microsoft.com
  - remotedesktop-pa.googleapis.com
  - remoteutilities.com
  - secure.logmeinrescue.com
  - services.vnc.com
  - static.remotepc.com
  - swi-rc.com
  - swi-tc.com
  - tailscale.com
  - telemetry.servers.qetqo.com
  - tmate.io
  - twingate.com
  - zohoassist.com

selection_rustdesk

QueryName|endswith: .rustdesk.com
QueryName|startswith: rs-

filter_optional_chrome

Image:
  - C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe

filter_optional_firefox

Image:
  - C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

filter_optional_ie

Image:
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
  - C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe

filter_optional_edge_1

- Image|startswith: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\Application\
- Image|endswith: \WindowsApps\MicrosoftEdge.exe
- Image:
    - C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe
    - C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe

filter_optional_edge_2

Image|startswith:
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeCore\
  - C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeCore\
Image|endswith:
  - \msedge.exe
  - \msedgewebview2.exe

filter_optional_safari

Image|endswith: \safari.exe

filter_optional_defender

Image|endswith:
  - \MsMpEng.exe
  - \MsSense.exe

filter_optional_brave

Image|endswith: \brave.exe
Image|startswith: C:\Program Files\BraveSoftware\

filter_optional_maxthon

Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Maxthon\
Image|endswith: \maxthon.exe

filter_optional_opera

Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Programs\Opera\
Image|endswith: \opera.exe

filter_optional_seamonkey

Image|startswith:
  - C:\Program Files\SeaMonkey\
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\SeaMonkey\
Image|endswith: \seamonkey.exe

filter_optional_vivaldi

Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Vivaldi\
Image|endswith: \vivaldi.exe

filter_optional_whale

Image|startswith:
  - C:\Program Files\Naver\Naver Whale\
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Naver\Naver Whale\
Image|endswith: \whale.exe

filter_optional_tor

Image|contains: \Tor Browser\

filter_optional_whaterfox

Image|startswith:
  - C:\Program Files\Waterfox\
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Waterfox\
Image|endswith: \Waterfox.exe

filter_optional_midori

Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Programs\midori-ng\
Image|endswith: \Midori Next Generation.exe

filter_optional_slimbrowser

Image|startswith:
  - C:\Program Files\SlimBrowser\
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\SlimBrowser\
Image|endswith: \slimbrowser.exe

filter_optional_flock

Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Flock\
Image|endswith: \Flock.exe

filter_optional_phoebe

Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Phoebe\
Image|endswith: \Phoebe.exe

filter_optional_falkon

Image|startswith:
  - C:\Program Files\Falkon\
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Falkon\
Image|endswith: \falkon.exe

filter_optional_avant

Image|startswith:
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Avant Browser\
  - C:\Program Files\Avant Browser\
Image|endswith: \avant.exe

Condition

1 of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*

Raw YAML

title: DNS Query To Remote Access Software Domain From Non-Browser App
id: 4d07b1f4-cb00-4470-b9f8-b0191d48ff52
related:
    - id: 71ba22cb-8a01-42e2-a6dd-5bf9b547498f
      type: obsolete
    - id: 7c4cf8e0-1362-48b2-a512-b606d2065d7d
      type: obsolete
    - id: ed785237-70fa-46f3-83b6-d264d1dc6eb4
      type: obsolete
status: test
description: |
    An adversary may use legitimate desktop support and remote access software, such as Team Viewer, Go2Assist, LogMein, AmmyyAdmin, etc, to establish an interactive command and control channel to target systems within networks.
    These services are commonly used as legitimate technical support software, and may be allowed by application control within a target environment.
    Remote access tools like VNC, Ammyy, and Teamviewer are used frequently when compared with other legitimate software commonly used by adversaries. (Citation: Symantec Living off the Land)
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1219/T1219.md#atomic-test-4---gotoassist-files-detected-test-on-windows
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1219/T1219.md#atomic-test-3---logmein-files-detected-test-on-windows
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1219/T1219.md#atomic-test-6---ammyy-admin-software-execution
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/misbehaving-rats/
    - https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-sentinel-blog/hunting-for-omi-vulnerability-exploitation-with-azure-sentinel/ba-p/2764093
    - https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-320a
    - https://blog.sekoia.io/scattered-spider-laying-new-eggs/
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/client-tools/quick-assist#disable-quick-assist-within-your-organization
author: frack113, Connor Martin
date: 2022-07-11
modified: 2024-12-17
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1219.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: dns_query
detection:
    selection_generic:
        QueryName|endswith:
            - 'agent.jumpcloud.com'
            - 'agentreporting.atera.com'
            - 'ammyy.com'
            - 'api.parsec.app'
            - 'api.playanext.com'
            - 'api.splashtop.com'
            - 'app.atera.com'
            - 'assist.zoho.com'
            - 'authentication.logmeininc.com'
            - 'beyondtrustcloud.com'
            - 'cdn.kaseya.net'
            - 'client.teamviewer.com'
            - 'comserver.corporate.beanywhere.com'
            - 'control.connectwise.com'
            - 'downloads.zohocdn.com'
            - 'dwservice.net'
            - 'express.gotoassist.com'
            - 'getgo.com'
            - 'getscreen.me'  # https://x.com/malmoeb/status/1868757130624614860?s=12&t=C0_T_re0wRP_NfKa27Xw9w
            - 'integratedchat.teamviewer.com'
            - 'join.zoho.com'
            - 'kickstart.jumpcloud.com'
            - 'license.bomgar.com'
            - 'logmein-gateway.com'
            - 'logmein.com'
            - 'logmeincdn.http.internapcdn.net'
            - 'n-able.com'
            - 'net.anydesk.com'
            - 'netsupportsoftware.com' # For NetSupport Manager RAT
            - 'parsecusercontent.com'
            - 'pubsub.atera.com'
            - 'relay.kaseya.net'
            - 'relay.screenconnect.com'
            - 'relay.splashtop.com'
            - 'remoteassistance.support.services.microsoft.com' # Quick Assist Application
            - 'remotedesktop-pa.googleapis.com'
            - 'remoteutilities.com' # Usage of Remote Utilities RAT
            - 'secure.logmeinrescue.com'
            - 'services.vnc.com'
            - 'static.remotepc.com'
            - 'swi-rc.com'
            - 'swi-tc.com'
            - 'tailscale.com' # Scattered Spider threat group used this RMM tool
            - 'telemetry.servers.qetqo.com'
            - 'tmate.io'
            - 'twingate.com'  # Scattered Spider threat group used this RMM tool
            - 'zohoassist.com'
    selection_rustdesk:  # https://twitter.com/malmoeb/status/1668504345132822531?s=20 and https://www.adamsdesk.com/posts/rustdesk-not-connecting/ mention this pattern
        QueryName|endswith: '.rustdesk.com'
        QueryName|startswith: 'rs-'
    # Exclude browsers for legitimate visits of the domains mentioned above
    # Add missing browsers you use and exclude the ones you don't
    filter_optional_chrome:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe'
    filter_optional_firefox:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe'
    filter_optional_ie:
        Image:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe'
    filter_optional_edge_1:
        - Image|startswith: 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\Application\'
        - Image|endswith: '\WindowsApps\MicrosoftEdge.exe'
        - Image:
              - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe'
              - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe'
    filter_optional_edge_2:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeCore\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeCore\'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\msedge.exe'
            - '\msedgewebview2.exe'
    filter_optional_safari:
        Image|endswith: '\safari.exe'
    filter_optional_defender:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\MsMpEng.exe' # Microsoft Defender executable
            - '\MsSense.exe' # Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service Executable
    filter_optional_brave:
        Image|endswith: '\brave.exe'
        Image|startswith: 'C:\Program Files\BraveSoftware\'
    filter_optional_maxthon:
        Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Maxthon\'
        Image|endswith: '\maxthon.exe'
    filter_optional_opera:
        Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Programs\Opera\'
        Image|endswith: '\opera.exe'
    filter_optional_seamonkey:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\SeaMonkey\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\SeaMonkey\'
        Image|endswith: '\seamonkey.exe'
    filter_optional_vivaldi:
        Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Vivaldi\'
        Image|endswith: '\vivaldi.exe'
    filter_optional_whale:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Naver\Naver Whale\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Naver\Naver Whale\'
        Image|endswith: '\whale.exe'
    filter_optional_tor:
        Image|contains: '\Tor Browser\'
    filter_optional_whaterfox:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Waterfox\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Waterfox\'
        Image|endswith: '\Waterfox.exe'
    filter_optional_midori:
        Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Programs\midori-ng\'
        Image|endswith: '\Midori Next Generation.exe'
    filter_optional_slimbrowser:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\SlimBrowser\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\SlimBrowser\'
        Image|endswith: '\slimbrowser.exe'
    filter_optional_flock:
        Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Flock\'
        Image|endswith: '\Flock.exe'
    filter_optional_phoebe:
        Image|contains: '\AppData\Local\Phoebe\'
        Image|endswith: '\Phoebe.exe'
    filter_optional_falkon:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Falkon\'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Falkon\'
        Image|endswith: '\falkon.exe'
    filter_optional_avant:
        Image|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Avant Browser\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Avant Browser\'
        Image|endswith: '\avant.exe'
    condition: 1 of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Likely with other browser software. Apply additional filters for any other browsers you might use.
level: medium

False positives

  • Likely with other browser software. Apply additional filters for any other browsers you might use.

References

  • obsolete71ba22cb-8a01-42e2-a6dd-5bf9b547498f
  • obsolete7c4cf8e0-1362-48b2-a512-b606d2065d7d
  • obsoleteed785237-70fa-46f3-83b6-d264d1dc6eb4

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