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)
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.comselection_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.exefilter_optional_firefox
Image:
- C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exefilter_optional_ie
Image:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
- C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exefilter_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.exefilter_optional_edge_2
Image|startswith:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeCore\
- C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeCore\
Image|endswith:
- \msedge.exe
- \msedgewebview2.exefilter_optional_safari
Image|endswith: \safari.exefilter_optional_defender
Image|endswith:
- \MsMpEng.exe
- \MsSense.exefilter_optional_brave
Image|endswith: \brave.exe
Image|startswith: C:\Program Files\BraveSoftware\filter_optional_maxthon
Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Maxthon\
Image|endswith: \maxthon.exefilter_optional_opera
Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Programs\Opera\
Image|endswith: \opera.exefilter_optional_seamonkey
Image|startswith:
- C:\Program Files\SeaMonkey\
- C:\Program Files (x86)\SeaMonkey\
Image|endswith: \seamonkey.exefilter_optional_vivaldi
Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Vivaldi\
Image|endswith: \vivaldi.exefilter_optional_whale
Image|startswith:
- C:\Program Files\Naver\Naver Whale\
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Naver\Naver Whale\
Image|endswith: \whale.exefilter_optional_tor
Image|contains: \Tor Browser\filter_optional_whaterfox
Image|startswith:
- C:\Program Files\Waterfox\
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Waterfox\
Image|endswith: \Waterfox.exefilter_optional_midori
Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Programs\midori-ng\
Image|endswith: \Midori Next Generation.exefilter_optional_slimbrowser
Image|startswith:
- C:\Program Files\SlimBrowser\
- C:\Program Files (x86)\SlimBrowser\
Image|endswith: \slimbrowser.exefilter_optional_flock
Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Flock\
Image|endswith: \Flock.exefilter_optional_phoebe
Image|contains: \AppData\Local\Phoebe\
Image|endswith: \Phoebe.exefilter_optional_falkon
Image|startswith:
- C:\Program Files\Falkon\
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Falkon\
Image|endswith: \falkon.exefilter_optional_avant
Image|startswith:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Avant Browser\
- C:\Program Files\Avant Browser\
Image|endswith: \avant.exeCondition
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: mediumFalse positives
- Likely with other browser software. Apply additional filters for any other browsers you might use.
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
Related rules
- obsolete71ba22cb-8a01-42e2-a6dd-5bf9b547498f
- obsolete7c4cf8e0-1362-48b2-a512-b606d2065d7d
- obsoleteed785237-70fa-46f3-83b6-d264d1dc6eb4