Sigma Rule Library

Hidden Executable In NTFS Alternate Data Stream

Detects the creation of an ADS (Alternate Data Stream) that contains an executable by looking at a non-empty Imphash

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Detection logic

selection

Hash|contains: IMPHASH=

filter_main_null

Hash|contains: IMPHASH=00000000000000000000000000000000

Condition

selection and not 1 of filter_main_*

Raw YAML

title: Hidden Executable In NTFS Alternate Data Stream
id: b69888d4-380c-45ce-9cf9-d9ce46e67821
status: test
description: Detects the creation of an ADS (Alternate Data Stream) that contains an executable by looking at a non-empty Imphash
references:
    - https://twitter.com/0xrawsec/status/1002478725605273600?s=21
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), @0xrawsec
date: 2018-06-03
modified: 2023-02-10
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.s0139
    - attack.t1564.004
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: create_stream_hash
    definition: 'Requirements: Sysmon or equivalent configured with Imphash logging'
detection:
    selection:
        Hash|contains: 'IMPHASH='
    filter_main_null:
        Hash|contains: 'IMPHASH=00000000000000000000000000000000'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - This rule isn't looking for any particular binary characteristics. As legitimate installers and programs were seen embedding hidden binaries in their ADS. Some false positives are expected from browser processes and similar.
level: medium

False positives

  • This rule isn't looking for any particular binary characteristics. As legitimate installers and programs were seen embedding hidden binaries in their ADS. Some false positives are expected from browser processes and similar.

References

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