sigmamediumHunting

Hiding Files with Attrib.exe

Detects usage of attrib.exe to hide files from users.

MITRE ATT&CK

defense-evasion

Detection Query

selection_img:
  - Image|endswith: \attrib.exe
  - OriginalFileName: ATTRIB.EXE
selection_cli:
  CommandLine|contains: " +h "
filter_main_msiexec:
  CommandLine|contains: "\\desktop.ini "
filter_optional_intel:
  ParentImage|endswith: \cmd.exe
  CommandLine: +R +H +S +A \\\*.cui
  ParentCommandLine: C:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\\*.bat
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*

Author

Sami Ruohonen

Created

2019-01-16

Data Sources

windowsProcess Creation Events

Platforms

windows

References

Tags

attack.defense-evasionattack.t1564.001

Raw Content

title: Hiding Files with Attrib.exe
id: 4281cb20-2994-4580-aa63-c8b86d019934
status: test
description: Detects usage of attrib.exe to hide files from users.
references:
    - https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-sure-ill-take-new-combojack-malware-alters-clipboards-steal-cryptocurrency/
    - https://www.uptycs.com/blog/lolbins-are-no-laughing-matter
author: Sami Ruohonen
date: 2019-01-16
modified: 2023-03-14
tags:
    - attack.defense-evasion
    - attack.t1564.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\attrib.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'ATTRIB.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains: ' +h '
    filter_main_msiexec:
        CommandLine|contains: '\desktop.ini '
    filter_optional_intel:
        ParentImage|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
        CommandLine: '+R +H +S +A \\\*.cui'
        ParentCommandLine: 'C:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\\*.bat'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - IgfxCUIService.exe hiding *.cui files via .bat script (attrib.exe a child of cmd.exe and igfxCUIService.exe is the parent of the cmd.exe)
    - Msiexec.exe hiding desktop.ini
level: medium