Cisco AAA Stage Data Using TFTP/RCP Copy and Archive Commands

Flags Cisco AAA activity containing TFTP/RCP and copy/archive commands commonly used to stage data on devices.

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cisco-aaa-stage-data-using-tftp-rcp-copy-and-archive-commands-5e51acb2

title: Cisco AAA Stage Data Using TFTP/RCP Copy and Archive Commands
id: 70746874-8249-410a-8704-04d188d5108d
status: test
description: This rule identifies Cisco AAA events containing staging-related keywords such as TFTP, RCP, puts, copy, configure replace, and archive tar. Attackers commonly use these file transfer and staging commands to move or stage configuration, images, or other data for later collection, infiltration, or exfiltration. Detection relies on keyword matches within Cisco AAA telemetry where these command strings appear.
author: Austin Clark, Huntrule Team
date: 2019-08-12
modified: 2023-01-04
tags:
  - attack.collection
  - attack.lateral-movement
  - attack.command-and-control
  - attack.exfiltration
  - attack.t1074
  - attack.t1105
  - attack.t1560.001
logsource:
  product: cisco
  service: aaa
detection:
  keywords:
    - tftp
    - rcp
    - puts
    - copy
    - configure replace
    - archive tar
  condition: keywords
falsepositives:
  - Generally used to copy configs or IOS images
level: low
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 5e51acb2-bcbe-435b-99c6-0e3cd5e2aa59
    type: derived
references:
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/network/cisco/aaa/cisco_cli_moving_data.yml

What it detects

This rule identifies Cisco AAA events containing staging-related keywords such as TFTP, RCP, puts, copy, configure replace, and archive tar. Attackers commonly use these file transfer and staging commands to move or stage configuration, images, or other data for later collection, infiltration, or exfiltration. Detection relies on keyword matches within Cisco AAA telemetry where these command strings appear.

Known false positives

Generally used to copy configs or IOS images

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.