Linux Remote File Copy via scp, rsync, or sftp

Flags Linux command lines using scp/rsync/sftp with remote-target style arguments containing “@” and “:”.

FreeReviewedSigma · Low · v3

Product: linux
Author: Ömer Günal (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published: 2020-06-18
Updated: 2026-07-31

ATT&CK techniques

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
- T1105Ingress Tool Transfer
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule identifies Linux activity consistent with remote file transfers using scp, rsync, or sftp. Attackers and admins may use these tools to stage, move, or exfiltrate files across systems during command-and-control or lateral movement. It relies on process command-line telemetry matching tool names along with characters commonly present in remote target specifications ("@" and ":").

Reporting behind it

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Linux Remote File Copy via scp, rsync, or sftp

Pivot detection · T1105 · 9 related

Changelog

v3
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v2
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v1
No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

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

linux-remote-file-copy-via-scp-rsync-sftp-with-remote-host-targeting-7a14080d

title: Linux Remote File Copy via scp, rsync, or sftp
id: 8560ab05-f44b-4165-b32e-0a6206e6ba75
status: stable
description: This rule identifies Linux activity consistent with remote file transfers using scp, rsync, or sftp. Attackers and admins may use these tools to stage, move, or exfiltrate files across systems during command-and-control or lateral movement. It relies on process command-line telemetry matching tool names along with characters commonly present in remote target specifications ("@" and ":").
references:
  - https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware/ransomware-guide
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/linux/builtin/lnx_file_copy.yml
author: Ömer Günal, Huntrule Team
date: 2020-06-18
tags:
  - attack.command-and-control
  - attack.lateral-movement
  - attack.t1105
logsource:
  product: linux
detection:
  tools:
    - "scp "
    - "rsync "
    - "sftp "
  filter:
    - "@"
    - ":"
  condition: tools and filter
falsepositives:
  - Legitimate administration activities
level: low
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 7a14080d-a048-4de8-ae58-604ce58a795b
    type: derived

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