Possible Compressed File Creation Through Tar.EXE (via process_creation)

title: Possible Compressed File Creation Through Tar.EXE (via process_creation)
id: eff6ed96-064b-59d8-8b6f-6cb0162eba18
status: stable
description: This rule detects execution of "tar.exe" to create a compressed file. Adversaries may misuse various utilities to compress or encrypt data before exfiltration.
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560/001/
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560/
    - https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chromeloader-malware/
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Tar/
    - https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/cicada-apt10-japan-espionage
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-06-25
tags:
    - attack.collection
    - attack.exfiltration
    - attack.t1560
    - attack.t1560.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\tar.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'bsdtar'
    selection_create:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '-c'
            - '-r'
            - '-u'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: low