Possible Directory Removal Through Rmdir (via process_creation)

title: Possible Directory Removal Through Rmdir (via process_creation)
id: ef118377-dfb5-51df-9755-4e740af32a7d
status: stable
description: This rule detects execution of the builtin "rmdir" command to delete directories. Adversaries may delete files left behind by the actions of their intrusion activity. Malware, tools, or other non-native files dropped or created on a system by an adversary may leave traces to indicate to what was done within a network and how. Removal of these files can occur during an intrusion, or as part of a post-intrusion process to minimize the adversary's footprint.
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/004/
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1070.004/T1070.004.md
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/erase
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-01-29
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1070.004
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'Cmd.Exe'
    selection_rmdir:
        CommandLine|contains: 'rmdir'
    selection_flags:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/s'
            - '/q'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: low
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_cmd_rmdir_execution/info.yml