Possible File Removal Through Del (via process_creation)

title: Possible File Removal Through Del (via process_creation)
id: c01302cd-8e67-5a94-bc23-82d54b3252a2
status: stable
description: This rule detects execution of the builtin "del"/"erase" commands to delete files. 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: 2026-07-19
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1070.004
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'Cmd.Exe'
    selection_del:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'del '
            - 'erase '
    selection_flags:
        CommandLine|contains|windash:
            - ' -f'
            - ' -s'
            - ' -q'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: low