Possible Mstsc.EXE Execution With Local RDP File (via process_creation)

title: Possible Mstsc.EXE Execution With Local RDP File (via process_creation)
id: 56ef0ab1-39f4-519d-8020-306e739c3e67
status: stable
description: This rule detects potential RDP connection via Mstsc using a local ".rdp" file
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1219/002/
    - https://www.blackhillsinfosec.com/rogue-rdp-revisiting-initial-access-methods/
    - https://web.archive.org/web/20230726144748/https://blog.thickmints.dev/mintsights/detecting-rogue-rdp/
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-05-21
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.t1219.002
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\mstsc.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'mstsc.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|endswith:
            - '.rdp'
            - '.rdp"'
    filter_optional_wsl:
        ParentImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\lxss\wslhost.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: 'C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\WSL\wslg.rdp'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: low