Suspicious File Search for Passwords via Findstr (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Cred Access

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
- T1552.001Credentials In Files
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects findstr being used to search files recursively for the string password, an unsecured-credentials technique for locating secrets in configuration files and scripts. Searching files for passwords is tracked in the Red Canary Threat Detection Report. Detecting these searches surfaces credential hunting across the file system.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious File Search for Passwords via Findstr (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1552.001 · 9 related

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

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