Suspicious Findstr Launching .lnk File (via process_creation)

title: Suspicious Findstr Launching .lnk File (via process_creation)
id: 5a578d6d-fd7e-574a-ade1-3d5203399d1e
status: stable
description: This rule detects use of findstr to identify and execute a lnk file as seen within the HHS redirect attack
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/003/
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1202/
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/
    - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hhsgov-open-redirect-used-by-coronavirus-phishing-to-spread-malware/
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-05-08
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1036
    - attack.t1202
    - attack.t1027.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '\find.exe'
              - '\findstr.exe'
        - OriginalFileName:
              - 'FIND.EXE'
              - 'FINDSTR.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|endswith:
            - '.lnk'
            - '.lnk"'
            - ".lnk'"
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium