Suspicious mstsc Launch of RDP File From User Download or Temp Path (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Initial Access → C2

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
- T1566.001Spearphishing Attachment
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
- T1219Remote Access Tools
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the Remote Desktop client mstsc.exe opening a .rdp configuration file from a Downloads, Temp or AppData location, the delivery pattern of the rogue RDP campaign that phished malicious .rdp files enabling remote application mode and drive redirection. Executing an attacker-supplied RDP file connects victims to actor-controlled servers with resource redirection.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1219 — drag to rearrange

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SplashTop Network

Suspicious mstsc Launch of RDP File From User Download or Temp Path (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1219 · 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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