Suspicious Process Removal of Its Own Executable (via file_delete)

title: Suspicious Process Removal of Its Own Executable (via file_delete)
id: 4659a1dc-48ff-53b7-ad0f-83a0a9e74c08
status: stable
description: This rule detects the deletion of a process's executable by itself. This is usually not possible without workarounds and may be used by malware to hide its traces.
references:
    - https://github.com/joaoviictorti/RustRedOps/tree/ce04369a246006d399e8c61d9fe0e6b34f988a49/Self_Deletion
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-06-07
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.defense-evasion
    - attack.t1070.004
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_delete
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|fieldref: Image
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium