Suspicious SSH Reverse Tunnel Execution via process_creation
- Product
- windows
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-09-30
- Updated
- 2026-09-30
ATT&CK techniques
Lateral Movement → C2Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects ssh.exe launched with the -N and -R flags used to establish a remote port forward without an interactive session. MuddyWater used this technique to open a reverse tunnel to attacker infrastructure, enabling persistent remote access and pivoting into the victim network while blending with legitimate SSH usage.
Reporting behind it
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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Also included
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