Windows: Diantz Alternate Data Stream (ADS) .cab Execution via Command Line

Flags Diantz commands that create or reference a .cab using an Alternate Data Stream (ADS) pattern on Windows.

FreeUnreviewedSigmamediumv1

windows-diantz-alternate-data-stream-ads-cab-execution-via-command-line-6b369ced

title: "Windows: Diantz Alternate Data Stream (ADS) .cab Execution via Command Line"
id: 6241d7db-da5d-4826-b2ed-f4d0703e3a64
status: test
description: This rule identifies process creation where the command line includes diantz.exe and a .cab file indicator, and the command line contains a colon-delimited Alternate Data Stream pattern. Attackers can use ADS to hide or disguise archived payloads within a legitimate file to evade basic inspection. The detection relies on Windows process creation telemetry and matches the structure of the executed command line.
references:
  - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Diantz/
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_lolbin_diantz_ads.yml
author: frack113, Huntrule Team
date: 2021-11-26
modified: 2022-12-31
tags:
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1564.004
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine|contains|all:
      - diantz.exe
      - .cab
    CommandLine|re: :[^\\]
  condition: selection
falsepositives:
  - Very Possible
level: medium
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 6b369ced-4b1d-48f1-b427-fdc0de0790bd
    type: derived

What it detects

This rule identifies process creation where the command line includes diantz.exe and a .cab file indicator, and the command line contains a colon-delimited Alternate Data Stream pattern. Attackers can use ADS to hide or disguise archived payloads within a legitimate file to evade basic inspection. The detection relies on Windows process creation telemetry and matches the structure of the executed command line.

Known false positives

Very Possible

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