huntrule

Windows dns.exe Deletes Files with Unexpected Targets

Alerts when dns.exe deletes any file other than dns.log on Windows.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v2
Product
windows
Category
file_delete
Author
Tim Rauch (Nextron Systems), Elastic (idea) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2022-09-27
Updated
2026-07-31
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Initial Access → Persistence

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule flags file deletions where the deleting process is dns.exe and the deleted target is not dns.log. Unexpected dns.exe file deletion can indicate malicious activity such as exploitation leading to unauthorized changes or cleanup. It relies on Windows file deletion telemetry that includes the process image path and the deleted target filename.

Reporting behind it

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ArcSOC.exe Creates Suspicious Script/Executable Files on Windows
FortiGate: Addition of VPN SSL Web Portal via Event Logs
FortiGate SSL VPN Settings Edited
Windows Process Creation: GoAnywhere child command execution indicating possible MFT exploitation
Windows dns.exe Deletes Files with Unexpected Targets
Pivot detection · T1133 · 9 related

Changelog

v2
  1. v2
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  2. v1
    No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

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