huntrule

Windows Process in Suspicious Folder Initiating Network Connections to File Sharing Domains

Alerts on outbound connections to file sharing domains from Windows executables running out of suspicious temp/recycle/task paths.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v2
Product
windows
Category
network_connection
Author
Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2018-08-30
Updated
2026-07-31
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

C2

  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 Windows processes whose image path contains commonly abused directories and that initiate outbound network connections to a set of file sharing and hosting domains. Attackers frequently use these services to stage payloads, exfiltrate data, or host commands over seemingly benign infrastructure. It relies on Windows network connection telemetry (destination host/initiated activity) and process image path observations to link suspicious execution location with outbound traffic.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Certutil Download and Certificate Installation via Living-off-the-Land
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Windows Process in Suspicious Folder Initiating Network Connections to File Sharing Domains
Pivot detection · T1105 · 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.