Windows: tar.exe Archive Extraction Using -x Flag

title: "Windows: tar.exe Archive Extraction Using -x Flag"
id: 653d2bfa-549d-4a38-9be8-26ffa1326263
status: test
description: This rule identifies execution of tar.exe on Windows that performs archive extraction by matching a command line containing the -x option. Attackers often use legitimate compression utilities to decompress files as part of staging or execution while blending in with normal tool usage. Telemetry required includes Windows process creation events with process image/metadata and command line arguments.
references:
  - https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chromeloader-malware/
  - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Tar/
  - https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/cicada-apt10-japan-espionage
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_tar_extraction.yml
author: AdmU3, Huntrule Team
date: 2023-12-19
tags:
  - attack.collection
  - attack.exfiltration
  - attack.t1560
  - attack.t1560.001
logsource:
  product: windows
  category: process_creation
detection:
  selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: \tar.exe
    - OriginalFileName: bsdtar
  selection_extract:
    CommandLine|contains: -x
  condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
  - Likely
level: low
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: bf361876-6620-407a-812f-bfe11e51e924
    type: derived