Elastic Security Detection Rules

Unusual File Operation by dns.exe

Last updated 22 days ago on 2025-09-11
Created 5 years ago on 2020-07-16

About

Identifies an unexpected file being modified by dns.exe, the process responsible for Windows DNS Server services, which may indicate activity related to remote code execution or other forms of exploitation.
Tags
Domain: EndpointOS: WindowsUse Case: Threat DetectionTactic: Lateral MovementData Source: Elastic EndgameUse Case: VulnerabilityData Source: Elastic DefendData Source: SysmonLanguage: kuery
Severity
medium
Risk Score
47
MITRE ATT&CK™

Lateral Movement (TA0008)(opens in a new tab or window)

↳ Exploitation of Remote Services (T1210)(opens in a new tab or window)

License
Elastic License v2(opens in a new tab or window)

Definition

Rule Type
New Terms Rule
Integration Pack
Prebuilt Security Detection Rules
Index Patterns
winlogbeat-*logs-endpoint.events.file-*logs-windows.sysmon_operational-*endgame-*
Related Integrations

endpoint(opens in a new tab or window)

windows(opens in a new tab or window)

Query
event.category : "file" and host.os.type : "windows" and
  event.type : ("creation" or "deletion" or "change") and process.name : "dns.exe" and
  not file.extension : ("old" or "temp" or "bak" or "dns" or "arpa" or "log")

Install detection rules in Elastic Security

Detect Unusual File Operation by dns.exe in the Elastic Security detection engine by installing this rule into your Elastic Stack.

To setup this rule, check out the installation guide for Prebuilt Security Detection Rules(opens in a new tab or window).