Sigma rule: Hiding Files with Attrib.exe

Rule

Title

Hiding Files with Attrib.exe

Status

test

Level

medium

Author

Sami Ruohonen

Date

2019-01-16

Modified

2023-03-14

File

rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_attrib_hiding_files.yml

Commit

ccbb0369507f796db0b0ae6854c8a2be471b9d84

Detects usage of attrib.exe to hide files from users.

Log source

product

windows

category

process_creation

Detection

selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: '\attrib.exe'
    - OriginalFileName: 'ATTRIB.EXE'
selection_cli:
    CommandLine|contains: ' +h '
filter_main_msiexec:
    CommandLine|contains: '\desktop.ini '
filter_optional_intel:
    ParentImage|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
    CommandLine: '+R +H +S +A \\\*.cui'
    ParentCommandLine: 'C:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\\*.bat'
condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*

False positives (as the rule lists them)

• IgfxCUIService.exe hiding *.cui files via .bat script (attrib.exe a child of cmd.exe and igfxCUIService.exe is the parent of the cmd.exe)
• Msiexec.exe hiding desktop.ini

Tags

• attack.stealth
• attack.t1564.001

MITRE ATT&CK ids this rule names

• T1564.001

References

• https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-sure-ill-take-new-combojack-malware-alters-clipboards-steal-cryptocurrency/
• https://www.uptycs.com/blog/lolbins-are-no-laughing-matter

Read on 2026-11-03T00:58:21.399Z under licence sigma-drl-1.1@d5f4c36a from https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/ccbb0369507f796db0b0ae6854c8a2be471b9d84/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_attrib_hiding_files.yml