Alert Types by XDR Event Name

Data Ingestion Volume Anomaly

A sensor is sending an anomalously high or low volume of data, compared to its typical volume. Check the sensor. A low volume could indicate a sensor failure or other problems. For a high volume, determine the cause of the increase.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: XDR SBA (XTA0003)

• Technique: XDR Bytes Anomaly (XT3001)

• Tags: [Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is ade_outbytes_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• engid — sensor ID 
• engid_name — sensor name
• actual — actual volume of data in the period
• typical — typical difference in data volume between this period and the previous period

Use Case with Data Points

The data ingestion volume of every data sensor with sensor id (engid) and sensor name (engid_name) is calculated periodically. If one of the following conditions is met, the anomaly is triggered:

• A moving window is used to record data ingestion volume. If the time window can be divided into two sub windows and the metric values of these two sub windows show large deviation

• The ingestion volume is anomalously high compared to its own history

• The ingestion volume is anomalously low compared to its history and it keeps being low for a relatively longer period

A sample Interflow includes the sensor ID (engid) and sensor name (engid_name).

Sensor Status Anomaly

The sensor has changed its status from "connected" to "disconnected".

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: XDR SBA (XTA0003)

• Technique: XDR Status Anomaly (XT3002)

• Tags: [Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is ade_outbytes_anomaly_flip.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• engid — sensor ID  
• engid_name — sensor name

Use Case with Data Points

For each sensor, its connection status is checked periodically, if the status changes from “connected“ to “disconnected“, the anomaly is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the sensor ID (engid) and sensor name (engid_name).

File Action Anomaly

Actions, such as move, copy, delete, or change attribute, were taken on a file or files an anomalous number of times. Investigate the actions and the user to see if this is expected.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: Impact (TA0040 )

• Technique: Data Manipulation (T1565 )

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is anomalous_file_action.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• secondary — user name  
• actual — actual number of file actions in the period
• typical — typical number of file actions in the period
• path — path to the file

Use Case with Data Points

The number of file actions for each user (command) is calculated periodically. If the volume (actual) is anomalous compared to the typical volume (typical) of file actions in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the directory to the file (path).

Unapproved Asset Activity

An asset has been marked as unapproved in one of the Investigate | Asset Activity tabs. Unapproved assets generate one alert per day until their approval status is changed with either the Approve or Ignore button in the Asset Activity tabs.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exploration

• Tactic: [Internal] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Unapproved Asset Activity (XT2013)

• Tags: [Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is asset_violation.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• asset_id — ID of a specific asset  
• vendor — vendor of this asset

Use Case with Data Points

If an analyst marks an asset as unapproved in the Asset Activity tabs, a daily alert is triggered until the asset is either manually approved or ignored.

AWS AMI Made Public

An AWS AMI was made public. Check with the user to make sure this was intentional.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: Privilege Escalation (TA0004 )

• Technique: Valid Accounts (T1078 )

• Tags: []

XDR Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_ami_public.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account  
• userIdentity.userName — AWS account user name
• userIdentity.type — AWS account type
• eventName — AWS event name
• eventSource — AWS event source
• eventType — AWS event type

Use Case with Data Points

For each AWS account (userIdentity.accountId), activity to make an AMI public is monitored. If an AMI is made public, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the account ID (userIdentity.accountId), user name (userIdentity.userName), account type (userIdentity.type), AWS event name (eventName), AWS event source (eventSource), and AWS event type (eventType).

Potentially Malicious AWS Activity

The Potentially Malicious AWS Activity rules are used to identify suspicious activity within AWS logs. Any one or more of these will trigger the Potentially Malicious AWS Activity alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_malicious_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Potentially Malicious AWS Activity Alert Type

AWS S3 Ransomware

Possible AWS S3 ransomware was detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: Impact (TA0040 )

• Technique: Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486 )

• Tags: [Malware; Ransomware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_s3_ransomware.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account  
• userIdentity.userName — AWS account user name
• userIdentity.type — AWS account type
• eventName — AWS event name
• eventSource — AWS event source
• eventType — AWS event type

Use Case with Data Points

For each AWS account user name (userIdentity.userName), suspicious S3 ransomware is monitored. If ransomware is detected, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the account ID (userIdentity.accountId), AWS account user name (userIdentity.userName), AWS account type (userIdentity.type), AWS event name (eventName), AWS event source (eventSource), and AWS event type (eventType).

AWS Logging Stopped

AWS CloudTrail logging was stopped. Check with the user to make sure this was intentional.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: Defense Evasion (TA0005 )

• Technique: Impair Defenses (T1562 )

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_stoplogging.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account  
• userIdentity.userName — AWS account user name
• userIdentity.type — AWS account type
• eventName — AWS event name
• eventSource — AWS event source
• eventType — AWS event type

Use Case with Data Points

For each AWS account (userIdentity.accountId), log disabling is monitored. Logging is enabled by default, so if logging is disabled, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the account ID (userIdentity.accountId), AWS account user name (userIdentity.userName), AWS account type (userIdentity.type), AWS event name (eventName), AWS event source (eventSource), and AWS event type (eventType).

Suspicious AWS Bucket Enumeration

The Suspicious AWS Bucket Enumeration rules are used to identify suspicious activity related to AWS Bucket Enumeration. Any one or more of these will trigger the AWS Bucket Enumeration alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_bucket_enumeration.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious AWS Bucket Enumeration Alert Type

Suspicious Modification of AWS CloudTrail Logs

The Suspicious Modification of AWS CloudTrail Logs rules are used to identify suspicious activity within AWS Cloudtrail logs. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious Modification of AWS CloudTrail Logs alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_cloudtrail_logs_modification.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious Modification of AWS CloudTrail Logs Alert Type

Suspicious AWS EC2 Activity

The Suspicious AWS EC2 Activity rules are used to identify suspicious activity within AWS EC2 logs. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious AWS EC2 Activity alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_ec2_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious AWS EC2 Activity Alert Type

Suspicious AWS IAM Activity

The Suspicious AWS IAM Activity rules are used to identify suspicious activity within AWS IAM logs. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious AWS IAM Activity alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_iam_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious AWS IAM Activity Alert Type

Suspicious Modification of AWS Route Table

The Suspicious Modification of AWS Route Table rules are used to identify suspicious activity related to modification of AWS Route Table. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious Modification of AWS Route Table alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_modification_of_route_table.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious Modification of AWS Route Table Alert Type

Suspicious Modification of S3 Bucket

The Suspicious Modification of S3 Bucket rules are used to identify suspicious activity within S3 Bucket logs. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious Modification of S3 Bucket alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_modification_of_s3_bucket.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious Modification of S3 Bucket Alert Type

Suspicious AWS RDS Event

The Suspicious AWS RDS Event rules are used to identify suspicious activity related to AWS RDS Event. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious AWS RDS Event alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_rds_event.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious AWS RDS Event Alert Type

Suspicious AWS Root Account Activity

The Suspicious AWS Root Account Activity rules are used to identify suspicious activity with AWS Root Account. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious AWS Root Account Activity alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_root_account_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious AWS Root Account Activity Alert Type

Suspicious AWS Route 53 Activity

The Suspicious AWS Route 53 Activity rules are used to identify suspicious activity within AWS Route 53 logs. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious AWS Route 53 Activity alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_route53_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious AWS Route 53 Activity Alert Type

Suspicious AWS VPC Flow Logs Modification

The Suspicious AWS VPC Flow Logs Modification rules are used to identify suspicious modification of AWS VPC Flow logs. Any one or more of these will trigger the Suspicious AWS VPC Flow Logs Modification alert type.

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is aws_suspicious_vpc_flow_logs_modification.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• eventSource — source of event 
• eventName — name of event 
• eventType — type of event
• userIdentity.accountId — key ID for the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.userName — user name of the account involved in the event
• userIdentity.type — type of account involved in the event
• stellar.rule_id — Stellar Cyber rule ID

Link to Rule-Based Alert Types

Rules Contributing to Suspicious AWS VPC Flow Logs Modification Alert Type

Azure AD Apps Modified To Allow Multi-Tenant Access

Azure AD detected an application being modified to allow multi-tenant access. Check with the organization to be sure this was expected.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: Persistence (TA0003 )

• Technique: Account Manipulation (T1098 )

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is azure_ad_add_app_multitenant.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_usersid — user ID that modified the property change 
• activityDisplayName — description of the action
• targetResources.modifiedProperties.displayName — properties that were changed

Use Case with Data Points

If Azure AD detects any user (srcip_usersid) changing an application to allow multi-tenant access, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the user ID (srcip_usersid), activity name (activityDisplayName), and name of the changed property (targetResources.modifiedProperties.displayName).

Azure AD Custom Domains Changed

Azure AD detected a custom domain being changed. Check with the organization to be sure this was expected.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: Defense Evasion (TA0005 )

• Technique: Domain Policy Modification (T1484 )

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is azure_ad_change_domain.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_usersid — user account that made the domain change  
• activityDisplayName — activity display name
• activity_name — action description

Use Case with Data Points

If Azure AD detects any user (srcip_usersid) changing a custom domain, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the user ID (srcip_usersid) and activity name (activity_name).

Process Anomaly

A process has been launched an anomalously large number of times. Investigate the process and the user to see if this is expected.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: XDR EBA (XTA0001)

• Technique: XDR Process Anomaly (XT1001)

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is bad_process.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• process_name — name of the process 
• hostip — host IP address
• hostip_host — host name
• actual — actual number of launches in the period
• typical — typical number of launches in the period
• process_user — user who launched the process

Use Case with Data Points

The number of times a process (process_name) has been launched is calculated periodically. If the volume (actual) is much larger than the typical volume (typical) of the command or other commands in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the name of the user who launched the process (process_user).

Bad Reputation Login

A successful login was detected from an IP address with a history of malicious activity. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Bad Reputation (XT2010)

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is bad_reputation_login.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_reputation — source reputation
• source_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• login_type — type of login
• username — user name

Use Case with Data Points

The login records are checked for every source IP address (srcip). If a source IP address has successful login records and its reputation (srcip_reputation) is bad (except brute-forcer and scanner), an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes source IP address (srcip), source host (srcip_host), source reputation (srcip_reputation), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), login type (login_type), and user name (username).

Carbon Black: XDR Anomaly

On a specific device, an anomalously large number of VMware Carbon Black endpoint log records or a rarely seen type of record has been observed compared to the typical number in a measured interval.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: XDR EBA (XTA0001)

• Technique: XDR Anomaly (XT1000)

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is carbonblack_edr_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• process.command_id — command ID of the process  
• hostip — device internal IP address  
• host.external_ip — device external IP address
• actual — actual volume of log records in the period
• typical — typical difference in volume of log records between this period and the previous period

Use Case with Data Points

The number of occurrences of Carbon Black endpoint (cloud) log, based on the “UNKNOWN“ threat category (event.type), is tabulated periodically. If this category occurs (actual) much more often compared to its history (typical) or a rarely seen type of record is observed, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes information such as the file name (file.name), process (process.name), and description (xdr_event.description).

Account MFA Login Failure Anomaly

An anomalously large number of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) user login failures was observed for an account. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is cloud_account_login_failure_okta.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_usersid — cloud account user ID  
• srcip_username — cloud account user name
• event_summary.total_failed — number of failed logins in the period
• event_summary.total_successful — number of successful logins in the period
• event_summary.total_fail_ratio — percent of failed logins in the period, which is: event_summary.total_failed / (event_summary.total_failed + event_summary.total_successful)
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of the model indicating the degree of abnormal activity
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• login_type — type of login
• srcip_reputation — source reputation

Use Case with Data Points

Multi-Factor Authentication login failures and successes are calculated periodically for every account (srcip_usersid). If the number of failures is significantly larger than the number of successes, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the login type (login_type), source host (srcip_host), and source reputation (srcip_reputation).

Command & Control Reputation Anomaly

An anomalously large number of connections were made to known command and control servers. Investigate the connections and source hosts. If malicious, block the IP addresses of the command and control servers.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: XDR Intel (XTA0005)

• Technique: XDR Command and Control Reputation (XT5001)

• Tags: [Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is cnc_reputation.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• dstip — destination IP address  
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_reputation — destination reputation
• actual — actual number of connections in the period
• typical — typical number of connections to the destination IP with a C&C reputation
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• srcip_reputation — source reputation
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

The number of connections for every destination IP (dstip) with a command and control reputation (dstip_reputation) is calculated periodically. If a destination IP has a much higher number of connections (actual) than its history (typical) in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the application used in the connection (appid_name), the source host (srcip_host), and the source reputation (srcip_reputation).

Command Anomaly

A command has been executed an anomalously large number of times compared to its typical executions or those of other commands. Investigate the command and the user to determine if this is expected.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: Execution (TA0002 )

• Technique: Command and Scripting Interpreter (T1059 )

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is command_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• command — command executed  
• actual — actual number of executions in the period
• typical — typical number of executions in the period
• cwd — current working directory from which the command executed
• hostip — host running the agent sensor
• srcip — source IP address from which the command was run
• username — user name who ran the command

Use Case with Data Points

The number of times a command (command) has been executed is calculated periodically. If the volume (actual) is much larger than the typical volume (typical) of the command or other commands in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the directory from which the command was executed (cwd), the host and source IP addresses (hostip and srcip) from which the command was executed, and the name of the user who ran the command (username).

Outbound Destination Country Anomaly

A host that typically communicates with a small, consistent number of countries communicated with a new country. Investigate the destination, to see if it is benign.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XT2005)

• Technique: XDR Location Anomaly (XT2001)

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is country_communication_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• dstip_geo.countryName — name of the destination country
• dstip — destination IP address
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name
• stability — score measuring the time since the host communicated with the last new country
• days_stable — time since the host communicated with the last new country
• diversity — score measuring the number of countries with which the host communicated
• child_count — number of countries with which the host communicated

Use Case with Data Points

Hosts (srcip_host) and destination countries (dstip_geo.countryName) are examined periodically. If a host (srcip_host) with a small number of destination countries (diversity, child_count) has not visited a new country for a long time (stability, days_stable) visits a host (dstip_host) in a new country with an application (appid_name), an alert is triggered.

Cryptojacking

An unauthorized coin miner used a computer to mine cryptocurrency. Consider blocking the source IP address.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: Impact (TA0040 )

• Technique: Resource Hijacking (T1496 )

• Tags: [Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is cryptojacking.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• srcip — source IP address of the cryptojacking action 
• dstip — destination IP address of the cryptojacking action 
• srcip_reputation — source reputation
• srcip_host — source host name
• dstip_reputation — destination reputation
• dstip_host — destination host name

Use Case with Data Points

If an unauthorized coin miner is detected by IDS, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the IDS signature (ids.signature), source IP address (srcip), source reputation (srcip_reputation), source host (srcip_host), destination IP address (dstip), destination reputation (dstip_reputation), and destination host (dstip_host).

CylanceOPTICS: XDR Anomaly

On a specific device, a rarely seen or an anomalously large number of CylanceOPTICS endpoint log records has been observed, compared to the typical number in a measured interval or has been observed after several days of silence.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: XDR EBA (XTA0001)

• Technique: XDR Anomaly (XT1000)

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is cylance_edr_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• event.description — description of the detection rule  
• host.name — device name
• actual — actual volume of log records in the period
• typical — typical difference in volume of log records between this period and the previous period

Use Case with Data Points

The number of occurrences of CylanceOPTICS log records (event.provider) is calculated periodically. If this category occurs (actual) much more often compared to its history (typical) or a rarely seen type of event is generated, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes information such as the process name (process.name), parent process name (process.parent.name), and description (event.description).

DGA

A host is using a potential Domain Generation Algorithm (DGA). If the target domain is a malicious domain, the host might be compromised. Investigate the DGA domains and the host.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: Command and Control (TA0011 )

• Technique: Dynamic Resolution (T1568 )

• Tags: [Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is dga_resolvable.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address of the host that sends the DGA queries  
• metadata.request.effective_tld — effective top-level domain of the DNS query  
• metadata.response.resolved_ips — IP addresses resolved from the DNS query  
• is_dga — flag marking whether or not the DNS query is a DGA query
• actual — number of DGA domains the host has queried

Use Case with Data Points

Whenever a host (srcip) sends a DNS query (appid_name: dns) and the DNS server returns a non-existent domain (NXDOMAIN) response (metadata.response.reply_code), the NX domain query counter for the host is increased. We reset the counter if no NX domain queries are observed for a period of time. When the counter reaches a certain threshold, the host is monitored. When monitored, we run the FQDNs of all DNS queries (metadata.response.query) sent by this host through domain generation analytics to determine whether the domain's entropy indicates a DGA anomaly. If so, we mark the DNS record (is_dga). If the DNS query gets a response with valid resolved IP addresses (metadata.response.resolved_ips), we call it a resolvable query, otherwise we call it a non-resolvable query.

If a monitored host (srcip) sends a resolvable DGA query (is_dga: yes_resolvable), we check the effective top-level domain (metadata.response.effective_tld). If the same host (srcip) previously sent non-resolvable DGA queries (is_dga: yes) with the same effective top-level domain (metadata.response.effective_tld), the host is considered to have a high risk of being compromised and performing C&C with DGA. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip), DNS query (metadata.response.query), query effective top-level domain (metadata.response.effective_tld), and DGA flag (is_dga).

DHCP Server Anomaly

A new DHCP server appeared in the network. This could be a hacker attempting to steer traffic. Investigate and consider telling employees to avoid this server.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exploration

• Tactic: [Internal] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Server Anomaly (XT2007)

• Tags: [Internal]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is dhcp_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• metadata.response.server_ip — IP address of the anomalous DHCP server  
• srcip_host — host name that visited the DHCP server
• srcip_geo.countryName — country name of the source that visited the DHCP server

Use Case with Data Points

If a DHCP server that has never been seen before appears in the network, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the DHCP server IP address (metadata.response.server_ip), source host (srcip_host), and source country (srcip_geo.countryName).

DNS Tunneling Anomaly

An anomalously large number of connections tunneling high-entropy traffic through DNS were made. This can indicate data exfiltration. Investigate the tunnel and source host. If malicious, block the source host.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: Exfiltration (TA0010 )

• Technique: Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol (T1048 )

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is dns_tunnel.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• metadata.request.effective_tld — effective top-level domain, such as yahoo.com  
• metadata.request.query — DNS query
• actual — actual number of bytes transmitted through the tunnel in the period
• typical — typical number of bytes transmitted through a tunnel in the period
• total_entropy — total entropy (information density) sent by the DNS tunnel
• query_count — number of queries sent by the DNS tunnel

Use Case with Data Points

The DNS queries (metadata.requests.query) for each DNS tunnel (comprising the source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip), and top-level domain (effective_tld)) are analyzed periodically. If a DNS tunnel has sent anomalously more entropy (total_entropy) and bytes (actual) than is normal (typical) in any period, an alert is triggered. The number of queries sent (query_count) is also considered.

Bad Destination Reputation Anomaly

A destination IP address with a bad reputation has received an anomalously large number of connections. Investigate the connections and consider blocking the destination IP address.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: XDR Intel (XTA0005)

• Technique: XDR Bad Reputation (XT2010)

• Tags: [Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is dstip_bad_reps.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• dstip — destination IP address  
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_reputation — destination reputation
• actual — actual number of connections to the destination IP address in the period
• typical — typical number of connections to the destination IP address
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_reputation — source reputation
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

The number of connections for every destination IP address (dstip) with a bad reputation (dstip_reputation) is calculated periodically. If a destination IP address's number of connections (actual) is much larger than the typical historical number (typical), an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source IP address making the connection (srcip_host), the application (appid_name) used, and the reputation of the source host (srcip_reputation).

Possible Phishing Site Visit from Email

A user visited a recently registered domain shortly after using email, indicating a possible phishing site visit. Check to see if the site is malicious. If so, check with the user to see if they are compromised.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: Initial Access (TA0001 )

• Technique: Phishing (T1566 )

• Tags: [Phishing; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is email_recent_domain_correlation.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• recent_domain_id — ID of the recently registered domain visit
• email_traffic_id — ID of the original record of the email traffic
• correlation_info.appid_name — application on the visited domain accessed by the user
• correlation_info.srcip — IP address of the user
• correlation_info.dstip — IP address of the recently registered domain (useful if the correlation_info.appid_name is not DNS)
• correlation_info.dstip_host — recently registered domain that was visited (useful if the correlation_info.appid_name is not DNS)
• correlation_info.metadata.response.query — recently registered domain name the victim queried in DNS traffic (useful if the correlation_info.appid_name is DNS)

• correlation_info.metadata.response.resolved_ips — IPs of the recently registered domain name the victim queried in DNS traffic. This field only useful if correlation_info.appid_name is DNS.

Use Case with Data Points

If a user (srcip) uses email (appid_name) and then either queries a recently registered (metadata.response.domain_creation) domain (metadata.response.query) or visits a recently registered (dstip_domain_creation) domain (dstip_host), an alert is triggered.

When an alert is triggered, a new correlation event is created. The Interflow includes the reference ID of the original record of the domain visit (recent_domain_id), the reference ID pointing to the original record of email traffic (email_traffic_id), the IP address of the user (correlation_info.srcip), the application involved in the recently registered site visit (correlation_info.appid_name), and the visited domain (correlation_info.dstip_host or correlation_info.metadata.response.query).

Emerging Threat

Stellar Cyber detected one or more emerging threats in traffic. Investigate the IP address and consider blocking.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: XDR Intel (XTA0005)

• Technique: XDR Emerging Threat (XT5003)

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is emerging_threat.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address marked as an emerging threat  
• dstip — destination IP address marked as an emerging threat  
• url_list — URL marked as an emerging threat  
• domain_list — domain marked as an emerging threat  

Use Case with Data Points

Stellar Cyber monitors traffic for emerging threats. An alert is triggered if emerging threats are observed in any of the following:

• Source IP address (srcip)
• Destination IP address (dstip)
• URL (url_list)
• Domain (domain_list)

Note that only one of these is needed to trigger the alert. So, although the Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), destination IP address (dstip), URL (url_list), and domain (domain_list), not all the values may be populated, depending on the nature of the observed threat.

Encoded PowerShell

A Windows host executed an encoded PowerShell script. Investigate the script contents to see if it is malicious. If so, consider quarantining the host.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: Execution (TA0002 )

• Technique: Command and Scripting Interpreter (T1059 )

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is encoded_powershell.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• event_data.ContextInfo — PowerShell script context
• event_data.Payload — PowerShell script payload

Use Case with Data Points

If a Windows host (srcip) executes a PowerShell script whose context (event_data.ContextInfo) includes flags that indicate encoding or obfuscation of the script, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the IP address of the Windows host (srcip), the script context (event_data.ContextInfo), and script payload (event_data.Payload).

Possible Encrypted Phishing Site Visit

A possible phishing site visit to a recently registered domain was detected in encrypted traffic. Check with the user to determine whether their system is compromised.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: Initial Access (TA0001 )

• Technique: Phishing (T1566 )

• Tags: [Phishing; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is encrypted_phishing_site.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• metadata.response.effective_tld — effective top-level domain of the possible phishing site  
• srcip — IP address of the visitor to the possible phishing site  
• dstip — IP address of the possible phishing site  
• srcip_host — source host name
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country

Use Case with Data Points

If an encrypted connection to a recently registered site (metadata.response.effective_tld) is observed, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), source host (srcip_host), destination IP address (dstip), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and effective top-level domain of the site (metadata.response.effective_tld).

Exploited C&C Connection

An exploited host with vulnerabilities initiated a connection to the exploit attacker, which could indicate the host being compromised and performing C&C activities. See if the exploit was successful. Check the source host, and consider blocking.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Command and Control Connection Exploitation (XT2014)

• Tags: [Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is exploit_attempt_correlation.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• tenant_id — tenant ID
• exploit_id — ID of the original exploit event
• seen_traffic_id — ID of the original Interflow traffic record
• srcip (of exploit event) — IP address of the attacker (correlation_info.srcip)
• dstip (of exploit event) — IP address of the target host (correlation_info.dstip)
• srcip (of traffic record) — IP address of the target host (correlation_info.srcip)
• dstip (of traffic record) — IP address of the attacker (correlation_info.dstip)

Use Case with Data Points

Two events are involved in this alert type. In the first event, an attacker (srcip) with the IP address A is performing an exploit against a target (dstip) with the IP address B. If, following that event, an Interflow traffic record is observed where the target host (srcip) with IP address B initiates a network connection to the attacker (dstip) whose IP address is A, an alert is triggered.

When an alert is triggered a new correlation event is generated. The Interflow of the correlation event includes the reference ID of the exploit event (exploit_id), the reference ID of the traffic record (seen_traffic_id), the IP address of the attacker (correlation_info.srcip of the exploit event or correlation_info.dstip of the traffic record), the IP address of the victim (correlation_info.dstip of the exploit event or correlation_info.srcip of the traffic record).

Private to Private Exploit Anomaly

A private IP address initiated a large number of exploit attempts identified by a given signature or a rarely seen exploit attempt to another private IP address. Investigate that signature.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] Lateral Movement (TA0008 )

• Technique: Exploitation of Remote Services (T1210 )

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is exploit_attempt_priv_priv.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — signature of the exploit  
• ids.severity — severity of the exploit
• actual — actual number of times this signature was found in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• typical — typical number of times this signature is seen in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address

Use Case with Data Points

The occurrences of each malware (ids.signature) and severity (ids.severity) are calculated periodically. If one malware occurs much more often (actual) than its history (typical) in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host) and destination host (dstip_host).

Private to Public Exploit Anomaly

A private IP address initiated a large number of exploit attempts identified by a given signature or a rarely seen exploit attempt to a public IP address. Investigate that signature.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Initial Access (TA0001 )

• Technique: Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is exploit_attempt_priv_pub.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — signature of the exploit  
• ids.severity — severity of the exploit
• actual — actual number of times this signature was found in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• typical — typical number of times this signature is seen in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address

Use Case with Data Points

The occurrences of each malware (ids.signature) and severity (ids.severity) are calculated periodically. If one malware occurs much more often (actual) than its history (typical) in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host) and destination host (dstip_host).

Public to Private Exploit Anomaly

A public IP address initiated a large number of exploit attempts identified by a given signature or a rarely seen exploit attempt to a private IP address. Investigate that signature.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Initial Access (TA0001 )

• Technique: Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is exploit_attempt_pub_priv.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — signature of the exploit  
• ids.severity — severity of the exploit
• actual — actual number of times this signature was found in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• typical — typical number of times this signature is seen in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address

Use Case with Data Points

The occurrences of each malware (ids.signature) and severity (ids.severity) are calculated periodically. If one malware occurs much more often (actual) than its history (typical) in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host) and destination host (dstip_host).

Public to Public Exploit Anomaly

A public IP address initiated a large number of exploit attempts identified by a given signature or a rarely seen exploit attempt to another public IP address. Investigate that signature.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Initial Access (TA0001 )

• Technique: Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is exploit_attempt_pub_pub.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — signature of the exploit  
• ids.severity — severity of the exploit
• actual — actual number of times this signature was found in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• typical — typical number of times this signature is seen in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address

Use Case with Data Points

The occurrences of each malware (ids.signature) and severity (ids.severity) are calculated periodically. If one malware occurs much more often (actual) than its history (typical) in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host) and destination host (dstip_host).

External Plain Text Passwords Detected

A plain text password was detected in unencrypted traffic. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Clear Password (XT2006)

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_clear_password.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• actual — actual number of connections with a plain text password in the period
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

If there are plain text passwords in unencrypted traffic records with a public source IP address (srcip) or destination IP address (dstip), an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), destination IP address (dstip), source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip_host), and application (appid_name).

External Account Login Failure Anomaly

An anomalously large number of user login failures was observed for an account. Check with the user.

This alert type has a relatively long detection delay of up to 40 minutes because it waits for login events from high latency data sources and is sensitive to the event order of user logins.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_cloud_account_login_failure.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_usersid — cloud account user ID  
• scrip_username — cloud account user name
• event_summary.total_failed — number of failed logins in the period
• event_summary.total_successful — number of successful logins in the period
• event_summary.total_fail_ratio — percent of failed logins in the period, which is: event_summary.total_failed / (event_summary.total_failed + event_summary.total_successful)
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of the model indicating the degree of abnormal activity
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• login_type — type of login
• srcip_reputation — source reputation

Use Case with Data Points

Login failures and successes are calculated periodically for every account (srcip_usersid). If the number of failures is significantly larger than the number of successes, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the login type (login_type), source host (srcip_host), and source reputation (srcip_reputation).

External Credential Stuffing

An anomalously large amount of username/password testing was detected on AWS, Okta, or Windows. Check the activity after successful logins, and consider blocking the source IP addresses.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_credential_stuffing.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• msg_class — name of the service: cloudtrail for AWS, okta for Okta, Microsoft-Windows-Security-Auditing for Windows  
• service_id — specific account ID of a service  
• login_failure_rate — rate of login failures per minute in the period
• unknown_users_rate — rate of unknown user names per minute in the period
• unknown_users_to_login_failures — ratio of unknown user names to login failures in the period
• suspicious_ips — suspicious source IP addresses (up to 100)
• possible_breached_ips — list of malicious IPs that may have successful breach activities

Use Case with Data Points

External credential stuffing is the constant testing of username/password combinations on the AWS, Okta, or Windows authentication functions. Login activity is monitored and if the number of failed logins is larger than normal for that service, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the service (msg_class), tenant's account ID on that service (service_id), suspicious source IP address (suspicious_ips), login failure rate (login_failure_rate), unknown user rate (unknown_users_rate), the ratio of unknown users to login failures (unknown_users_to_login_failures), and a list of source IP addresses that might have suspicious activities and should be investigated (possible_breached_ips).

External SQL Shell Command

Shell commands were detected over a SQL connection, which is a common way hackers try to gain shell access over vulnerable SQL applications. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: [External] Execution (TA0002 )

• Technique: Command and Scripting Interpreter (T1059 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_database_command.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• dstip — destination IP address  
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_reputation — source reputation
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_reputation — destination reputation
• metadata.request.query — SQL query command
• actual — number of query records from one source to one destination in one period

Use Case with Data Points

For SQL query records, if special commands (such as select mylab_sys_exec) are found, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), destination IP address (dstip), source host (srcip_host), source reputation (srcip_reputation), destination host (dstip_host), destination reputation (dstip_reputation), and SQL query records (metadata.request.query).

External Firewall Denial Anomaly

A source host had actions blocked by a firewall too many times. Investigate the firewall rules that were violated. If suspicious, block the source IP address.

XDR Kill Chain

Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

Technique: XDR Firewall Anomaly (XT2002)

Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis; Firewall Anomalies]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_fw_action.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_host — source host IP address  
• srcip — source host IP address
• actual — actual number of firewall denials in the period
• typical — typical number of firewall denials in the period
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• dev_name — name of the firewall
• engid_name — name of the sensor
• src_host — name of the host for the source IP address

Use Case with Data Points

The number of firewall denials for every source IP address (srcip) is calculated periodically. If a source IP address’s number of firewall denials (actual) is much larger than the historical count (typical) of all IP addresses, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the name of the firewall (dev_name), the name of the sensor (engid_name), and the destination host (dstip_host).

External Firewall Policy Anomaly

A rarely triggered firewall policy has been violated. Investigate that policy and track down the violation.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Firewall Anomaly (XT2002)

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis;Firewall Anomalies]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_fw_policy_id.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• fw_policy_id — ID of the violated firewall policy  
• days_silent — number of days since this firewall policy was last seen
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• dev_name — device name
• dev_type — device type
• engid_name — sensor name

Use Case with Data Points

A firewall policy violation (fw_policy_id), which is raised by a device (dev_name and dev_type) and captured by a sensor (engid_name), shows never seen or very rare (days_silent) traffic between a host (srcip_host) and another host (dstip_host). This violation will trigger an alert.

External Handshake Failure

There were too many handshake failures between two hosts, which might indicate port scanning. Check the source host to see if this was expected and, if not, consider blocking the host.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Reconnaissance (TA0043 )

• Technique: Active Scanning (T1595 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_handshake_failure.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address of the host with the handshake failures 
• srcip_host — source host name
• dstip — destination IP address of the host with the handshake failures 
• dstip_host — destination host name
• timestamp — when the scan happened

Use Case with Data Points

If a host (srcip) scans across many ports on another host (dstip), an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the IP address of the potential attacker (srcip), the IP address of the victim (dstip), a special message flag (msgtyp), and when the scan happened (timestamp).

External IDS Signature Spike

A source IP address transmitted an anomalous number of different IDS signatures. Typically, this indicates host penetration or vulnerability scanning.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: Initial Access (TA0001 )

• Technique: Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_ids_signature_spike.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address 
• ids_signatures_summarize — summarized IDS signatures of the exploit
• srcip_host — source host name
• actual — actual number of unique IDS signatures in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• typical — typical number of unique IDS signatures from the source IP address, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1

Use Case with Data Points

The number of unique IDS signatures (ids.signature), weighted by their severity (ids.severity), are calculated periodically. If many different exploits with unique IDS signatures are observed, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes a source (srcip), timestamp, an accumulated severity of IDS signatures (actual), the usual accumulated severity of IDS signatures (typical), and a sampling of the IDS signatures used in the attack (ids_signatures_summarize).

External Other Malware

Malware with uncategorized malicious activity was observed. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: [External] XDR Malware (XTA0006)

• Technique: XDR Miscellaneous Malware (XT6001)

• Tags: [External; Malware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_malware_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity — malicious activity  
• actual — number of records for one IDS signature or malicious activity in the period
• lateral — boolean, indicating whether this activity is lateral (from private to private)
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• file_name — name of the file that carries the malware
• event_source — source of the event, either ids or sandbox

Use Case with Data Points

If ML-IDS or sandbox indicates malware that cannot be categorized as ransomware, spyware, trojan, PUA, or adware, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes malicious activity for sandbox (maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity), IDS signature for ML-IDS (ids.signature), event source (event_source), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and the name of the file that carries the malware (file_name) from the sandbox.

External SQL Anomaly

An IP address sent an anomalously large number of queries to a SQL server. Investigate the queries. If suspicious, block the source IP address.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Initial Access (TA0001 )

• Technique: Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_mysql_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address 
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — name of the source country
• actual — actual number of SQL queries in the period
• typical — typical number of SQL queries from the source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address

Use Case with Data Points

The number of SQL queries for every source IP address (srcip_host) is calculated periodically. If a source IP’s SQL query count (actual) is much larger than the typical count (typical) and that of other IP addresses in any period, an alert is triggered. The source IP’s country is (srcip_geo.countryName). The Interflow includes the destination host (dstip_host) the source IP visits.

External Non-Standard Port Anomaly

An application had an anomalously large number of connections or a rarely seen connection on non-standard ports. Check the application to be sure this is benign.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: [External] Command and Control (TA0011 )

• Technique: Non-Standard Port (T1571 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_non_std_port_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• dstip — destination IP address  
• dstport — destination port  
• appid — application ID  
• days_silent — number of days since the application was last seen
• appid_name — application name
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• actual — actual number of connections in the period
• typical — typical number of connections in the period

Use Case with Data Points

The number of connections for an application (dst_ip + dstport + appid) is calculated periodically. If a non-standard combination has an actual number of connections (actual) that is much larger than the typical number of connections (typical), or the combination has not appeared for a long time, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host), destination IP address (dstip), destination port (dstport), application ID (appid), and application name (appid_name).

External Password Spraying

.An anomalously large number of failed logins with unknown user names was observed on external Windows authentication services. Check the activity after successful logins, and consider blocking the source IP addresses.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Sub-technique: Password Spraying (T1110.003 )

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_password_spray.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address generating a failed login 

  or

• event_data.Workstation — workstation causing the alert 

  The key field for this alert type can be either srcip or event_data.Workstation, depending on the data feed.

• event_id — Windows event ID corresponding to the login failure
• login_type — type of login; the available values vary by event_id
• actual — actual number of failed logins with unknown user names in a 5-minute period
• typical — typical number of failed logins with unknown user names in a 5-minute period
• password_spray_user_summary — list of up to 100 unknown user names associated with the failed logins (the first three are shown in the alert description)

Use Case with Data Points

If a potential password spraying attack is observed, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes a source (srcip or event_data.Workstation), timestamp, the type of login (login_type), the number of failed logins (actual), the usual number of failed logins (typical), and a sampling of the user names used in the attack (password_spray_user_summary).

External PII Leaked

Personally identifiable information (social security numbers or credit cards) has been detected in the clear. Check the source to see if it is compromised. If so, consider blocking it.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: [External] Exfiltration (TA0010 )

• Technique: Automated Exfiltration (T1020 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_pii_leak.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address of the PII leak 
• dstip — destination IP address of the PII leak 
• ids.signature — IDS signature of the exploit  
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address

Use Case with Data Points

If a personally identifiable information leak is detected by IDS, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the IDS signature (ids.signature), source IP address (srcip), destination IP address (dstip), source host (srcip_host), and destination host (dstip_host).

External IP / Port Scan Anomaly

A host has either generated an anomalous number of connections compared to the typical amount, or has triggered an anomalous number of connection failure responses, in the measured interval. This can indicate that an attacker is scanning for computers or ports to exploit.

This alert type has two subtypes:

• Connection Failure Anomaly (Sensor Traffic)
• Connection Spike Anomaly (Firewall / Windows Traffic)

Alert Subtype: Connection Failure Anomaly (Sensor Traffic)

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_port_scan.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• num_failed — unique number of (destination IP and destination port) tuples that respond with failed status
• num_successful — unique number of (destination IP and destination port) tuples that respond with success status
• percent_failed — percent of unique (destination IP and destination port) tuples that respond with failed status
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of model, shows the degree of abnormal activities
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

For every unique triplet (source IP address, destination IP address, and destination port) browsed by each source IP address (srcip), the number of response failures and successes is calculated periodically. If the number of failures is significantly larger than the number of successes, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip_host), and application name (appid_name).

Considering that a lateral scan (private to private) is more sensitive than a non-lateral scan, this alert type is divided into two parts. One focuses on lateral scan analysis, the other focuses on non-lateral scan analysis. The mechanism remains the same as before, with the trigger condition for lateral scan alert being more sensitive than non-lateral one.

Alert Subtype: Connection Spike Anomaly (Firewall / Windows Traffic)

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_port_scan_tsa.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• actual — actual number of connection failure responses in the period
• typical — typical number of connection failure responses in the period
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

For every unique (destination IP address and destination port) browsed by each source IP address (srcip), the number of response failures and successes and the number of total data volume are calculated periodically. If the total data volume is significantly larger than the typical number, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip_host), and application name (appid_name).

Considering that a lateral scan (private to private) is more sensitive than a non-lateral scan, this alert type is divided into two parts. One focuses on lateral scan analysis, the other focuses on non-lateral scan analysis. The mechanism remains the same as before, with the trigger condition for lateral scan alert being more sensitive than non-lateral one.

External Protocol Account Login Failure Anomaly

An anomalously large number of login failures over SMB or FTP was observed. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_protocol_account_login_failure.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

Use Case with Data Points

• metadata.request.username — user name in the HTTP connection request  
• event_summary.total_failed — number of failed logins in the period
• event_summary.total_successful — number of successful logins in the period
• event_summary.total_fail_ratio — percent of failed logins in the period, which is: event_summary.total_failed / (event_summary.total_failed + event_summary.total_successful)
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of the model indicating the degree of abnormal activity
• appid_name — application name
• login_type — type of login
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• srcip_reputation — source reputation

For every user name (metadata.request.username) in the HTTP connections names (that do not begin with "Mozilla" or "Aella"), the number of failed and successful logins are calculated periodically. If the number of failed logins is much greater than successful logins, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the application name (appid_name), login type (login_type), source host (srcip_host), and source reputation (srcip_reputation).

External PUA

Unwanted applications or malware that bombards the user with advertisements has been detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: [External] XDR Malware (XTA0006)

• Technique: XDR PUA (XT6002)

• Tags: [External; Malware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_pua.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity — malicious activity  
• actual — number of records for one IDS signature or malicious activity in the period
• lateral — boolean, indicating whether this activity is lateral (from private to private)
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• file_name — name of the file that carries the PUA
• event_source — source of the event, either ids or sandbox

Use Case with Data Points

If ML-IDS or sandbox indicates potentially unwanted applications (PUA), an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes malicious activity for sandbox (maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity) or IDS signature for ML-IDS (ids.signature), along with event source (event_source), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and the name of the file that carries the PUA (file_name) from the sandbox.

External Ransomware

Malware that prevents you from accessing your system or files and demands ransom payment in order to regain access was detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: [External] Impact (TA0040 )

• Technique: Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486 )

• Tags: [External; Malware; Ransomware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_ransomware.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity — malicious activity  
• actual — number of records for one IDS signature or malicious activity in the period
• lateral — boolean, indicating whether this activity is lateral (from private to private)
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• file_name — name of the file that carries the ransomware
• event_source — source of the event, either ids or sandbox

Use Case with Data Points

If ML-IDS or sandbox indicates ransomware, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes malicious activity for sandbox (maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity), IDS signature for ML-IDS (ids.signature), event source (event_source), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and the name of the file that carries the ransomware (file_name) from the sandbox.

External RDP BlueKeep

Detects the use of a scanner by zerosum0x0 that discovers targets vulnerable to BlueKeep (CVE-2019-0708). Check the IP address and block if necessary.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [External] Privilege Escalation (TA0004 )

• Technique: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation (T1068 )

• Tags: [External; RDP]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_rdp_bluekeep.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• srcip_host — source host name 
• dstip_host — destination host name 

Use Case with Data Points

If the scanner by zerosum0x0 is used, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the IDS signature (ids.signature), source host (srcip_host), and destination host (dstip_host).

External RDP Brute Force Attack

An anomalously large number of RDP connections to an RDP server was observed. Check the source IP addresses to see if they are unknown or malicious, and monitor any successful RDP logins.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_rdp_brute_force.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• dstip — IP address of the destination RDP server  
• actual — actual number of RDP connections to the destination IP address in the period
• typical — typical number of RDP connections to the destination IP address in the period
• srcip — source IP address

Use Case with Data Points

RDP connection activity is monitored and the number of connections are calculated periodically. If the number of connections to an RDP server (actual) is much greater than normal (typical), an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the destination IP address (dstip) and source IP address (srcip).

External RDP Suspicious Outbound

Non-standard tools connecting to TCP port 3389 were detected. This could indicate lateral movement attempting to establish an RDP connection. Check the IP address and block if necessary.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR App Anomaly (XT2003)

• Tags: [External; RDP]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_rdp_suspicious_outbound.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address of the host that connects to TCP port 3389 with a non-standard tool 
• srcip_host — source host name
• process_name — process name

Use Case with Data Points

Connections to TCP port 3389 are monitored, and if non-standard tools connect, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip) and the process name (process_name). The following are the standard tools:

• mstsc.exe
• RTSApp.exe
• RTS2App.exe
• RDCMan.exe
• ws_TunnelService.exe
• RSSensor.exe
• RemoteDesktopManagerFree.exe
• RemoteDesktopManager.exe
• RemoteDesktopManager64.exe
• mRemoteNG.exe
• mRemote.exe
• Terminals.exe
• spiceworks-finder.exe
• FSDiscovery.exe
• FSAssessment.exe
• MobaRTE.exe
• chrome.exe
• thor.exe
• thor64.exe

External Scanner Behavior Anomaly

An anomalously large amount of scanning behavior was found. Cross-check with the IP/Port Scan Anomaly alert.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Reconnaissance (TA0043 )

• Technique: Active Scanning (T1595 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_scan_anomalies.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — signature of the exploit  
• actual — actual number of times this signature was found in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• typical — typical number of times this signature is seen in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

The number of occurrences of each scanner, based on IDS signature (ids.signature), is calculated periodically. If one scanner occurs (actual) much more often than its history (typical), an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes information such as the traffic application type (appid_name), source (srcip_host), and destination (dstip_host).

External SMB Write Anomaly

An IP address sent an anomalously large number of SMB write requests. Investigate the files that the IP address tried to write. If suspicious, block the source IP address.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: [External] Impact (TA0040 )

• Technique: Data Manipulation (T1565 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_smb_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_host — source host name 
• actual — actual number of SMB writes in the period
• typical — typical number of SMB writes in the period
• dstip_host — destination host name
• smb_username — SMB user name

Use Case with Data Points

The number of SMB write requests for every source IP address (srcip_host) is calculated periodically. If a source IP address’s number of SMB writes (actual) is much larger than the typical number (typical) and that of other IP addresses in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the SMB user (smb_username) and destination host (dstip_host).

External SMB Read Anomaly

An IP address sent an anomalously large number of read requests to SMB protocol based service(s). Investigate the files that the IP address tried to read. If suspicious, block the source IP address.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Initial Access (TA0001 )

• Technique: Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_smb_read_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• actual — actual number of SMB reads from the source IP address in the period
• typical — typical number of SMB reads from other source IP addresses in the period
• dstip_host — destination host name
• smb_username — SMB user name

Use Case with Data Points

The number of SMB read requests for every source IP address (srcip) is calculated periodically. If a source IP address’s number of SMB reads (actual) is much larger than the typical number (typical) and that of other IP addresses in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the SMB user (smb_username) and destination host (dstip_host).

External SMB Username Enumeration

At least 5 different users SMB login attempts and 1 denied attempt or at least 10 different users SMB login attempts, were detected from the same source. Check the source IP address. If malicious, consider blocking it.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_smb_user_scan.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• smb_username_set — all SMB login user names

Use Case with Data Points

If one source IP address (srcip) has several SMB login attempts with (1) at least 5 unique user names and at least 1 denied attempt or (2) at least 10 unique user names, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip_host), and all the user names (smb_username_set).

External Spyware

Malware that collects and shares information about a device without consent was detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: [External] XDR Malware (XTA0006)

• Technique: XDR Spyware (XT6003)

• Tags: [External; Malware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_spyware_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity — malicious activity  
• actual — number of records for one IDS signature or malicious activity in the period
• lateral — boolean, indicating whether this activity is lateral (from private to private)
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• file_name — name of the file that carries the spyware
• event_source — source of the event, either ids or sandbox

Use Case with Data Points

If ML-IDS or sandbox indicates spyware activity, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes malicious activity for sandbox (maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity), IDS signature for ML-IDS (ids.signature), event source (event_source), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and the name of the file that carries the spyware (file_name) from the sandbox.

External SQL Dumpfile Execution

The SQL dumpfile command was detected. This command is commonly used to dump database content or query output to a file on disk. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exploration

• Tactic: [External] Collection (TA0009 )

• Technique: Data Staged (T1074 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_sql_db_dump.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• actual — number of SQL dumpfile queries
• srcip_host — source host name
• source_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name

Use Case with Data Points

If the SQL dumpfile command is seen on any source IP address (srcip), an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), and number of SQL dumpfile queries in the period (actual).

External Suspected Malicious User Agent

An external HTTP connection was made by a user agent that has been identified as potentially malicious. Investigate the connection's destination.

This alert type has two subtypes:

• Predicted Malicious Agent
• Known Malicious Agent Match

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR User Agent Anomaly (XT2012)

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_suspected_malicious_user_agent.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• metadata.request.user_agent — user agent in the HTTP connection request  
• stellar.confidence — model's confidence in the prediction used to make the alert
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

If a seen user agent is identified as suspicious, an alert is triggered. The alert includes the suspicious user agent (metadata.request.user_agent), confidence (stellar.confidence), tenant (tenant_name), source IP (srcip), and destination IP (dstip) in the key fields. Additionally, the confidence level of the model is displayed in the alert description in a pop-up box.

Alert Subtype: Predicted Malicious Agent

The Predicted Malicious Agent alert subtype is the same as the External Suspected Malicious User Agent alert type above, with the following differences:

• The stellar.anomaly_tag is predicted_external.

• The xdr_event.subtype.name is external_suspected_malicious_user_agent.

• It is triggered by a machine learning classifier.

Alert Subtype: Known Malicious Agent Match

The Known Malicious Agent Match alert subtype is the same as the External Suspected Malicious User Agent alert type above, with the following differences:

• The stellar.anomaly_tag is known_external.

• The xdr_event.subtype.name is external_suspected_malicious_user_agent_known_malicious.

• It is triggered by known threats.

External SYN Flood Victim

An attacker sends a large amount of SYN requests to a target's system in an attempt to consume enough server resources to make the system unresponsive to legitimate traffic. Check to see if the host is malicious or compromised. If so, consider blocking the source host.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: [External] Impact (TA0040 )

• Technique: Endpoint Denial of Service (T1499 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_syn_flood.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address of the SYN flood  
• srcip_host — source host name
• dstip — target IP address of the SYN flood  
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstport — port on target host that received the SYN flood
• time_window.start — start time of the SYN flood
• time_window.end — end time of the SYN flood
• syn_flood_events — number of SYN packets during the period

Use Case with Data Points

If a host (srcip) sends too many SYN packets (syn_flood_events) to a target (dstip) in a certain period (time_window.start to time_window.end), an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the IP address of the source host (srcip), the IP address of the target host (dstip), the port of the target host (dstport), the start time of the event (time_window.start), the end time of the event (time_window.end), and how many SYN packets were observed (syn_flood_events).

External SYN Flood Attacker

An attacker sends a large amount of SYN requests to a target's system in an attempt to consume enough server resources to make the system unresponsive to legitimate traffic. Check to see if the host is malicious or compromised. If so, consider blocking the source host.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: [External] Impact (TA0040 )

• Technique: Endpoint Denial of Service (T1499 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_syn_flood_attacker.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address of the SYN flood  
• srcip_host — source host name
• dstip — target IP address of the SYN flood  
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstport — port on target host that received the SYN flood
• time_window.start — start time of the SYN flood
• time_window.end — end time of the SYN flood
• syn_flood_events — number of SYN packets during the period

Use Case with Data Points

If a host (srcip) sends too many SYN packets (syn_flood_events) to a target (dstip) in a certain period (time_window.start to time_window.end), an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the IP address of the source host (srcip), the IP address of the target host (dstip), the port of the target host (dstport), the start time of the event (time_window.start), the end time of the event (time_window.end), and how many SYN packets were observed (syn_flood_events).

External Trojan

Malware that disguises itself as legitimate software in order to gain access to a system or files has been detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: [External] XDR Malware (XTA0006)

• Technique: XDR Trojan (XT6004)

• Tags: [External; Malware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_trojan_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity — malicious activity  
• actual — number of records for one IDS signature or malicious activity in the period
• lateral — boolean, indicating whether this activity is lateral (from private to private)
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• file_name — name of the file that carries the trojan
• event_source — source of the event, either ids or sandbox

Use Case with Data Points

If ML-IDS or sandbox indicates trojan activity, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes malicious activity for sandbox (maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity), IDS signature for ML-IDS (ids.signature), event source (event_source), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and the name of the file that carries the trojan (file_name) from the sandbox.

External URL Reconnaissance Anomaly

An anomalous number of HTTP 4xx errors was detected. This can indicate an attacker scanning for pages to exploit. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Reconnaissance (TA0043 )

• Technique: Active Scanning (T1595 )

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_url_scan.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• event_summary.total_failed — number of unique URLs with HTTP error status response in the period
• event_summary.total_successful — number of unique URLs with HTTP success status response in the period
• event_summary.total_fail_ratio — percent of unique URLs with HTTP error status response in the period, which is: event_summary.total_failed / (event_summary.total_failed + event_summary.total_successful)
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of the model indicating the degree of abnormal activity
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country name

Use Case with Data Points

For every unique URL browsed by each source IP address (srcip), the number of HTTP response failures and successes is calculated periodically. If the number of failures is significantly larger than the number of successes, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip_host), and source country (srcip_geo.countryName).

External User Agent Anomaly

An HTTP connection was made by a user agent that has never been observed by Stellar Cyber (or been seen very rarely). Investigate the connection destination.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR User Agent Anomaly (XT2012)

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_user_agent_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• metadata.request.user_agent — user agent in the HTTP connection request  
• days_silent — number of days since this user agent was last seen
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

All user agent (metadata.request.user_agent) HTTP connections having names that do not begin with "Mozilla" or "Aella" are examined. An alert is triggered if any of those agents have not been seen by Stellar Cyber before or have been silent for many days (days_silent). The Interflow includes all information from the suspicious HTTP connection, such as the application (appid_name), the source (srcip_host), and the destination (dstip_host).

External User Data Volume Anomaly

A user had an anomalously large volume of traffic compared to its typical volume or that of its peers. Investigate the user to see if this is expected.

Firewall and non-firewall data do not contribute to the same alert, so this alert will have either entirely firewall data or no firewall data.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR UBA (XTA0004)

• Technique: XDR Bytes Anomaly (XT3001)

• Tags: [External; User Behavior Analytics]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_user_bytes_sum.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_usersid — source user ID  
• actual — actual traffic volume in the period
• typical — typical traffic volume from the user
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• srcip_username — source user name
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• dstip_reputation — destination reputation
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

The total traffic volume of each user identified by user ID (scrip_usersid) is calculated periodically. If the volume in one period (actual) is much larger than its normal volume (typical), an alert is triggered.

The Interflow includes the source IP address (scrip_host), destination IP address (dstip_host), destination reputation (dstip_reputation), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and application of the traffic (appid_name).

External User Login Failure Anomaly

An anomalous number of login failures was observed for one of the following applications: SSH, SMTP, FTP, RDP, SMB, databases, Active Directory, Office 365, Okta, AWS CloudTrail, or Google Workspace. For Okta, an anomalous number of multi-factor authentication (MFA) failures was observed. Check with the user.

This alert type has a relatively long detection delay of up to 40 minutes because it waits for login events from high latency data sources and is sensitive to the event order of user logins.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_user_login_fail.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• dstip — destination IP address  
• dstip_host — destination host name
• event_summary.total_failed — number of failed logins in the period
• event_summary.total_successful — number of successful logins in the period
• event_summary.total_fail_ratio — percent of failed logins in the period, which is: event_summary.total_failed / (event_summary.total_failed + event_summary.total_successful)
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of the model indicating the degree of abnormal activity
• login_type — type of login, such as ssh_traffic, okta_log, or aws_cloudtrail
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_reputation — source reputation

Use Case with Data Points

Login failures and successes are calculated periodically for every source (srcip) and destination (dstip) IP address. If the number of failures is significantly larger than the number of successes, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the login type (login_type), source host (srcip_host), and source reputation (srcip_reputation).

External Brute-Forced Successful User Login

A successful login was observed from an IP address that had previously seen a large number of login failures, or a successful login to a user account was observed from another IP address or IP addresses that had previously seen a large number of login failures to that account. Check with the user.

This alert type has a relatively long detection delay of up to 40 minutes because it waits for login events from high latency data sources and is sensitive to the event order of user logins.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_user_success_brute_forcer.

Alert Subtype: Source IP-Based

The source IP-based alert subtype has the same XDR Kill Chain and Event Name as the user ID-based alert subtype, but differs in the Key Fields and Relevant Data Points and Use Case with Data Points.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• srcip_usersid — Windows SID associated with the source IP address
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_reputation — source reputation
• source_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• login_type — type of login
• username — user name
• related_alert._id — link to the related External User Login Failure Anomaly

Use Case with Data Points

The login records are checked for every external source IP address (srcip). An alert is triggered if that IP address:

1. Has so many failed login attempts that it triggered the External User Login Failure Anomaly, and
2. Had a successful login

A sample Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), login type (login_type), source host (srcip_host), source reputation (srcip_reputation), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), and user name (username).

Alert Subtype: User ID-Based

The user ID-based alert subtype has the same XDR Kill Chain and Event Name as the source IP-based alert subtype, but differs in the Key Fields and Relevant Data Points and Use Case with Data Points.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_usersid — Windows SID associated with the source IP address 
• srcip — source IP address
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_reputation — source reputation
• source_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• login_type — type of login
• username — user name
• related_alert._id — link to the related External Account Login Failure Anomaly

External User Application Usage Anomaly

A user who typically uses a small, consistent number of applications used a new application. Investigate the application, to see if it is benign. Check with the user to see if this was expected.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR UBA (XTA0004)

• Technique: XDR App Anomaly (XT2003)

• Tags: [External; User Behavior Analytics]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_user_uncommon_app.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_usersid — source user ID  
• appid_name — application name
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_family — application family
• srcip_username — source user name
• stability — score measuring the time since the last new application was used
• days_stable — time since the last new application was used
• diversity — score measuring the number of applications that the user used
• child_count — number of applications that the user used

Use Case with Data Points

An alert is triggered under the following conditions:

• a user (srcip_usersid, srcip_username) with a small number of applications (diversity, child_count) who has not used a new application for a long period of time (stability, days_stable), and then

• a new application (appid_name) belonging to an application family (appid_family) appears on a host (scrip_host) with this user, and

• that host connects to another host (scrip_host)

External Exploited Vulnerability

A host with a vulnerability discovered by a security scanning tool was exploited by an attack on that same vulnerability, indicating a high probability of success. Check the target to see if it was compromised.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Exploited Vulnerability (XT2015)

• Tags: [External; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is external_vuln_exploit_correlation.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• tenantid — tenant ID
• vulnerability_id — ID of the original security scan result
• ids_event_id — ID of the original IDS exploit event
• srcip (of security scan result) — IP address of the target correlation_info.srcip
• dstip (of IDS event) — IP address of the target (correlation_info.dstip)
• srcip (of IDS event) — IP address of the attacker (correlation_info.srcip)
• correlation_info.vulnerability.cve — CVE associated with the reported vulnerability
• correlation_info.ids.cve — CVE the attacker used to exploit the host

Use Case with Data Points

An attacker (srcip) with IP address A is performing an exploit against a target (dstip) with internal IP address B using a vulnerability (ids.cve) with CVE x. If any security scanning tool found the target (srcip) with IP address B to have a vulnerability (vulnerability.cve) with CVE x, an alert is triggered.

When an alert is triggered, a new correlation event is generated. The Interflow of the correlation event includes the ID of the IDS exploit event (ids_event_id), the ID of the security scan record (vulnerability_id), the IP address of the attacker (correlation_info.srcip of the IDS event), the IP address of the victim (correlation_info.dstip of the IDS event or correlation_info.srcip of the security scan record), and the CVE that was used in the exploit (correlation_info.vulnerability.cve and correlation_info.ids.cve).

File Creation Anomaly

A file or files were created an anomalously large number of times. Check with the user to see if this is expected.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: XDR EBA (XTA0001)

• Technique: XDR File Anomaly (XT1003)

• Tags: []

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is file_creation.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• secondary — user name  
• actual — actual number of file creations in the period
• typical — typical number of file creations in the period
• path — path to the file(s) created

Use Case with Data Points

The number of file creations for each user (command) is calculated periodically. If the volume (actual) is much larger than the typical volume (typical) of file creations in any period, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the directory to the file (path).

Google Workspace Account Manipulation

A Google Workspace user was suspended for a suspicious reason or because a password leak was detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR UBA (XTA0004)

• Technique: XDR Account Anomaly (XT4007)

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is gsuite_account_manipulation.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• event_detail.affected_email_address — key ID for the account  
• event_detail.name — Google Workspace suspicious event name
• event_detail.type — Google Workspace suspicious event type

Use Case with Data Points

For each Google Workspace account (event_detail.affected_email_address), account manipulation is evaluated periodically. This alert is triggered if the Google Security center reports a leaked password or a user account being suspended for specific reasons. The Interflow includes the account ID (event_detail.affected_email_address), Google Workspace event name (event_detail.name), and Google Workspace event type (event_detail.type).

Google Workspace Attack Warning

Attacks to a Google Workspace account were detected. Check with the account holder.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is gsuite_attack_warning.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• actor.email — key ID for the account  
• srcip — source IP address
• srcip_host — source host name
• event_detail.name — Google Workspace suspicious event name
• event_detail.type — Google Workspace suspicious event type

Use Case with Data Points

For each Google Workspace account (actor.email), attacks are searched periodically. If an attack is identified, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the account ID (actor.email), source IP address (srcip), Google Workspace event name (event_detail.name), and Google Workspace event type (event_detail.type).

Google Workspace Suspicious Activities

Suspicious activities were detected in a Google Workspace account. Check with the account holder.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR UBA (XTA0004)

• Technique: XDR Login Anomaly (XT4006)

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is gsuite_suspicious_activities.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• actor.email — key ID for the account  
• srcip — source IP address
• srcip_host — source host name
• event_detail.name — Google Workspace suspicious event name
• event_detail.type — Google Workspace suspicious event type

Use Case with Data Points

For each Google Workspace account (actor.email), suspicious activities are searched periodically. If suspicious activities are detected, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the account ID (actor.email), source IP address (srcip), Google Workspace event name (event_detail.name), and Google Workspace event type (event_detail.type).

Google Workspace User Suspended

A Google Workspace user was suspended. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [External] XDR UBA (XTA0004)

• Technique: XDR Account Anomaly (XT4007)

• Tags: [External]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is gsuite_user_suspended.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• actor.email — key ID for the account  
• srcip — source IP address
• srcip_host — source host name
• event_detail.name — Google Workspace suspicious event name
• event_detail.type — Google Workspace suspicious event type

Use Case with Data Points

For each Google Workspace account (actor.email), suspension status is searched periodically. If a user is suspended, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the account ID (actor.email), source IP address (srcip), Google Workspace event name (event_detail.name), and Google Workspace event type (event_detail.type).

Hydra Password Guessing Hack Tool

A user on a Windows host executed a command-line script that launched either the hydra.exe command or a command using known Hydra style parameters, which may be an inappropriate use of the Hydra password guessing tool.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [Hydra]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is hydra_password_guessing_hack_tool.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• hostip — device internal IP address  
• event_data.Image — process running hydra.exe for password cracking.  
• event_data.CommandLine — command used to run the tool  
• computer_name — name of the Windows host

Use Case with Data Points

This alert is triggered if a Windows host (hostip) executes a PowerShell script with a context that includes one or more flags (event_data.Imageor event_data.CommandLine indicating usage of the Hydra password guessing hack tool. The Interflow includes the IP address of the Windows host (hostip), the host name (computer_name), and the script image (event_data.Image) or script payload (event_data.CommandLine).

Validation / Remediation

Check the body of the Powershell script that is reported on the Windows host to identify whether the contents of the script are actually malicious. If malicious, consider quarantining the host.

Potential False Positives

The running of any executable named hydra.exe or a command that has parameters of -u and -p or ^user^ and ^pass^ triggers this alert.

Internal Plain Text Passwords Detected

A plain text password was observed in unencrypted traffic. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exploration

• Tactic: [Internal] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Clear Password (XT2006)

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_clear_password.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• actual — actual number of connections with a plain text password in the period
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

If there are plain text passwords in traffic records with a public source IP address (srcip) or destination IP address (dstip), an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), destination IP address (dstip), source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip_host), and application (appid_name).

Internal Account Login Failure Anomaly

An anomalously large number of login failures from an internal source IP address to an internal destination IP address was observed for an account. Check with the user.

This alert type has a relatively long detection delay of up to 40 minutes because it waits for login events from high latency data sources and is sensitive to the event order of user logins.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [Internal]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_cloud_account_login_failure.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_usersid — account user ID  

  or

• srcip_username — account user name, enriched from event_data.targetusername  

  The key field for this alert type can be either srcip_usersid or srcip_username, depending on the data feed.

• event_summary.total_failed — number of failed logins in the period
• event_summary.total_successful — number of successful logins in the period
• event_summary.total_fail_ratio — percent of failed logins in the period, which is: event_summary.total_failed / (event_summary.total_failed + event_summary.total_successful)
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of the model indicating the degree of abnormal activity
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• login_type — type of login
• srcip_reputation — source reputation

Use Case with Data Points

Login failures and successes between any internal IP addresses are calculated periodically for every account (srcip_usersid). If the number of failures is significantly larger than the number of successes, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the login type (login_type), source host (srcip_host), and source reputation (srcip_reputation).

Internal Credential Stuffing

An anomalously large amount of username/password testing was detected on an internal Windows authentication service. Check the activity after successful logins, and consider blocking the internal source IP addresses.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [Internal]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_credential_stuffing.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• msg_class — Microsoft-Windows-Security-Auditing for Windows  
• service_id — specific account ID of a service  
• login_failure_rate — rate of login failures per minute in the period
• unknown_users_rate — rate of unknown user names per minute in the period
• unknown_users_to_login_failures — ratio of unknown user names to login failures in the period
• suspicious_ips — suspicious source IP addresses (up to 100)
• possible_breached_ips — list of malicious IP addresses that may have successful breach activities

Use Case with Data Points

Internal credential stuffing is the constant testing of username/password combinations on the AWS, Okta, or Windows authentication functions. Login activity is monitored and if the number of failed logins is larger than normal for that service, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the service (msg_class), tenant's account ID on that service (service_id), suspicious source IP address (suspicious_ips), login failure rate (login_failure_rate), unknown user rate (unknown_users_rate), the ratio of unknown users to login failures (unknown_users_to_login_failures), and a list of source IP addresses that might have suspicious activities and should be investigated (possible_breached_ips).

Internal SQL Shell Command

Shell commands were detected over a SQL connection, which is a common way hackers try to gain shell access over vulnerable SQL applications. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Persistent Foothold

• Tactic: [Internal] Execution (TA0002 )

• Technique: Command and Scripting Interpreter (T1059 )

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_database_command.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• dstip — destination IP address  
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_reputation — source reputation
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_reputation — destination reputation
• metadata.request.query — SQL query command
• actual — number of query records from one source to one destination in one period

Use Case with Data Points

For SQL query records, if special commands (such as select mylab_sys_exec) are found, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the source IP address (srcip), destination IP address (dstip), source host (srcip_host), source reputation (srcip_reputation), destination host (dstip_host), destination reputation (dstip_reputation), and SQL query records (metadata.request.query).

Internal Firewall Denial Anomaly

A internal source host had actions blocked by a firewall too many times. Investigate the firewall rules that were violated. If suspicious, block the internal source IP address.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exploration

• Tactic: [Internal] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Firewall Anomaly (XT2002)

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis; Firewall Anomalies]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_fw_action.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip_host — source host name 
• srcip — source IP address
• actual — actual number of firewall denials in the period
• typical — typical number of firewall denials in the period
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• dev_name — name of the firewall
• engid_name — name of the sensor

Use Case with Data Points

The number of firewall denials for every internal source IP address (srcip) is calculated periodically. If an internal source IP address’s number of firewall denials (actual) is much larger than the historical count (typical) of all internal IP addresses, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the name of the firewall (dev_name), the name of the sensor (engid_name), and the destination host (dstip_host).

Internal Firewall Policy Anomaly

A rarely triggered firewall policy involving an internal source IP and internal destination IP has been violated. Investigate that policy and track down the violation.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Initial Attempts

• Tactic: [Internal] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Firewall Anomaly (XT2002)

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis; Firewall Anomalies]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_fw_policy_id.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• fw_policy_id — ID of the violated firewall policy  
• days_silent — number of days since this firewall policy was last seen
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• dev_name — device name
• dev_type — device type
• engid_name — sensor name

Use Case with Data Points

A firewall policy violation (fw_policy_id), which is raised by a device (dev_name and dev_type) and captured by a sensor (engid_name), shows never seen or very rare (days_silent) traffic between an internal host (srcip_host) and another internal host (dstip_host). This violation will trigger an alert.

Internal Handshake Failure

There were too many handshake failures between two internal hosts, which might indicate port scanning. Check the source host to see if this was expected, and if not, consider blocking the host.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exploration

• Tactic: [Internal] Discovery (TA0007 )

• Technique: Network Service Scanning (T1046 )

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_handshake_failure.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address of the host with the handshake failures 
• srcip_host — source host name
• dstip — destination IP address of the host with the handshake failures 
• dstip_host — destination host name
• timestamp — when the scan happened

Use Case with Data Points

If an internal host (srcip) scans across many ports on another internal host (dstip), an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the IP address of the potential attacker (srcip), the IP address of the victim (dstip), a special message flag (msgtyp), and when the scan happened (timestamp).

Internal IDS Signature Spike

A source IP address transmitted an anomalous number of different IDS signatures. Typically, this indicates host penetration or vulnerability scanning.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: Lateral Movement (TA0008 )

• Technique: Exploitation of Remote Services (T1210 )

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_ids_signature_spike.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address 
• ids_signatures_summarize — summarized IDS signatures
• srcip_host — source host name
• actual — actual number of unique IDS signatures in the period, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1
• typical — typical number of unique IDS signatures from the source IP address, with critical IDS signatures counted as 2, high counted as 1, low counted as 0.5, and others counted as 1

Use Case with Data Points

The number of unique IDS signatures (ids.signature) and severity (ids.severity), are calculated periodically. If many different exploits with unique IDS signatures are observed, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes a source (srcip), timestamp, an accumulated severity of IDS signatures (actual), the usual accumulated severity of IDS signatures (typical), and a sampling of the IDS signatures used in the attack (ids_signatures_summarize).

Internal Other Malware

Malware with uncategorized malicious activity was detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] XDR Malware (XTA0006)

• Technique: XDR Miscellaneous Malware (XT6001)

• Tags: [Internal; Malware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_malware_activity.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity — malicious activity  
• actual — number of records for one IDS signature or malicious activity in the period
• lateral — boolean, indicating whether this activity is lateral (from private to private)
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• file_name — name of the file that carries the malware
• event_source — source of the event, either ids or sandbox

Use Case with Data Points

If ML-IDS or sandbox indicates malware in internal traffic that cannot be categorized as ransomware, spyware, trojan, PUA, or adware, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes malicious activity for sandbox (maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity), IDS signature for ML-IDS (ids.signature), event source (event_source), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and the name of the file that carries the malware (file_name) from the sandbox.

Internal SQL Anomaly

An internal IP address sent an anomalously large number of queries to an internal SQL server. Investigate the queries. If suspicious, block the source IP address.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] Lateral Movement (TA0008 )

• Technique: Exploitation of Remote Services (T1210 )

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_mysql_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• actual — actual number of SQL queries in the period
• typical — typical number of SQL queries from the source IP address
• dstip_host — destination host name

Use Case with Data Points

The number of SQL queries for every internal source IP address (srcip_host) is calculated periodically. If an internal source IP’s SQL query count (actual) is much larger than the typical count (typical) and that of other internal IP addresses in any period, an alert is triggered. The internal source IP’s country is (srcip_geo.countryName). The Interflow includes the internal destination host (dstip_host) the source IP visits.

Internal Non-Standard Port Anomaly

An application had an anomalously large number of connections or a rarely seen connection to an internal IP address on non-standard ports. Check the application to be sure this is benign.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exploration

• Tactic: [Internal] XDR NBA (XTA0002)

• Technique: XDR Service on Non-Standard Port (XT2011)

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_non_std_port_anomaly.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• dstip — destination IP address  
• dstport — destination port  
• appid — application ID  
• days_silent — number of days since the application was last seen
• appid_name — application name
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• actual — actual number of connections in the period
• typical — typical number of connections in the period

Use Case with Data Points

The number of connections for an application (dst_ip + dstport + appid) to an internal IP address is calculated periodically. If a non-standard combination has an actual number of connections (actual) that is much larger than the typical number of connections (typical), or the combination has not appeared for a long time, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host), destination IP address (dstip), destination port (dstport), application ID (appid), and application name (appid_name).

Internal Password Spraying

An anomalously large number of failed logins with unknown user names was observed on internal Windows authentication services. Check the activity after successful logins, and consider blocking the internal source IP addresses.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Sub-technique: Password Spraying (T1110.003 )

• Tags: [Internal]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_password_spray.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address generating a failed login 

  or

• event_data.Workstation — workstation generating a failed login 

  The key field for this alert type can be either srcip or event_data.Workstation, depending on the data feed.

• event_data.WorkstationName — workstation associated with the alerting srcip (when applicable)
• event_id — Windows event ID corresponding to the login failures
• login_type — type of login; the available values vary by event_id
• actual — actual number of failed logins with unknown user names in a 5-minute period
• typical — typical number of failed logins with unknown user names in a 5-minute period
• password_spray_user_summary — list of up to 100 unknown user names associated with the failed logins (the first three are shown in the alert description)

Use Case with Data Points

If a potential password spraying attack is observed, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes a source (srcip or event_data.Workstation), timestamp, the type of login (login_type), the number of failed logins (actual), the usual number of failed logins (typical), and a sampling of the user names used in the attack (password_spray_user_summary).

Internal PII Leaked

Personally identifiable information (social security numbers or credit cards) has been detected in internal traffic in the clear. Check the source to see if it is compromised. If so, consider blocking it.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: [Internal] Exfiltration (TA0010 )

• Technique: Automated Exfiltration (T1020 )

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_pii_leak.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address of the PII leak 
• dstip — destination IP address of the PII leak 
• ids.signature — IDS signature of the exploit  
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address

Use Case with Data Points

If a personally identifiable information leak is detected by IDS, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the IDS signature (ids.signature), source IP address (srcip), destination IP address (dstip), source host (srcip_host), and destination host (dstip_host).

Internal IP / Port Scan Anomaly

A host has either generated an anomalous number of connections compared to the typical amount, or has triggered an anomalous number of connection failure responses, in the measured interval. This can indicate that an attacker is scanning for computers or ports to exploit. Check with the user.

This alert type has two subtypes:

• Connection Failure Anomaly (Sensor Traffic)
• Connection Spike Anomaly (Firewall / Windows Traffic)

Alert Subtype: Connection Failure Anomaly (Sensor Traffic)

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_port_scan.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• num_failed — unique number of (destination IP and destination port) tuples that respond with failed status
• num_successful — unique number of (destination IP and destination port) tuples that respond with success status
• percent_failed — percent of unique (destination IP and destination port) tuples that respond with failed status
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of model, which shows the degree of abnormal activities
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

For each internal source IP address (srcip), the number of unique internal destination IP:port pairs that gave fail responses and the number of unique destination IP:port pairs that gave success responses are calculated periodically. If the number of failures is significantly larger than the number of successes, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip_host), and application name (appid_name).

Alert Subtype: Connection Spike Anomaly (Firewall / Windows Traffic)

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_port_scan_tsa.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• srcip — source IP address  
• actual — actual number of connections to the destination IP address in the period
• typical — typical number of connections to the destination IP address
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• dstip_host — host name of corresponding destination IP address
• appid_name — application name

Use Case with Data Points

For every unique triplet (source IP address, destination IP address, and destination port) browsed by each source IP address (srcip), the number of response failures and successes and the number of total data volume are calculated periodically. If the number of failures is significantly larger than the number of successes, or the total data volume is significantly larger than the typical number, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the source host (srcip_host), destination host (dstip_host), and application name (appid_name).

Considering that a lateral scan (private to private) is more sensitive than a non-lateral scan, this alert type is divided into two parts. One focuses on lateral scan analysis, the other focuses on non-lateral scan analysis. The mechanism remains the same as before, with the trigger condition for lateral scan alert being more sensitive than non-lateral one.

Internal Protocol Account Login Failure Anomaly

An anomalously large number of login failures over SMB or FTP was observed. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] Credential Access (TA0006 )

• Technique: Brute Force (T1110 )

• Tags: [Internal; Network Traffic Analysis]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_protocol_account_login_failure.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

Use Case with Data Points

• metadata.request.username — user name in the HTTP connection request  
• protocol_account — account user ID
• event_summary.total_failed — number of failed logins in the period
• event_summary.total_successful — number of successful logins in the period
• event_summary.total_fail_ratio — percent of failed logins in the period, which is: event_summary.total_failed / (event_summary.total_failed + event_summary.total_successful)
• accumulated_anomalous_failures — score value of the model indicating the degree of abnormal activity
• appid_name — application name
• login_type — type of login
• srcip_host — host name of corresponding source IP address
• srcip_reputation — source reputation

For every user name (metadata.request.username) in the HTTP connections names (that do not begin with "Mozilla" or "Aella"), the number of failed and successful logins are calculated periodically. If the number of failed logins is much greater than successful logins, an alert is triggered. The Interflow includes the application name (appid_name), login type (login_type), source host (srcip_host), and source reputation (srcip_reputation).

Internal PUA

Unwanted applications or malware that bombards the user with advertisements in internal traffic has been detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] XDR Malware (XTA0006)

• Technique: XDR PUA (XT6002)

• Tags: [Internal; Malware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_pua.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity — malicious activity  
• actual — number of records for one IDS signature or malicious activity in the period
• lateral — boolean, indicating whether this activity is lateral (from private to private)
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• file_name — name of the file that carries the PUA
• event_source — source of the event, either ids or sandbox

Use Case with Data Points

If ML-IDS or sandbox indicates potentially unwanted applications (PUA) in internal traffic, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes malicious activity for sandbox (maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity), IDS signature for ML-IDS (ids.signature), event source (event_source), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and the name of the file that carries the PUA (file_name) from the sandbox.

Internal Ransomware

Malware that prevents you from accessing your system or files and demands ransom payment in order to regain access in internal traffic was detected. Check with the user.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Exfiltration & Impact

• Tactic: [Internal] Impact (TA0040 )

• Technique: Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486 )

• Tags: [Internal; Malware; Ransomware]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_ransomware.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature  
• maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity — malicious activity  
• actual — number of records for one IDS signature or malicious activity in the period
• lateral — boolean, indicating whether this activity is lateral (from private to private)
• srcip_host — source host name
• srcip_geo.countryName — source country
• dstip_host — destination host name
• dstip_geo.countryName — destination country
• file_name — name of the file that carries the ransomware
• event_source — source of the event, either ids or sandbox

Use Case with Data Points

If ML-IDS or sandbox indicates ransomware in internal traffic, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes malicious activity for sandbox (maltrace-cloud.data.malicious_activity), IDS signature for ML-IDS (ids.signature), event source (event_source), source host (srcip_host), source country (srcip_geo.countryName), destination host (dstip_host), destination country (dstip_geo.countryName), and the name of the file that carries the ransomware (file_name) from the sandbox.

Internal RDP BlueKeep

Detects the use of a scanner by zerosum0x0 that discovers targets vulnerable to BlueKeep (CVE-2019-0708) between internal hosts. Check the IP address and block if necessary.

XDR Kill Chain

• Kill Chain Stage: Propagation

• Tactic: [Internal] Privilege Escalation (TA0004 )

• Technique: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation (T1068 )

• Tags: [Internal; RDP]

Event Name

The xdr_event.name for this alert type in the Interflow data is internal_rdp_bluekeep.

Key Fields and Relevant Data Points

• ids.signature — IDS signature 
• srcip_host — source host name 
• dstip_host — destination host name 

Use Case with Data Points

If the scanner by zerosum0x0 is used, an alert is triggered. A sample Interflow includes the IDS signature (ids.signature), source host (srcip_host), and destination host (dstip_host).