Detectionlowexperimental
Notepad Password Files Discovery
Detects the execution of Notepad to open a file that has the string "password" which may indicate unauthorized access to credentials or suspicious activity.
Convert In Phoenix Studio
Open this Sigma rule in the converter with the YAML preloaded and ready for backend selection.
Launch
Log Source
WindowsProcess Creation
ProductWindows← raw: windows
CategoryProcess Creation← raw: process_creation
Events generated when a new process is spawned on the system. Covers command-line arguments, parent/child relationships, and process metadata.
Detection Logic
Detection Logic1 selector
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
Image|endswith: '\notepad.exe'
CommandLine|endswith:
# Note: Commandline to contain a file with the string password and a specific extension
- 'password*.txt'
- 'password*.csv'
- 'password*.doc'
- 'password*.xls'
condition: selectionFalse Positives
Legitimate use of opening files from remote hosts by administrators or users. However, storing passwords in text readable format could potentially be a violation of the organization's policy. Any match should be investigated further.
MITRE ATT&CK
Tactics
Techniques
Rule Metadata
Rule ID
3b4e950b-a3ea-44d3-877e-432071990709
Status
experimental
Level
low
Type
Detection
Created
Fri Feb 21
Author
Path
rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_notepad_local_passwd_discovery.yml
Raw Tags
attack.discoveryattack.t1083