Dynamic DNS

• Excessive Usage of NSLOOKUP App :
  endpoint Endpoint risk_score:28 2024-09-30 version:4
  The following analytic detects excessive usage of the nslookup application, which may indicate potential DNS exfiltration attempts. It leverages Sysmon EventCode 1 to monitor process executions, specifically focusing on nslookup.exe. The detection identifies outliers by comparing the frequency of nslookup executions against a calculated threshold. This activity is significant as it can reveal attempts by malware or APT groups to exfiltrate data via DNS queries. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to stealthily transfer sensitive information out of the network, bypassing traditional data exfiltration defenses.


• Detect web traffic to dynamic domain providers :
  network Endpoint risk_score:25 2024-10-17 version:4
  This search looks for web connections to dynamic DNS providers.


• DNS Exfiltration Using Nslookup App :
  endpoint Endpoint risk_score:72 2024-11-28 version:6
  The following analytic identifies potential DNS exfiltration using the nslookup application. It detects specific command-line parameters such as query type (TXT, A, AAAA) and retry options, which are commonly used by attackers to exfiltrate data. The detection leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry, focusing on process execution logs. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attempt to communicate with a Command and Control (C2) server or exfiltrate sensitive data. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to data breaches and unauthorized access to critical information.


• Detect DGA domains using pretrained model in DSDL :
  network Endpoint risk_score:63 2024-10-17 version:3
  The following analytic identifies Domain Generation Algorithm (DGA) generated domains using a pre-trained deep learning model. It leverages the Network Resolution data model to analyze domain names and detect unusual character sequences indicative of DGA activity. This behavior is significant as adversaries often use DGAs to generate numerous domain names for command-and-control servers, making it harder to block malicious traffic. If confirmed malicious, this activity could enable attackers to maintain persistent communication with compromised systems, evade detection, and execute further malicious actions.


• Detect hosts connecting to dynamic domain providers :
  network Endpoint risk_score:56 2024-09-30 version:5
  The following analytic identifies DNS queries from internal hosts to dynamic domain providers. It leverages DNS query logs from the `Network_Resolution` data model and cross-references them with a lookup file containing known dynamic DNS providers. This activity is significant because attackers often use dynamic DNS services to host malicious payloads or command-and-control servers, making it crucial for security teams to monitor. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to bypass firewall blocks, evade detection, and maintain persistent access to the network.