Recurring rare domain access to dynamic DNS domain

Cortex XDR Analytics Alert Reference by data source

Product
Cortex XDR
Last date published
2024-12-03
Category
Analytics Alert Reference
Order
data source

Synopsis

Activation Period

14 Days

Training Period

30 Days

Test Period

N/A (single event)

Deduplication Period

14 Days

Required Data

  • Requires one of the following data sources:
    • Palo Alto Networks Platform Logs
      OR
    • XDR Agent
      OR
    • Third-Party Firewalls

Detection Modules

Detector Tags

ATT&CK Tactic

Command and Control (TA0011)

ATT&CK Technique

Application Layer Protocol (T1071)

Severity

Low

Description

The endpoint is periodically connecting to an external domain that it and its peers rarely use. Access to this domain has occurred repeatedly over multiple days.
This connection pattern is consistent with malware connecting to its command and control server for updates and operating instructions.

Attacker's Goals

Communicate with malware running on your network to control malware activities, perform software updates on the malware, or to take inventory of infected machines.

Investigative actions

  • Identify the process/user contacting the remote domain and determine whether the traffic is malicious.
  • Look for other endpoints on your network that are also periodically contacting the suspicious domain.