t1564-012-filepath-exclusions

name	T1564.012_filepath-exclusions
description	Adversaries may attempt to hide their file-based artifacts by writing them to specific folders or file names excluded from antivirus (AV) scanning and other defensive capabilities.
category	configuration
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1564.012","defense-evasion","linux","macos","windows","sub-technique"]
technique_id	T1564.012
tactic	defense-evasion
all_tactics	["defense-evasion"]
platforms	["Linux","macOS","Windows"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012
tech_stack	["linux","macos","windows"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-693"]
chains_with	["T1564","T1564.001","T1564.002","T1564.003","T1564.004","T1564.005","T1564.006","T1564.007","T1564.008","T1564.009","T1564.010","T1564.011","T1564.013","T1564.014"]
prerequisites	["T1564"]
severity_boost	{"T1564":"Chain with T1564 for deeper attack path","T1564.001":"Chain with T1564.001 for deeper attack path","T1564.002":"Chain with T1564.002 for deeper attack path"}

T1564.012 File/Path Exclusions

Sub-technique of: T1564

High-Level Description

Adversaries may attempt to hide their file-based artifacts by writing them to specific folders or file names excluded from antivirus (AV) scanning and other defensive capabilities. AV and other file-based scanners often include exclusions to optimize performance as well as ease installation and legitimate use of applications. These exclusions may be contextual (e.g., scans are only initiated in response to specific triggering events/alerts), but are also often hardcoded strings referencing specific folders and/or files assumed to be trusted and legitimate.

Adversaries may abuse these exclusions to hide their file-based artifacts. For example, rather than tampering with tool settings to add a new exclusion (i.e., Disable or Modify Tools), adversaries may drop their file-based payloads in default or otherwise well-known exclusions. Adversaries may also use Security Software Discovery and other Discovery/Reconnaissance activities to both discover and verify existing exclusions in a victim environment.

Kill Chain Phase

• Defense Evasion (TA0005)

Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows

What to Check

• Identify if File/Path Exclusions technique is applicable to target environment
• Check Linux systems for indicators of File/Path Exclusions
• Check macOS systems for indicators of File/Path Exclusions
• Check Windows systems for indicators of File/Path Exclusions
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (2 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Manual Testing

1. Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to File/Path Exclusions by examining the target platforms (Linux, macOS, Windows).

2. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1564.012 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

3. Execute Test: Use tools and methods described in the MITRE ATT&CK page and external references below.

Note: No Atomic Red Team tests available for this technique. See for updates.