T1420 File and Directory Discovery — Detection Rules

Source-backed rule directory

No reviewed association in this snapshot.

Atlas deterministic concepts

No exact concept selected.

Anomaly models

No exact Atlas model in this snapshot.

ATT&CK analytic guidance

DET0682 Detection of File and Directory Discovery

AN1788 Analytic 1788

Defender observes an app (package/UID) issuing high-rate directory or content-index enumerations against external/shared storage or other apps’ Documents/Media providers (logcat:ContentResolver, logcat:StorageAccessFramework), followed within a short window by bulk READ handles or stat/list calls over many distinct paths (logcat:FileIO). Activity occurs without foreground UI or exceeds typical per-app baseline, indicating automated file/dir discovery rather than user-driven browsing. Correlate on package/UID/profile and time proximity.

AN1789 Analytic 1789

Defender observes an app (bundle/process) performing large-scope directory listings or metadata reads via FileProvider/NSFileManager against user-visible containers (Files app locations, iCloud/On-My-iPhone) or external providers, with rapid traversal across many folders while the app is backgrounded or without corresponding UI activity (unifiedlogs:FileProvider, unifiedlogs:FileIO). Optional signals include Photo library or document picker bulk enumeration absent recent user gesture. Correlate on bundle/process/profile and path volume within a bounded window.