PE File Written to User Downloads Folder

Detects Portable Executable (PE) files written to a user's Downloads folder on Windows endpoints. CrowdStrike identifies PE files by file signature, so renamed or extensionless executables are caught as well as .exe files. Downloads is a common landing spot for payloads from phishing links and drive-by downloads. Most hits are legitimate installers, so use the rule for hunting or as a pivot. To triage, review the file name, company name, hash, writing process and download source.