Detection of File and Directory Discovery

ID: DET0682
Domains: Mobile
Analytics: AN1788, AN1789
Version: 1.0
Created: 21 October 2025
Last Modified: 12 May 2026

Analytics

AN1788

For Android, detect File and Directory Discovery by correlating analyst-visible device/network evidence and management state; use streaming or batched telemetry only where the documented collector is deployed. Correlate Application State via Android Enterprise / EMM [Managed package inventory/status and package metadata]; File Access via Application Vetting / Forensic Acquisition [Dynamic filesystem trace or acquired app-container/filesystem artifacts: opendir() or File.listFiles() on path IN $ExternalStoragePaths$ called > $FileEnumThreshold$ times within $EnumWindow$ by app NOT IN $FileEnumAllowList$]; Network Traffic Flow via Android Enterprise Network Logging / Enterprise VPN [DevicePolicyManager.retrieveNetworkLogs(): DnsEvent / ConnectEvent; VPN flow metadata]. Alert on a sequence or state change inconsistent with the device/app baseline, approved management policy, or expected user workflow; do not infer unobserved API calls, file/process activity, or payload content from management state alone.

Log Sources
Data Component Name Channel
Application State (DC0123) android:EMM Managed package inventory/status and package metadata
File Access (DC0055) mobile:ForensicArtifacts Dynamic filesystem trace or acquired app-container/filesystem artifacts: opendir() or File.listFiles() on path IN $ExternalStoragePaths$ called > $FileEnumThreshold$ times within $EnumWindow$ by app NOT IN $FileEnumAllowList$
Network Traffic Flow (DC0078) android:EnterpriseNetworkLog DevicePolicyManager.retrieveNetworkLogs(): DnsEvent / ConnectEvent; VPN flow metadata
Mutable Elements
Field Description
ExternalStoragePaths /sdcard/, /storage/emulated/0/, /mnt/sdcard/. Vary by device.
FileEnumThreshold Default 100 directory operations within window. Derive from baseline file manager behavior.
EnumWindow Default 60s.
FileEnumAllowList Approved file managers, media apps, MDM agent.
UplinkThreshold Default 500KB.
AppCDNList Per-app CDN. Derive by measurement.
ExfilWindow Default 120s.

AN1789

For iOS, detect File and Directory Discovery by correlating analyst-visible device/network evidence and management state; use streaming or batched telemetry only where the documented collector is deployed. Correlate Application State via Apple MDM [InstalledApplicationList / ManagedApplicationList]; Host Status via Apple MDM [DeviceInformation / SecurityInfo / ProfileList / restrictions and compliance queries]; Network Traffic Flow via Apple Network Extension / Enterprise VPN [NEFilterFlow / per-app VPN / secure-web-gateway flow metadata]. Alert on a sequence or state change inconsistent with the device/app baseline, approved management policy, or expected user workflow; do not infer unobserved API calls, file/process activity, or payload content from management state alone.

Log Sources
Data Component Name Channel
Application State (DC0123) iOS:MDM InstalledApplicationList / ManagedApplicationList
Host Status (DC0018) iOS:MDM DeviceInformation / SecurityInfo / ProfileList / restrictions and compliance queries
Network Traffic Flow (DC0078) iOS:NetworkExtension NEFilterFlow / per-app VPN / secure-web-gateway flow metadata
Mutable Elements
Field Description
HighValueAppList Banking, auth, enterprise apps with sensitive local data.
HighValueAppCount Default 2 — single app could be accidental; multiple indicates targeted environment.
ConnectionBurstThreshold Default 5 connections to same dest within window.
SmallRequestThreshold Default 50KB per request — file listing and small file pickups.
ExfilWindow Default 300s after jailbreak detection.