Query: detect Detects loading of specific system DLL files that are usually not present on the system (or at least not in system direc in logs
Matching passage: Sigma rule: Detects loading of specific system DLL files that are usually not present on the system (or at least not in system direc. Logsource: windows / image_load. Rule: title: Potential DLL Sideloading Of Non-Existent DLLs From System Folders id: 6b98b92b-4f00-4f62-b4fe-4d1920215771 related: - id: df6ecb8b-7822-4f4b-b412-08f524b4576c type: similar - id: 602a1f13-c640-4d73-b053-be9a2fa58b77 type: obsolete status: test description: 'Detects loading of specific system DLL files that are usually not present on the system (or at least not in system directories) but may be loaded by legitimate processes, potentially indicating phantom DLL hijacking attempts. Phantom DLL hijacking involves placing malicious DLLs with names of non-existent system binaries in locations where legitimate applications may search for them, leading to execution of the malicious DLLs. ' references: - http://remoteawesomethoughts.blogspot.com/2019/05/windows-10-task-schedulerservice.html - https://clement.notin.org/blog/2020/09/12/CVE-2020-7315-McAfee-Agent-DLL-injection/ - https://decoded.avast.io/martinchlumecky/png-steganography/ - https://github.com/Wh04m1001/SysmonEoP - https://itm4n.github.io/cdpsvc-dll-hijacking/ - https://posts.specterops.io/lateral-movement-scm-and-dll-hijacking-primer-d2f61e8ab992 - https://securelist.com/passiveneuron-campaign-with-apt-implants-and-cobalt-strike/117745/ - https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/4-ways-adversaries-hijack-dlls/ - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2013/12/08/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-5/ - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2025/06/14/wermgr-exe-boot-offdmpsvc-dll-lolbin/ - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2025/06/14/wpr-exe-boottrace-phantom-dll-axeonoffhelper-dll-lolbin/ - https://x.com/0gtweet/status/1564131230941122561 author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), SBousseaden date: 2022-12-09 modified: 2026-01-24 tags: - attack.persistence - attack.privilege-escalation - attack.execution - attack.stealth - attack.t1574.001 logsource: category: image_load product: windows detection: selection: ImageLoaded|endswith: - :\Windows\System32\axeonoffhelper.dll - :\Windows\System32\cdpsgshims.dll - :\Windows\System32\oci.dll - :\Windows\System32\offdmpsvc.dll - :\Windows\System32\shellchromeapi.dll - :\Windows\System32\TSMSISrv.dll - :\Windows\System32\TSVIPSrv.dll - :\Windows\System32\wbem\wbemcomn.dll - :\Windows\System32\WLBSCTRL.dll - :\Windows\System32\wow64log.dll - :\Windows\System32\WptsExtensions.dll filter_main_ms_signed: Signed: 'true' SignatureStatus: Valid Signature: Microsoft Windows condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* falsepositives: - Unknown level: high
Near-miss passage: Sigma rule: Detects the execution of obfuscated PowerShell commands that attempt to install MSI packages via the Windows Installer C. Logsource: windows / process_creation. Rule: title: Obfuscated PowerShell MSI Install via WindowsInstaller COM id: 7b6a7418-3afc-11f0-aff4-000d3abf478c status: experimental description: 'Detects the execution of obfuscated PowerShell commands that attempt to install MSI packages via the Windows Installer COM object (`WindowsInstaller.Installer`). The technique involves manipulating strings to hide functionality, such as constructing class names using string insertion (e.g., ''indowsInstaller.Installer''.Insert(0,''W'')) and correcting malformed URLs (e.g., converting ''htps://'' to ''https://'') at runtime. This behavior is commonly associated with malware loaders or droppers that aim to bypass static detection by hiding intent in runtime-generated strings and using legitimate tools for code execution. The use of `InstallProduct` and COM object creation, particularly combined with hidden window execution and suppressed UI, indicates an attempt to install software (likely malicious) without user interaction. ' references: - https://informationsecuritybuzz.com/the-real-danger-behind-a-simple-windows-shortcut/ - https://redcanary.com/blog/threat-intelligence/intelligence-insights-may-2025/ - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/f9710b0ba4de5fa0e7ec27da462d4d2fc6838eba83a19f23f6617a466bbad457 author: Meroujan Antonyan (vx3r) date: 2025-05-27 tags: - attack.stealth - attack.t1027.010 - attack.t1218.007 - attack.execution - attack.t1059.001 logsource: category: process_creation product: windows detection: selection_img: - Image|endswith: - \powershell_ise.exe - \powershell.exe - \pwsh.exe - OriginalFileName: - PowerShell_ISE.EXE - PowerShell.EXE - pwsh.dll selection_cli: CommandLine|contains|all: - -ComObject - InstallProduct( - .Insert( - UILevel condition: all of selection_* falsepositives: - Unknown level: high