Python Image Load By Non-Python Process
Detects the image load of "Python Core" by a non-Python process. This might be indicative of a execution of executable that has been bundled from Python code. Various tools like Py2Exe, PyInstaller, and cx_Freeze are…
Description
Detects the image load of "Python Core" by a non-Python process. This might be indicative of a execution of executable that has been bundled from Python code. Various tools like Py2Exe, PyInstaller, and cx_Freeze are used to bundle Python code into standalone executables. Threat actors often use these tools to bundle malicious Python scripts into executables, sometimes to obfuscate the code or to bypass security measures.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source product
- windows
- Log source category
- image_load
Known benign triggers
- Known false positive caused with Python Anaconda
- Legitimate Py2Exe Binaries
- Various legitimate software is bundled from Python code into executables
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
1 exclusive technique.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-technical-analysis-seaduke/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.py2exe.org | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- cbb56d62-4060-40f7-9466-d8aaf3123f83
- Tagged by the source as
- attack.stealth
Licence
- Published under
- Detection Rule License 1.1Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1