DLLHost with no Command Line Arguments with Network
The following analytic detects instances of DLLHost.exe running without command line arguments while establishing a network connection. This behavior is identified using Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)…
Description
The following analytic detects instances of DLLHost.exe running without command line arguments while establishing a network connection. This behavior is identified using Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry, focusing on process execution and network activity data. It is significant because DLLHost.exe typically runs with specific arguments, and its absence can indicate malicious activity, such as Cobalt Strike usage. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to execute code, move laterally, or exfiltrate data, posing a severe threat to the network's security.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_1_and_sysmon_eventid_3
Known benign triggers
- Although unlikely, some legitimate third party applications may use a moved copy of dllhost, triggering a false positive.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| raw.githubusercontent.com/threatexpress/malleable-c2/c3385e481159a759f79b8acfe11acf240893b830/jquery-c2.4.2.profile | 2 |
| www.cobaltstrike.com/blog/learn-pipe-fitting-for-all-of-your-offense-projects/ | 4 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- f1c07594-a141-11eb-8407-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- BlackByte RansomwareCactus RansomwareCobalt StrikeEarth AluxGraceful Wipe Out AttackStorm-2460 CLFS Zero Day ExploitationEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1