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Rundll32 LockWorkStation

The following analytic detects the execution of the rundll32.exe command with the user32.dll,LockWorkStation parameter, which is used to lock the workstation via command line. This detection leverages data from…

Description

The following analytic detects the execution of the rundll32.exe command with the user32.dll,LockWorkStation parameter, which is used to lock the workstation via command line. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant as it is an uncommon method to lock a screen and has been observed in CONTI ransomware tooling for defense evasion. If confirmed malicious, this technique could indicate an attempt to evade detection and hinder incident response efforts.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
Windows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Known benign triggers

  • No false positives have been identified at this time.

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