Spoolsv Writing a DLL
The following analytic detects `spoolsv.exe` writing a `.dll` file, which is unusual behavior and may indicate exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-34527 (PrintNightmare). This detection leverages the…
Description
The following analytic detects `spoolsv.exe` writing a `.dll` file, which is unusual behavior and may indicate exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-34527 (PrintNightmare). This detection leverages the Endpoint datamodel, specifically monitoring process and filesystem events to identify `.dll` file creation within the `\spool\drivers\x64\` path. This activity is significant as it may signify an attacker attempting to execute malicious code via the Print Spooler service. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized code execution and potential system compromise. Immediate endpoint isolation and further investigation are recommended.
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/ob6y02/critical_vulnerability_printnightmare_exposes | 6 |
| www.truesec.com/hub/blog/exploitable-critical-rce-vulnerability-allows-regular-users-to-fully-compromise-active-directory-printnightmare-cve-2021-1675 | 6 |
| www.truesec.com/hub/blog/fix-for-printnightmare-cve-2021-1675-exploit-to-keep-your-print-servers-running-while-a-patch-is-not-available | 6 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- d5bf5cf2-da71-11eb-92c2-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Black Basta RansomwareCompromised Windows HostPrintNightmare CVE-2021-34527EndpointendpointSplunk 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