Windows Hijack Execution Flow Version Dll Side Load
The following analytic detects a process loading a version.dll file from a directory other than %windir%\system32 or %windir%\syswow64. This detection leverages Sysmon EventCode 7 to identify instances where an…
Description
The following analytic detects a process loading a version.dll file from a directory other than %windir%\system32 or %windir%\syswow64. This detection leverages Sysmon EventCode 7 to identify instances where an unsigned or improperly located version.dll is loaded. This activity is significant as it is a common technique used in ransomware and APT malware campaigns, including Brute Ratel C4, to execute malicious code via DLL side loading. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, maintain persistence, and potentially compromise the target host.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_7
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.mdsec.co.uk/2022/08/part-3-how-i-met-your-beacon-brute-ratel/ | 2 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 8351340b-ac0e-41ec-8b07-dd01bf32d6ea
- Tagged by the source as
- Brute Ratel C4Malicious Inno Setup LoaderSolarWinds WHD RCE Post ExploitationXWormEndpointendpointSplunk 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