Windows Non-System Process Querying Definition Update
Detects DNS queries to definitionupdates.microsoft.com or the go.microsoft.com fwlink redirect used for WD update downloads, when the querying process is not a Windows system component. BlueHammer utilizes these…
Description
Detects DNS queries to definitionupdates.microsoft.com or the go.microsoft.com fwlink redirect used for WD update downloads, when the querying process is not a Windows system component. BlueHammer utilizes these definition updates as part of its exploit chain.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_22
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate third-party applications or security tools may query these update domains for Windows Defender updates. Filter alerts for trusted software and verified update mechanisms.
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 |
|---|---|
| github.com/Nightmare-Eclipse/BlueHammer | 6 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 9d375cfd-c9a5-48ff-b875-9bcaf6b63265
- Tagged by the source as
- BlueHammerRedSunWindows Privilege EscalationEndpointendpointSplunk 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
- Oct 14, 2026
- Version
- 2