Windows Rundll32 Apply User Settings Changes
The following analytic detects the execution of rundll32 with a call to the user32 DLL, specifically the UpdatePerUserSystemParameters function. This function is responsible for updating system parameters, such as…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of rundll32 with a call to the user32 DLL, specifically the UpdatePerUserSystemParameters function. This function is responsible for updating system parameters, such as desktop backgrounds, display settings, and visual themes. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions. This activity can be significant as it is an uncommon way to apply settings. It was also observed as part of Rhysida Ransomware activity. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to disguise activities or make unauthorized system changes, potentially leading to persistent unauthorized access.
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
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
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 |
|---|---|
| cdn.pathfactory.com/assets/10555/contents/400686/13f4424c-05b4-46db-bb9c-6bf9b5436ec4.pdf | Only this detection cites it |
| www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-319a | 5from 2 sources |
| www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/aa22-264a-iranian-cyber-actors-conduct-cyber-operations-against-the-government-of-albania.pdf | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- b9fb8d97-dbc9-4a09-804c-ff0e3862bb2d
- Tagged by the source as
- Rhysida RansomwareEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1