Sunturai
Back to results
InformationalSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Windows Unusual SysWOW64 Process Run System32 Executable

The following analytic detects an unusual process execution pattern where a process running from C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ attempts to execute a binary from C:\Windows\System32\. In a typical Windows environment, 32-bit…

Description

The following analytic detects an unusual process execution pattern where a process running from C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ attempts to execute a binary from C:\Windows\System32\. In a typical Windows environment, 32-bit processes under SysWOW64 should primarily interact with 32-bit binaries within the same directory. However, an execution flow where a 32-bit process spawns a 64-bit binary from System32 can indicate potential process injection, privilege escalation, evasion techniques, or unauthorized execution hijacking.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
LinuxmacOS

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

Log source category
sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688

Known benign triggers

  • some legitimate system processes, software updaters, or compatibility tools may trigger this behavior, occurrences involving unknown, unsigned, or unusual parent processes should be investigated for potential malware activity, persistence mechanisms, or execution flow hijacking.

Detections can measure how the public catalogue is used — which detections people look for, and which pages bring them here. It sets a cookie that recognises this browser for 180 days. It is never linked to an account and never follows you to other sites. Privacy notice