Windows Visual Basic Commandline Compiler DNSQuery
The following analytic detects instances where vbc.exe, the Visual Basic Command Line Compiler, initiates DNS queries. Normally, vbc.exe operates locally to compile Visual Basic code and does not require internet…
Description
The following analytic detects instances where vbc.exe, the Visual Basic Command Line Compiler, initiates DNS queries. Normally, vbc.exe operates locally to compile Visual Basic code and does not require internet access or to perform DNS lookups. Therefore, any observed DNS activity originating from vbc.exe is highly suspicious and indicative of potential malicious activity. This behavior often suggests that a malicious payload is masquerading as the legitimate vbc.exe process to establish command-and-control (C2) communication, resolve domains for data exfiltration, or download additional stages of malware. Security teams should investigate the process's parent, command-line arguments, and the resolved domains for further indicators of compromise.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_22
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.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-266a | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 8976744a-ae7a-46a4-8128-690df85c2af4
- Tagged by the source as
- LokibotEndpointendpointSplunk 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