Windows XLL File Creation Outside of Typical Location
Detects the creation of an XLL file outside of typical locations. This can indicate an attempt to abuse Excel COM objects to load and execute a malicious XLL.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_11
Known benign triggers
- Some legitimate Excel add-ins and administrative tools may create XLL files outside typical locations. Review and allow approved applications to reduce false positives.
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/trustedsec/specula/wiki | 2 |
| www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-specula-tool-uses-outlook-for-remote-code-execution-in-windows/ | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 7cdbe5e2-878d-4020-94f3-52938760155e
- Tagged by the source as
- Spearphishing AttachmentsEndpointendpointSplunk 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