splApache-2.0from splunk/security_content

Windows Executable in Loaded Modules

The following analytic identifies instances where executable files (.exe) are loaded as modules, detected through 'ImageLoaded' events in Sysmon logs. This method leverages Sysmon EventCode 7 to track unusual module loading behavior, which is significant as it deviates from the norm of loading .dll files. This activity is crucial for SOC monitoring because it can indicate the presence of malware like NjRAT, which uses this technique to load malicious modules. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, maintain persistence, and further compromise the host system.

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FP risk

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Rule sourcedetections/endpoint/windows_executable_in_loaded_modules.yml

`sysmon` EventCode=7 ImageLoaded != *.dll AND Signed != true
  | fillnull
  | stats count min(_time) as firstTime max(_time) as lastTime
    BY Image ImageLoaded dest
       loaded_file loaded_file_path original_file_name
       process_exec process_guid process_hash
       process_id process_name process_path
       service_dll_signature_exists service_dll_signature_verified signature
       Signed signature_id user_id
       vendor_product
  | `security_content_ctime(firstTime)`
  | `security_content_ctime(lastTime)`
  | `windows_executable_in_loaded_modules_filter`