Windows Driver Load Non-Standard Path

name: Windows Driver Load Non-Standard Path
id: 9216ef3d-066a-4958-8f27-c84589465e62
version: 10
date: '2026-03-10'
author: Michael Haag, Splunk
status: production
type: TTP
description: The following analytic detects the loading of new Kernel Mode Drivers from non-standard paths using Windows EventCode 7045. It identifies drivers not located in typical directories like Windows, Program Files, or SystemRoot. This activity is significant because adversaries may use these non-standard paths to load malicious or vulnerable drivers, potentially bypassing security controls. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute code at the kernel level, escalate privileges, or maintain persistence within the environment, posing a severe threat to system integrity and security.
data_source:
    - Windows Event Log System 7045
search: >-
    `wineventlog_system`
    EventCode = 7045
    ServiceType = "kernel mode driver"
    | regex ImagePath != "(?i)^(\w:\\\\Program Files\\\\|\w:\\\\Program Files \(x86\)\\\\|\w:\\\\Windows\\\\System32\\\\|\w:\\\\Windows\\\\SysWOW64\\\\|\w:\\\\ProgramData\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows Defender\\\\Definition Updates\\\\|\w:\\\\ProgramData\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows Defender\\\\Platform\\\\|%SystemRoot%|\\\\SystemRoot\\\\|SystemRoot\\\\)"
    | stats count min(_time) as firstTime max(_time) as lastTime by
      Computer EventCode ImagePath ServiceName ServiceType
    | rename Computer as dest
    | `security_content_ctime(firstTime)`
    | `security_content_ctime(lastTime)`
    | `windows_driver_load_non_standard_path_filter`
how_to_implement: |
    To implement this analytic, the Windows EventCode 7045 will need to be logged.
    The Windows TA for Splunk is also recommended.
known_false_positives: |
    False positives may be present based on legitimate third party applications needing to install drivers.
    Filter, or allow list known good drivers consistently being installed in these paths.
references:
    - https://redcanary.com/blog/tracking-driver-inventory-to-expose-rootkits/
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1014/
    - https://www.fuzzysecurity.com/tutorials/28.html
drilldown_searches:
    - name: View the detection results for - "$dest$"
      search: '%original_detection_search% | search  dest = "$dest$"'
      earliest_offset: $info_min_time$
      latest_offset: $info_max_time$
    - name: View risk events for the last 7 days for - "$dest$"
      search: '| from datamodel Risk.All_Risk | search normalized_risk_object IN ("$dest$") starthoursago=168  | stats count min(_time) as firstTime max(_time) as lastTime values(search_name) as "Search Name" values(risk_message) as "Risk Message" values(analyticstories) as "Analytic Stories" values(annotations._all) as "Annotations" values(annotations.mitre_attack.mitre_tactic) as "ATT&CK Tactics" by normalized_risk_object | `security_content_ctime(firstTime)` | `security_content_ctime(lastTime)`'
      earliest_offset: $info_min_time$
      latest_offset: $info_max_time$
rba:
    message: A kernel mode driver was loaded from a non-standard path on $dest$.
    risk_objects:
        - field: dest
          type: system
          score: 50
    threat_objects: []
tags:
    analytic_story:
        - Windows Drivers
        - CISA AA22-320A
        - AgentTesla
        - BlackByte Ransomware
        - BlackSuit Ransomware
    asset_type: Endpoint
    mitre_attack_id:
        - T1014
        - T1068
    product:
        - Splunk Enterprise
        - Splunk Enterprise Security
        - Splunk Cloud
    security_domain: endpoint
tests:
    - name: True Positive Test
      attack_data:
        - data: https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/splunk/attack_data/master/datasets/attack_techniques/T1068/drivers/xml7045_windows-system.log
          source: XmlWinEventLog:System
          sourcetype: XmlWinEventLog