sigmamediumHunting

Code Execution via Pcwutl.dll

Detects launch of executable by calling the LaunchApplication function from pcwutl.dll library.

MITRE ATT&CK

defense-evasion

Detection Query

selection_img:
  - Image|endswith: \rundll32.exe
  - OriginalFileName: RUNDLL32.EXE
selection_cli:
  CommandLine|contains|all:
    - pcwutl
    - LaunchApplication
condition: all of selection_*

Author

Julia Fomina, oscd.community

Created

2020-10-05

Data Sources

windowsProcess Creation Events

Platforms

windows

References

Tags

attack.defense-evasionattack.t1218.011

Raw Content

title: Code Execution via Pcwutl.dll
id: 9386d78a-7207-4048-9c9f-a93a7c2d1c05
status: test
description: Detects launch of executable by calling the LaunchApplication function from pcwutl.dll library.
references:
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Libraries/Pcwutl/
    - https://twitter.com/harr0ey/status/989617817849876488
author: Julia Fomina, oscd.community
date: 2020-10-05
modified: 2023-02-09
tags:
    - attack.defense-evasion
    - attack.t1218.011
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\rundll32.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'RUNDLL32.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'pcwutl'
            - 'LaunchApplication'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Use of Program Compatibility Troubleshooter Helper
level: medium