Code Execution via Pcwutl.dll — Sigma Rule

Rule metadata and linked tags

Author: Julia Fomina, oscd.community. Source status: test; severity: medium. Source dates: 2020-10-05 / 2023-02-09.

{
  "category": "process_creation",
  "product": "windows"
}

Pinned original Sigma rule · Detection Rule License 1.1

Source SHA-256: f297d275f6a167baf6e8d08b11389336111b4cbb007d4afb8501a21f9f7c07bb

Detection logic

Original source YAML. Source-tag agreement is not proof of complete semantic coverage. This rule has not been compiled for a SIEM backend or validated against live telemetry here.

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.stealth
    - 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

Original YAML and metadata in JSON

False positives

• Use of Program Compatibility Troubleshooter Helper

Source references

• https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Libraries/Pcwutl/
• https://twitter.com/harr0ey/status/989617817849876488