CAR-2014-03-006.yaml

---
title: RunDLL32.exe monitoring
submission_date: 2014/03/28
information_domain: Host
platforms:
  - Windows
subtypes:
  - Process
analytic_types:
  - TTP
contributors:
  - MITRE
id: CAR-2014-03-006
description: 'Adversaries may find it necessary to use [Dyanamic-link Libraries](https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ms682589.aspx) (DLLs) to [evade defenses](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005). One way these DLLs can be "executed" is through the use of the built-in Windows utility [RunDLL32](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218.011), which allows a user to execute code in a DLL, providing the name and optional arguments to an exported entry point. Windows uses RunDll32 legitimately in its normal operation, but with a proper baseline and understanding of the environment, monitoring its usage could be fruitful.'
coverage:
  - technique: T1218
    tactics:
      - TA0005
    subtechniques:
      - T1218.011
    coverage: Moderate
implementations:
  - description: 'When looking for all instances of RunDLL32, it is imperative to also have the `command_line` information, which contains the DLL information, including the name, entry point, and optional arguments.'
    code: |-
      process = search Process:Create
      rundll32 = filter process where (exe == "rundll32.exe")
      output rundll32
    type: pseudocode
  - description: DNIF version of the above pseudocode.
    code: |-
      _fetch * from event where $LogName=WINDOWS-SYSMON AND $EventID=1 AND $App=rundll32.exe limit 100
    type: DNIF
    data_model: Sysmon native
  - description: LogPoint version of the above pseudocode.
    code: |-
      norm_id=WindowsSysmon event_id=1 image="*\rundll32.exe"
    type: LogPoint
    data_model: LogPoint native
data_model_references:
  - process/create/exe
  - process/create/command_line
unit_tests:
  - configurations:
      - Windows 7
    description: Execute rundll32.exe from a command window
    commands:
      - 'c:\windows\syswow64\rundll32.exe'
      - 'RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,0'
d3fend_mappings:
  - iri: d3f:ProcessSpawnAnalysis
    id: D3-PSA
    label: Process Spawn Analysis