Execution of dllhost.exe with an empty command line

Cortex XDR Analytics Alert Reference by Alert name

Product

Cortex XDR

Last date published

2024-10-08

Synopsis

Activation Period	14 Days
Training Period	30 Days
Test Period	N/A (single event)
Deduplication Period	1 Day
Required Data	Requires: XDR Agent
Detection Modules
Detector Tags
ATT&CK Tactic	Defense Evasion (TA0005)
ATT&CK Technique	System Binary Proxy Execution (T1218)
Severity	Low

Description

The process dllhost.exe was executed with an empty command line. This behavior is suspicious, and may be caused by a malicious actor using 'Image File Execution Options' in the registry to evade detection.

Attacker's Goals

Evade detection when running suspicious commands.

Investigative actions

Check if an entry for dllhost.exe was added in the registry, under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options.

Variations

Execution of unsigned dllhost from a non-typical path with empty command line

Synopsis

ATT&CK Tactic	Defense Evasion (TA0005)
ATT&CK Technique	Masquerading: Masquerade Task or Service (T1036.004)
Severity	High

Description

An unsigned process was executed with the name dllhost.exe from a non-typical path, this behavior is suspicious and maybe performed by a malicious actor in an attempt to hide their actions.

Attacker's Goals

Evade detection when performing suspicious actions.

Investigative actions

Review actions performed by the executed process and the causality owner, and check if they are suspicious.

Globally uncommon execution of dllhost.exe with an empty command line

Synopsis

ATT&CK Tactic	Defense Evasion (TA0005)
ATT&CK Technique	System Binary Proxy Execution (T1218)
Severity	Low

Description

Attacker's Goals

Evade detection when running suspicious commands.

Investigative actions

Check if an entry for dllhost.exe was added in the registry, under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options.