Potential Python DLL SideLoading

calendar Oct 1, 2025 · attack.defense-evasion attack.t1574.001  ·
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Detects potential DLL sideloading of Python DLL files.

Sigma rule (View on GitHub)

 1title: Potential Python DLL SideLoading
 2id: d36f7c12-14a3-4d48-b6b8-774b9c66f44d
 3status: test
 4description: Detects potential DLL sideloading of Python DLL files.
 5references:
 6    - https://www.securonix.com/blog/seolurker-attack-campaign-uses-seo-poisoning-fake-google-ads-to-install-malware/
 7    - https://thedfirreport.com/2024/09/30/nitrogen-campaign-drops-sliver-and-ends-with-blackcat-ransomware/
 8    - https://github.com/wietze/HijackLibs/tree/dc9c9f2f94e6872051dab58fbafb043fdd8b4176/yml/3rd_party/python
 9author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
10date: 2024-10-06
11modified: 2025-08-18
12tags:
13    - attack.defense-evasion
14    - attack.t1574.001
15logsource:
16    category: image_load
17    product: windows
18detection:
19    selection:
20        ImageLoaded|endswith:
21            - '\python39.dll'
22            - '\python310.dll'
23            - '\python311.dll'
24            - '\python312.dll'
25    filter_main_default_install_paths:
26        - ImageLoaded|startswith:
27              - 'C:\Program Files\Python3'
28              - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python3'
29        - ImageLoaded|contains: '\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3'
30    filter_optional_visual_studio:
31        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio\'
32    filter_optional_anaconda:
33        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\' # Comment out if you don't use Anaconda in your environment
34    filter_optional_cpython:
35        ImageLoaded|contains:
36            - '\cpython\externals\'
37            - '\cpython\PCbuild\'
38    filter_optional_pyinstaller:
39        # Triggered by programs bundled with PyInstaller
40        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Users'
41        ImageLoaded|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\_MEI'
42    filter_main_legit_signature_details:
43        Product: 'Python'
44        Signed: 'true'
45        Description: 'Python'
46        Company: 'Python Software Foundation'
47    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
48falsepositives:
49    - Legitimate software using Python DLLs
50level: medium

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