Malicious EDR Evasion Driver Load from AnyDesk Directory via k.sys (via image_load)

PremiumReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
image_load
Author
HuntRule
Published
2026-10-27
Updated
2026-10-27

ATT&CK techniques

Priv Esc
  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Defense Evasion

  7. Cred Access

  8. Discovery

  9. Lateral Movement

  10. Collection

  11. C2

  12. Exfiltration

  13. Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the loading of the k.sys kernel driver from a ProgramData AnyDesk directory, the PhantomKiller EDR evasion driver dropped after exploitation of N-able N-central. Placing an EDR killer driver inside a remote management tool directory disguises it as a legitimate component while it disables endpoint protection.

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Pivot detection · T1068 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.