Malicious Turla TinyTurla w64time DLL Load via image_load

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1543.003Windows Service
Priv Esc
- T1543.003Windows Service
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the load of w64time.dll which is the TinyTurla backdoor payload masquerading as the legitimate Windows Time service module. Turla (Pensive Ursa) registers a malicious service named Windows Time Service that loads this DLL from system32 for stealthy persistence, and the impostor module name is a strong indicator of compromise.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious Turla TinyTurla w64time DLL Load via image_load

Pivot detection · T1543.003 · 9 related

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

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