Possible DLL Sideloading Of DbgModel.DLL (via image_load)

title: Possible DLL Sideloading Of DbgModel.DLL (via image_load)
id: 35097b31-4ad3-5f0f-82b1-a3d18ff3ff5e
status: stable
description: This rule detects potential DLL sideloading of "DbgModel.dll"
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001/
    - https://hijacklibs.net/entries/microsoft/built-in/dbgmodel.html
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-05-28
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: image_load
detection:
    selection:
        ImageLoaded|endswith: '\dbgmodel.dll'
    filter_main_generic:
        ImageLoaded|startswith:
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
            - 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
    filter_optional_windbg:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WinDbg_'
    filter_optional_windows_kits:
        ImageLoaded|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\'
            - 'C:\Program Files\Windows Kits\'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium