Possible DLL Sideloading Through ClassicExplorer32.dll (via image_load)

title: Possible DLL Sideloading Through ClassicExplorer32.dll (via image_load)
id: abaf2ad8-9d6e-5c4a-8e4c-047d1283675e
status: stable
description: This rule detects potential DLL sideloading using ClassicExplorer32.dll from the Classic Shell software
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001/
    - https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/12/mustang-panda-uses-the-russian-ukrainian-war-to-attack-europe-and-asia-pacific-targets
    - https://app.any.run/tasks/6d8cabb0-dcda-44b6-8050-28d6ce281687/
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-05-21
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_classicexplorer:
        ImageLoaded|endswith: '\ClassicExplorer32.dll'
    filter_classicexplorer:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Program Files\Classic Shell\'
    filter_hr:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\
    condition: (selection_classicexplorer and not filter_classicexplorer) and not filter_hr
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium