Possible Python DLL SideLoading (via image_load)

title: Possible Python DLL SideLoading (via image_load)
id: c7a89089-d148-50e2-871f-5cd6f0eeb384
status: stable
description: This rule detects potential DLL sideloading of Python DLL files.
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001/
    - https://www.securonix.com/blog/seolurker-attack-campaign-uses-seo-poisoning-fake-google-ads-to-install-malware/
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2024/09/30/nitrogen-campaign-drops-sliver-and-ends-with-blackcat-ransomware/
    - https://github.com/wietze/HijackLibs/tree/dc9c9f2f94e6872051dab58fbafb043fdd8b4176/yml/3rd_party/python
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-06-13
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ImageLoaded|endswith:
            - '\python39.dll'
            - '\python310.dll'
            - '\python311.dll'
            - '\python312.dll'
    filter_main_default_install_paths:
        - ImageLoaded|startswith:
              - 'C:\Program Files\Python3'
              - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python3'
        - ImageLoaded|contains: '\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3'
    filter_optional_visual_studio:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio\'
    filter_optional_anaconda:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\'
    filter_optional_cpython:
        ImageLoaded|contains:
            - '\cpython\externals\'
            - '\cpython\PCbuild\'
    filter_optional_pyinstaller:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Users'
        ImageLoaded|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\_MEI'
    filter_main_legit_signature_details:
        Product: 'Python'
        Signed: 'true'
        Description: 'Python'
        Company: 'Python Software Foundation'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium