Possible python311 DLL Side-Loading by Non Python Host Process

PremiumReviewedSigma · Low · v1
Product
windows
Category
image_load
Author
HuntRule
Published
2026-10-25
Updated
2026-10-25

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion
  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule detects a process that is not a Python interpreter loading python311.dll which can indicate DLL side-loading. Silver Fox side-loads a malicious python311.dll alongside a decoy executable to run ValleyRAT shellcode. Because many legitimate applications embed Python this pattern requires context before it can be confirmed as malicious.

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Possible python311 DLL Side-Loading by Non Python Host Process
Pivot detection · T1574.001 · 9 related

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