Windows DLL Side-Loading: OleView loading aclui.dll

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1574.001DLL
Persistence
- T1574.001DLL
Priv Esc
- T1574.001DLL
Defense Evasion
- T1574.001DLL
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule flags Windows processes where OleView.exe loads a DLL named aclui.dll. Such DLL side-loading can be used to execute attacker-controlled code by forcing a trusted loader to load an unexpected library. The detection relies on image load telemetry indicating the loaded DLL path and the originating executable path, with exclusions for common legitimate OleView locations and signed OleView binaries.

Reporting behind it

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Windows DLL Side-Loading: OleView loading aclui.dll

Pivot detection · T1574.001 · 9 related

Changelog

v5

v5
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v4
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v3
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v2
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v1
No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

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

potential-oleview-and-aclui-dll-side-loading-on-windows-0f3a9db2

title: "Windows DLL Side-Loading: OleView loading aclui.dll"
id: 5d5ac63e-e93e-4e3d-8968-a01354d9906e
status: test
description: This rule flags Windows processes where OleView.exe loads a DLL named aclui.dll. Such DLL side-loading can be used to execute attacker-controlled code by forcing a trusted loader to load an unexpected library. The detection relies on image load telemetry indicating the loaded DLL path and the originating executable path, with exclusions for common legitimate OleView locations and signed OleView binaries.
references:
  - https://research.checkpoint.com/2024/raspberry-robin-keeps-riding-the-wave-of-endless-1-days/
  - https://globetech.biz/index.php/2023/05/19/evading-edr-by-dll-sideloading-in-csharp/
  - https://decoded.avast.io/threatintel/apt-treasure-trove-avast-suspects-chinese-apt-group-mustang-panda-is-collecting-data-from-burmese-government-agencies-and-opposition-groups/
  - https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2016/03/10/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-36/
  - https://strontic.github.io/xcyclopedia/library/aclui.dll-F883E9CA757B622B032FDCA5BF33D0DF.html
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules-emerging-threats/2024/Malware/Raspberry-Robin/image_load_malware_raspberry_robin_side_load_aclui_oleview.yml
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel, Huntrule Team
date: 2024-07-31
tags:
  - attack.persistence
  - attack.privilege-escalation
  - attack.execution
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1574.001
  - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
  category: image_load
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    Image|endswith: \OleView.exe
    ImageLoaded|endswith: \aclui.dll
  filter_main_legit_oleview_paths:
    Image|startswith:
      - C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\
      - C:\Program Files\Microsoft SDKs\
  filter_optional_known_oleview_paths:
    Image|contains: \Windows Resource Kit\
  filter_main_is_signed:
    Signed: "true"
  condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: high
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 0f3a9db2-c17a-480e-a723-d1f1c547ab6a
    type: derived

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