Suspicious IIS Native-Code Module Command Line Deployment (via process_creation)

title: Suspicious IIS Native-Code Module Command Line Deployment (via process_creation)
id: 2cc6011a-e9ab-5a96-9b89-e9569b141476
status: stable
description: This rule detects anomalous IIS native-code module installations via command line
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/003/
    - https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2018/01/unit42-oilrig-uses-rgdoor-iis-backdoor-targets-middle-east/
    - https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/07/26/malicious-iis-extensions-quietly-open-persistent-backdoors-into-servers/
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-07-05
tags:
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1505.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\appcmd.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'appcmd.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'install'
            - 'module'
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '-name:'
    filter_iis_setup:
        ParentImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\inetsrv\iissetup.exe'
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium