Suspicious msvc_4.dll Side-Load from Typosquatted NVIDlA Directory via Image Load

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 detects loading of msvc_4.dll from a %ProgramData%\NVIDlA subdirectory, where the CloudScout toolset used by Evasive Panda side-loads its loader through a folder that typosquats NVIDIA by substituting a capital I for the l. Legitimate NVIDIA components do not load from this misspelled path. This indicates DLL side-loading in a cloud-session-theft operation.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious msvc_4.dll Side-Load from Typosquatted NVIDlA Directory via Image Load

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.

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