Suspicious Tablacus Explorer Execution from ProgramData for DLL Search-Order Hijacking

PremiumReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
process_creation
Author
HuntRule
Published
2026-11-02
Updated
2026-11-02

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 execution of the legitimate Tablacus Explorer binary from a ProgramData subdirectory where a malicious DLL is side-loaded through search-order hijacking. This technique is used in the APT Meets GPT campaign to run GOVERSHELL under the cover of a signed file-manager application. Abusing a trusted binary from an unusual path lets attackers evade application controls and blend into normal host activity.

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Suspicious Tablacus Explorer Execution from ProgramData for DLL Search-Order Hijacking
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.