Windows: Detect execution of renamed BOINC.exe binary

Flags renamed BOINC executables on Windows by matching OriginalFileName=BOINC.exe when the executed image name differs.

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windows-detect-execution-of-renamed-boinc-exe-binary-30d07da2

title: "Windows: Detect execution of renamed BOINC.exe binary"
id: a5da1339-a080-49ad-8e99-cdddddcb0dc0
status: test
description: This rule identifies Windows process creation events where a binary with OriginalFileName set to BOINC.exe is executed under a different filename. Attackers may rename legitimate software to reduce suspicion and evade simple allowlists while maintaining expected functionality. The detection relies on process creation telemetry and the Image path (specifically whether the executable name ends with '\BOINC.exe') alongside the OriginalFileName metadata.
references:
  - https://boinc.berkeley.edu/
  - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/91e405e8a527023fb8696624e70498ae83660fe6757cef4871ce9bcc659264d3/details
  - https://www.huntress.com/blog/fake-browser-updates-lead-to-boinc-volunteer-computing-software
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_renamed_boinc.yml
author: Matt Anderson (Huntress), Huntrule Team
date: 2024-07-23
tags:
  - attack.defense-impairment
  - attack.t1553
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    OriginalFileName: BOINC.exe
  filter_main_legit_name:
    Image|endswith: \BOINC.exe
  condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: medium
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 30d07da2-83ab-45d8-ae75-ec7c0edcaffc
    type: derived

What it detects

This rule identifies Windows process creation events where a binary with OriginalFileName set to BOINC.exe is executed under a different filename. Attackers may rename legitimate software to reduce suspicion and evade simple allowlists while maintaining expected functionality. The detection relies on process creation telemetry and the Image path (specifically whether the executable name ends with '\BOINC.exe') alongside the OriginalFileName metadata.

Known false positives

Unknown

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