Windows: Detect unregmp2.exe used to proxy-launch wmpnscfg.exe with /HideWMP

ATT&CK techniques

Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1218System Binary Proxy Execution
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule flags process creation where the executable unregmp2.exe is launched and the command line includes /HideWMP. Adversaries can use this proxy-style execution to run a customized wmpnscfg.exe instance while hiding its window, helping to evade user visibility. The detection relies on Windows process creation telemetry, specifically the image path, OriginalFileName, and command-line content.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1218 — drag to rearrange

Suspicious Cabinet Extraction of Masqueraded vstm Archive via extrac32

Malicious DLL Execution via Wuauclt Update Handler (via process_creation)

Malicious aspnet_compiler.exe Injection Host Spawned by PowerShell via process_creation

Malicious regsvcs LOLBin Loading Ransomware DLL from UNC Path

Suspicious RegAsm or RegSvcs Spawned by Script Host (via process_creation)

Suspicious Extexport DLL Side-Loading Execution

Malicious ClickFix Execution Chain Spawning MSHTA via Pcalua on EtherRAT Infection

Suspicious TALONITE Certutil LOLBIN Decode and Download Abuse (via process_creation)

Suspicious Renamed git Binary gcmd.exe Execution (via process_creation)

Windows: Detect unregmp2.exe used to proxy-launch wmpnscfg.exe with /HideWMP

Pivot detection · T1218 · 9 related

Changelog

v2

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.

windows-detect-unregmp2-exe-used-as-a-proxy-to-launch-wmpnscfg-exe-727454c0

title: "Windows: Detect unregmp2.exe used to proxy-launch wmpnscfg.exe with /HideWMP"
id: d14f2bb7-2154-4a0b-988c-408d41475597
status: test
description: This rule flags process creation where the executable unregmp2.exe is launched and the command line includes /HideWMP. Adversaries can use this proxy-style execution to run a customized wmpnscfg.exe instance while hiding its window, helping to evade user visibility. The detection relies on Windows process creation telemetry, specifically the image path, OriginalFileName, and command-line content.
references:
  - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Unregmp2/
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_lolbin_unregmp2.yml
author: frack113, Huntrule Team
date: 2022-12-29
modified: 2024-06-04
tags:
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1218
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection_img:
    - Image|endswith: \unregmp2.exe
    - OriginalFileName: unregmp2.exe
  selection_cmd:
    CommandLine|contains|windash: " /HideWMP"
  condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: medium
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 727454c0-d851-48b0-8b89-385611ab0704
    type: derived

Convert

This rule as a query you can run. Uses no unlock credit.

SplunkSPL