huntrule

Windows Image Load of PCRE.NET Package Temp Module Path

Alerts on Windows processes loading a temp module path tied to a PCRE.NET package component.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v2
Product
windows
Category
image_load
Author
Roberto Rodriguez (Cyb3rWard0g), OTR (Open Threat Research) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2020-10-29
Updated
2026-07-31
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

  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 identifies Windows processes loading an image from a specific temporary file path associated with the PCRE.NET package. Attackers may stage or execute assemblies or native components from user-writable temp directories to run code without relying on well-known install locations. Detection relies on image load telemetry that records the full loaded module path, matching the configured temp directory substring.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious AutoHotKey Runner AutoNotify Executing AHKBot Looper Script (via process_creation)
Malicious IIS Worker Process Spawning Command Shell after ASP.NET ViewState Injection (via process_creation)
Windows Image Load of PCRE.NET Package Temp Module Path
Pivot detection · T1059 · 9 related

Changelog

v2
  1. v2
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  2. 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.