Windows renamed dctask64.exe execution via known IMPHASH values

title: Windows renamed dctask64.exe execution via known IMPHASH values
id: 501cb7a3-e60f-4c3b-b025-e8b01e14b01a
status: test
description: This rule identifies process executions where the binary hash matches one of several known IMPHASH values associated with a renamed dctask64.exe (ZOHO ManageEngine Endpoint Central) execution. Renaming trusted system or vendor binaries can help attackers evade name-based detection and blend into legitimate activity. It relies on Windows process creation telemetry containing the process image path/name and the IMPHASH field to match these specific indicators while excluding cases with a matching legitimate name pattern.
references:
  - https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222088214581825540
  - https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222095963789111296
  - https://twitter.com/gN3mes1s/status/1222095371175911424
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_renamed_dctask64.yml
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Huntrule Team
date: 2020-01-28
modified: 2025-01-22
tags:
  - attack.privilege-escalation
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1036
  - attack.t1055.001
  - attack.t1202
  - attack.t1218
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    Hashes|contains:
      - IMPHASH=6834B1B94E49701D77CCB3C0895E1AFD
      - IMPHASH=1BB6F93B129F398C7C4A76BB97450BBA
      - IMPHASH=FAA2AC19875FADE461C8D89DCF2710A3
      - IMPHASH=F1039CED4B91572AB7847D26032E6BBF
  filter_main_legit_name:
    Image|endswith: \dctask64.exe
  condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: high
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 340a090b-c4e9-412e-bb36-b4b16fe96f9b
    type: derived