Windows DLL side-loading: KeyScramblerIE.DLL loaded by KeyScrambler.exe

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1574.001DLL
Persistence
- T1574.001DLL
Priv Esc
- T1574.001DLL
Defense Evasion
- T1574.001DLL
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule flags potential DLL sideloading where KeyScramblerIE.DLL is loaded by KeyScrambler.exe (or KeyScramblerLogon.exe). Such behavior can indicate an attacker placing a malicious DLL alongside a legitimate executable to hijack execution flow and evade defenses. It relies on Windows image-load telemetry, matching executable and loaded-module paths while excluding known legitimate installation directories and valid signatures from QFX Software Corporation.

Reporting behind it

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Windows DLL side-loading: KeyScramblerIE.DLL loaded by KeyScrambler.exe

Pivot detection · T1574.001 · 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-suspicious-dll-side-loading-keyscramblerie-dll-loaded-by-keyscrambler-ex-d2451be2

title: "Windows DLL side-loading: KeyScramblerIE.DLL loaded by KeyScrambler.exe"
id: 322c335f-d5a5-49aa-95b8-59a1236a02ba
related:
  - id: ca5583e9-8f80-46ac-ab91-7f314d13b984
    type: similar
  - id: d2451be2-b582-4e15-8701-4196ac180260
    type: derived
status: test
description: This rule flags potential DLL sideloading where KeyScramblerIE.DLL is loaded by KeyScrambler.exe (or KeyScramblerLogon.exe). Such behavior can indicate an attacker placing a malicious DLL alongside a legitimate executable to hijack execution flow and evade defenses. It relies on Windows image-load telemetry, matching executable and loaded-module paths while excluding known legitimate installation directories and valid signatures from QFX Software Corporation.
references:
  - https://thehackernews.com/2024/03/two-chinese-apt-groups-ramp-up-cyber.html
  - https://csirt-cti.net/2024/02/01/stately-taurus-continued-new-information-on-cyberespionage-attacks-against-myanmar-military-junta/
  - https://bazaar.abuse.ch/sample/5cb9876681f78d3ee8a01a5aaa5d38b05ec81edc48b09e3865b75c49a2187831/
  - https://twitter.com/Max_Mal_/status/1775222576639291859
  - https://twitter.com/DTCERT/status/1712785426895839339
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/image_load/image_load_side_load_keyscrambler.yml
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel, Huntrule Team
date: 2024-04-15
tags:
  - attack.persistence
  - attack.privilege-escalation
  - attack.execution
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
  category: image_load
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    Image|endswith:
      - \KeyScrambler.exe
      - \KeyScramblerLogon.exe
    ImageLoaded|endswith: \KeyScramblerIE.dll
  filter_main_legitimate_path:
    Image|contains:
      - C:\Program Files (x86)\KeyScrambler\
      - C:\Program Files\KeyScrambler\
    ImageLoaded|contains:
      - C:\Program Files (x86)\KeyScrambler\
      - C:\Program Files\KeyScrambler\
  filter_main_signature:
    Signature: QFX Software Corporation
    SignatureStatus: Valid
  condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: high
license: DRL-1.1

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