Creation of WerFault.exe/Wer.dll in Unusual Folder

Detects the creation of a file named "WerFault.exe" or "wer.dll" in an uncommon folder, which could be a sign of WerFault DLL hijacking.

title: Creation of WerFault.exe/Wer.dll in Unusual Folder
id: 28a452f3-786c-4fd8-b8f2-bddbe9d616d1
status: test
description: Detects the creation of a file named "WerFault.exe" or "wer.dll" in an uncommon folder, which could be a sign of WerFault DLL hijacking.
references:
    - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-are-now-hiding-malware-in-windows-event-logs/
author: frack113
date: 2022-05-09
modified: 2026-05-18
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: file_event
detection:
    selection:
        TargetFilename|endswith:
            - '\WerFault.exe'
            - '\wer.dll'
    filter_main_known_locations:
        TargetFilename|startswith:
            - 'C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\'
            - 'C:\Windows\System32\'
            - 'C:\Windows\SysWOW64\'
            - 'C:\Windows\WinSxS\'
            - 'C:\Windows\UUS\' # covers both C:\Windows\UUS\arm64\ and C:\Windows\UUS\packages\
    filter_main_process:
        Image|endswith: '\wuaucltcore.exe'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

• T1574.001DLL

• https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-are-now-hiding-malware-in-windows-event-logs/↗