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Name: Explorer.exe
Description: Binary used for managing files and system components within Windows
Author: Jai Minton
Created: 2020-06-24
Commands:
  - Command: explorer.exe /root,"C:\Windows\System32\calc.exe"
    Description: Execute calc.exe with the parent process spawning from a new instance of explorer.exe
    Usecase: Performs execution of specified file with explorer parent process breaking the process tree, can be used for defense evasion.
    Category: Execute
    Privileges: User
    MitreID: T1202
    OperatingSystem: Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11
  - Command: explorer.exe C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe
    Description: Execute notepad.exe with the parent process spawning from a new instance of explorer.exe
    Usecase: Performs execution of specified file with explorer parent process breaking the process tree, can be used for defense evasion.
    Category: Execute
    Privileges: User
    MitreID: T1202
    OperatingSystem: Windows 10, Windows 11
Full_Path:
  - Path: C:\Windows\explorer.exe
  - Path: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\explorer.exe
Detection:
  - Sigma: https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/c04bef2fbbe8beff6c7620d5d7ea6872dbe7acba/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_explorer_break_process_tree.yml
  - Sigma: https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/c04bef2fbbe8beff6c7620d5d7ea6872dbe7acba/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_explorer_lolbin_execution.yml
  - Elastic: https://github.com/elastic/detection-rules/blob/f2bc0c685d83db7db395fc3dc4b9729759cd4329/rules/windows/initial_access_via_explorer_suspicious_child_parent_args.toml
  - IOC: Multiple instances of explorer.exe or explorer.exe using the /root command line is suspicious.
Resources:
  - Link: https://twitter.com/CyberRaiju/status/1273597319322058752?s=20
  - Link: https://twitter.com/bohops/status/1276356245541335048
  - Link: https://twitter.com/bohops/status/986984122563391488
Acknowledgement:
  - Person: Jai Minton
    Handle: '@CyberRaiju'
  - Person: Jimmy
    Handle: '@bohops'