winlogon.exe

File Path: C:\Windows\system32\winlogon.exe
Description: Windows Logon Application

Hashes

Type	Hash
MD5	`E8B1A6B8C6EA5972C123A816DF237AF8`
SHA1	`573ED5AED255DCEC948BCEA8C28EC9F3802A2E64`
SHA256	`290C8C4B387B669B3988938D0083AA4B210365FB0855EAE010F49062A9DDEB04`
SHA384	`BA07CC249C938A0B59CCBF0642D722DF5B0FA598D844E054997417A97744C70522125847403F88B7A56CDE496D82838F`
SHA512	`62DA4D9CF429E2387449C99A6F97E5923EA6B967E29C5EBC78575568B4CA648C790A0897D391495887863F85A910905CDBA04A7F8B9D9D57F7EFA835523BE8AF`
SSDEEP	`12288:LB6L/iEapA3fCxZJUlZDWuiIUjdZaNu76w4eGK2Tjo/:0DPaK62QCk7p4eGh3o`
IMP	`A5F3EBEF8618DCA7C7ACCF623BABBB86`
PESHA1	`6632D5C085634466C426C6C9D76B01CCB6D8ABBE`
PE256	`1024DE27675C11D4A1F6313F24882CC7A83CF74209B02ADF16BE43ECB5F79F34`

Runtime Data

Loaded Modules:

Path
C:\Windows\System32\advapi32.dll
C:\Windows\System32\bcryptPrimitives.dll
C:\Windows\System32\combase.dll
C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\dwminit.dll
C:\Windows\System32\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\Windows\System32\KERNELBASE.dll
C:\Windows\System32\msvcrt.dll
C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\ntdll.dll
C:\Windows\System32\powrprof.dll
C:\Windows\System32\RPCRT4.dll
C:\Windows\System32\sechost.dll
C:\Windows\System32\ucrtbase.dll
C:\Windows\system32\winlogon.exe

Signature

Status: Signature verified.
Serial: 3300000266BD1580EFA75CD6D3000000000266
Thumbprint: A4341B9FD50FB9964283220A36A1EF6F6FAA7840
Issuer: CN=Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011, O=Microsoft Corporation, L=Redmond, S=Washington, C=US
Subject: CN=Microsoft Windows, O=Microsoft Corporation, L=Redmond, S=Washington, C=US

File Metadata

Original Filename: WINLOGON.EXE.MUI
Product Name: Microsoft Windows Operating System
Company Name: Microsoft Corporation
File Version: 10.0.17763.1 (WinBuild.160101.0800)
Product Version: 10.0.17763.1
Language: English (United States)
Legal Copyright: Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Machine Type: 64-bit

File Scan

VirusTotal Detections: 0/71
VirusTotal Link: https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/290c8c4b387b669b3988938d0083aa4b210365fb0855eae010f49062a9ddeb04/detection/

Possible Misuse

The following table contains possible examples of winlogon.exe being misused. While winlogon.exe is not inherently malicious, its legitimate functionality can be abused for malicious purposes.

Source	Source File	Example	License
sigma	sysmon_suspicious_remote_thread.yml	`- '\winlogon.exe'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	file_event_win_creation_system_file.yml	`- '\winlogon.exe'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	posh_ps_winlogon_helper_dll.yml	`title: Winlogon Helper DLL`	DRL 1.0
sigma	posh_ps_winlogon_helper_dll.yml	description: Winlogon.exe is a Windows component responsible for actions at logon/logoff as well as the secure attention sequence (SAS) triggered by Ctrl-Alt-Delete. Registry entries in HKLM\Software[Wow6432Node]Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\ and HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\ are used to manage additional helper programs and functionalities that support Winlogon. Malicious modifications to these Registry keys may cause Winlogon to load and execute malicious DLLs and/or executables.	DRL 1.0
sigma	posh_ps_winlogon_helper_dll.yml	`ScriptBlockText\\|contains: 'CurrentVersion\Winlogon'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	proc_creation_win_abusing_debug_privilege.yml	`- '\winlogon.exe'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	proc_creation_win_lolbin_wlrmdr.yml	`ParentImage: 'C:\Windows\System32\winlogon.exe'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	proc_creation_win_proc_wrong_parent.yml	`- '\winlogon.exe'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	proc_creation_win_query_registry.yml	`- 'winlogon\'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	proc_creation_win_stickykey_like_backdoor.yml	`ParentImage\\|endswith: '\winlogon.exe'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	proc_creation_win_susp_direct_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Userinit'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	proc_creation_win_susp_direct_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	proc_creation_win_system_exe_anomaly.yml	`- '\winlogon.exe'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\Winlogon\VmApplet'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\Winlogon\Userinit'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\Winlogon\Taskman'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\Winlogon\Shell'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\Winlogon\GpExtensions'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\Winlogon\AppSetup'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification.yml	`- '\Winlogon\AlternateShells\AvailableShells'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification_currentversion_nt.yml	`- '\Winlogon\VmApplet'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification_currentversion_nt.yml	`- '\Winlogon\Userinit'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification_currentversion_nt.yml	`- '\Winlogon\Taskman'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification_currentversion_nt.yml	`- '\Winlogon\Shell'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification_currentversion_nt.yml	`- '\Winlogon\GpExtensions'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification_currentversion_nt.yml	`- '\Winlogon\AppSetup'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_asep_reg_keys_modification_currentversion_nt.yml	`- '\Winlogon\AlternateShells\AvailableShells'`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_winlogon_notify_key.yml	`title: Winlogon Notify Key Logon Persistence`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_winlogon_notify_key.yml	`Adversaries may abuse features of Winlogon to execute DLLs and/or executables when a user logs in.`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_winlogon_notify_key.yml	`Winlogon.exe is a Windows component responsible for actions at logon/logoff as well as the secure attention sequence (SAS) triggered by Ctrl-Alt-Delete.`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_winlogon_notify_key.yml	`- https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/master/atomics/T1547.004/T1547.004.md#atomic-test-3---winlogon-notify-key-logon-persistence---powershell`	DRL 1.0
sigma	registry_event_winlogon_notify_key.yml	`TargetObject\\|endswith: '\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify\logon'`	DRL 1.0
malware-ioc	misp_invisimole.json	"description": "Adding an entry to the \"run keys\" in the Registry or startup folder will cause the program referenced to be executed when a user logs in. (Citation: Microsoft Run Key) These programs will be executed under the context of the user and will have the account's associated permissions level.\n\nThe following run keys are created by default on Windows systems:\n* <code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run</code>\n* <code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnce</code>\n* <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run</code>\n* <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnce</code>\n\nThe <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnceEx</code> is also available but is not created by default on Windows Vista and newer. Registry run key entries can reference programs directly or list them as a dependency. (Citation: Microsoft RunOnceEx APR 2018) For example, it is possible to load a DLL at logon using a \"Depend\" key with RunOnceEx: <code>reg add HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnceEx\\0001\\Depend /v 1 /d \"C:\\temp\\evil[.]dll\"</code> (Citation: Oddvar Moe RunOnceEx Mar 2018)\n\nThe following Registry keys can be used to set startup folder items for persistence:\n* <code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\User Shell Folders</code>\n* <code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Shell Folders</code>\n* <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Shell Folders</code>\n* <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\User Shell Folders</code>\n\nThe following Registry keys can control automatic startup of services during boot:\n* <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunServicesOnce</code>\n* <code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunServicesOnce</code>\n* <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunServices</code>\n* <code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunServices</code>\n\nUsing policy settings to specify startup programs creates corresponding values in either of two Registry keys:\n* <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer\\Run</code>\n* <code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer\\Run</code>\n\nThe Winlogon key controls actions that occur when a user logs on to a computer running Windows 7. Most of these actions are under the control of the operating system, but you can also add custom actions here. The <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon\\Userinit</code> and <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon\\Shell</code> subkeys can automatically launch programs.\n\nPrograms listed in the load value of the registry key <code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Windows</code> run when any user logs on.\n\nBy default, the multistring BootExecute value of the registry key <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Session Manager</code> is set to autocheck autochk *. This value causes Windows, at startup, to check the file-system integrity of the hard disks if the system has been shut down abnormally. Adversaries can add other programs or processes to this registry value which will automatically launch at boot.\n\n\nAdversaries can use these configuration locations to execute malware, such as remote access tools, to maintain persistence through system reboots. Adversaries may also use [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) to make the Registry entries look as if they are associated with legitimate programs.",	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	rtm	`%PROGRAMDATA%\Winlogon\winlogon.lnk`	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	rtm	`%PROGRAMDATA%\Winlogon\*.dtt`	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	rtm	`Windows Update = rundll32.exe "%PROGRAMDATA%\Winlogon\winlogon.lnk",DllGetClassObject host`	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	rtm	`=== Main DLL (winlogon.lnk)`	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	rtm	`Winlogon`	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	rtm	`\\winlogon.lnk`	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	rtm	`SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon`	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	misp-xdspy-event.json	`"value": "%APPDATA%\\WINinit\\WINlogon.exe",`	© ESET 2014-2018
malware-ioc	xdspy	`*` ++%APPDATA%\WINinit\WINlogon.exe++``{:.highlight .language-cmhg}	© ESET 2014-2018
atomic-red-team	index.md	- T1547.004 Winlogon Helper DLL	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	index.md	- Atomic Test #1: Winlogon Shell Key Persistence - PowerShell [windows]	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	index.md	- Atomic Test #2: Winlogon Userinit Key Persistence - PowerShell [windows]	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	index.md	- Atomic Test #3: Winlogon Notify Key Logon Persistence - PowerShell [windows]	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	windows-index.md	- T1547.004 Winlogon Helper DLL	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	windows-index.md	- Atomic Test #1: Winlogon Shell Key Persistence - PowerShell [windows]	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	windows-index.md	- Atomic Test #2: Winlogon Userinit Key Persistence - PowerShell [windows]	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	windows-index.md	- Atomic Test #3: Winlogon Notify Key Logon Persistence - PowerShell [windows]	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	matrix.md	\| \| \| Systemd Service \| Winlogon Helper DLL \| Pass the Ticket \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \|	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	matrix.md	\| \| \| Winlogon Helper DLL \| \| Process Hollowing \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \|	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	windows-matrix.md	\| \| \| Shortcut Modification \| Winlogon Helper DLL \| Odbcconf \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \|	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	windows-matrix.md	\| \| \| Winlogon Helper DLL \| \| Portable Executable Injection CONTRIBUTE A TEST \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \|	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1012.md	reg query “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify”	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1012.md	reg query “HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Userinit”	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1012.md	reg query “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell”	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1012.md	reg query “HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell”	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.001.md	The Winlogon key controls actions that occur when a user logs on to a computer running Windows 7. Most of these actions are under the control of the operating system, but you can also add custom actions here. The `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Userinit` and `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell` subkeys can automatically launch programs.	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	# T1547.004 - Winlogon Helper DLL	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	<blockquote>Adversaries may abuse features of Winlogon to execute DLLs and/or executables when a user logs in. Winlogon.exe is a Windows component responsible for actions at logon/logoff as well as the secure attention sequence (SAS) triggered by Ctrl-Alt-Delete. Registry entries in `HKLM\Software[\\Wow6432Node\\]\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\` and `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\` are used to manage additional helper programs and functionalities that support Winlogon. (Citation: Cylance Reg Persistence Sept 2013)	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	Malicious modifications to these Registry keys may cause Winlogon to load and execute malicious DLLs and/or executables. Specifically, the following subkeys have been known to be possibly vulnerable to abuse: (Citation: Cylance Reg Persistence Sept 2013)	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	* Winlogon\Notify - points to notification package DLLs that handle Winlogon events	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	* Winlogon\Userinit - points to userinit.exe, the user initialization program executed when a user logs on	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	* Winlogon\Shell - points to explorer.exe, the system shell executed when a user logs on	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	- Atomic Test #1 - Winlogon Shell Key Persistence - PowerShell	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	- Atomic Test #2 - Winlogon Userinit Key Persistence - PowerShell	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	- Atomic Test #3 - Winlogon Notify Key Logon Persistence - PowerShell	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	## Atomic Test #1 - Winlogon Shell Key Persistence - PowerShell	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	PowerShell code to set Winlogon shell key to execute a binary at logon along with explorer.exe.	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	Set-ItemProperty “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" “Shell” “explorer.exe, #{binary_to_execute}” -Force	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	Remove-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" -Name “Shell” -Force -ErrorAction Ignore	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	## Atomic Test #2 - Winlogon Userinit Key Persistence - PowerShell	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	PowerShell code to set Winlogon userinit key to execute a binary at logon along with userinit.exe.	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	Set-ItemProperty “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" “Userinit” “Userinit.exe, #{binary_to_execute}” -Force	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	Remove-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" -Name “Userinit” -Force -ErrorAction Ignore	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	## Atomic Test #3 - Winlogon Notify Key Logon Persistence - PowerShell	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	PowerShell code to set Winlogon Notify key to execute a notification package DLL at logon.	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	New-Item “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify” -Force	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	Set-ItemProperty “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify” “logon” “#{binary_to_execute}” -Force	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team	T1547.004.md	Remove-Item “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify” -Force -ErrorAction Ignore	MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
signature-base	apt_codoso.yar	$s3 = “SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify” fullword ascii /* Goodware String - occured 10 times */	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	apt_codoso.yar	$s10 = “winlogon” fullword ascii /* Goodware String - occured 4 times */	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	apt_keyboys.yar	$x4 = “reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" /v SFCDisable /t REG_DWORD /d 4 /f” fullword ascii	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	apt_poisonivy.yar	$s3 = “winlogon.exe” fullword ascii /* PEStudio Blacklist: strings / / score: ‘5’ / / Goodware String - occured 13 times */	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	apt_sofacy_cannon.yar	$s3 = “Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon"” fullword wide	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	apt_volatile_cedar.yar	$s9 = “WinAutologon From Winlogon Reg” fullword ascii	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	cn_pentestset_tools.yar	$s0 = “SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify\%s” fullword ascii /* PEStudio Blacklist: strings */	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	generic_anomalies.yar	description = “Detects uncommon file size of winlogon.exe”	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	generic_anomalies.yar	and filename == “winlogon.exe”	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	thor-hacktools.yar	$s2 = “[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]” fullword ascii	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	thor_inverse_matches.yar	description = “Anomaly rule looking for certain strings in a system file (maybe false positive on certain systems) - file winlogon.exe”	CC BY-NC 4.0
signature-base	thor_inverse_matches.yar	filename == “winlogon.exe”	CC BY-NC 4.0