Binary used for managing files and system components within Windows
explorer.exe C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe
Execute notepad.exe with the parent process spawning from a new instance of explorer.exe
Performs execution of specified file with explorer parent process breaking the process tree, can be used for defense evasion.
C:\Windows\explorer.exe, C:\Windows\SysWOW64\explorer.exe
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.
Jai Minton (@CyberRaiju), Jimmy (@bohops)