Query Details

Rule: Suspicious CLFS Driver Load

Suspicious CLFS Driver Load

Query

DeviceImageLoadEvents
| where FileName endswith "clfs.sys"
| where not( FolderPath startswith @"C:\Windows\System32\drivers\" )

About this query

Explanation

This query is designed to detect potentially suspicious activity related to the loading of the CLFS (Common Log File System) driver on Windows systems. Here's a simple breakdown:

  1. Purpose: The query aims to identify instances where the CLFS driver (clfs.sys) is loaded from an unusual or unexpected location. This could indicate malicious activity, such as attempts to manipulate kernel modules or maintain persistence on a system.

  2. How It Works:

    • It looks at DeviceImageLoadEvents, which are events that track when and where system drivers and other images are loaded.
    • It specifically filters for events where the file name is clfs.sys.
    • It flags these events if the driver is not loaded from the standard, trusted directory (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\). Loading from a different directory might suggest tampering or unauthorized use.
  3. Why It's Important: The CLFS driver is a critical component for managing log files in Windows. If it's loaded from an unexpected location, it could be a sign of a security breach at the kernel level, which is serious because it can allow attackers to hide their activities or maintain control over a system.

  4. Considerations:

    • You might need to adjust the query to exclude legitimate paths specific to your environment to avoid false positives.
    • This detection is part of broader security monitoring efforts to catch early signs of exploitation and respond quickly.
  5. Tags and Context: The query is associated with Windows security, image load events, and potential kernel module manipulation. It also references a specific CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) identifier, suggesting it may be related to a known vulnerability.

Details

Ali Hussein profile picture

Ali Hussein

Released: February 25, 2025

Tables

DeviceImageLoadEvents

Keywords

DeviceImageLoadEventsWindowsSecuritySuspiciousDriverKernelModuleManipulationPersistenceCLFS

Operators

endswithnotstartswith

Actions

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