> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/execution-of-dllhost-exe-with-an-empty-command-line.md).

# Execution of dllhost.exe with an empty command line

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                 |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                               |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                               |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                    |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                 |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent                             |
| Detector Tags        | LOLBIN Execution Analytics            |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Defense Evasion (TA0005)              |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | System Binary Proxy Execution (T1218) |
| Severity             | Low                                   |

### Description

The process dllhost.exe was executed with an empty command line. This behavior is suspicious, and may be caused by a malicious actor using 'Image File Execution Options' in the registry to evade detection.

### Attacker's Goals

Evade detection when running suspicious commands.

### Investigative actions

* Check if an entry for dllhost.exe was added in the registry, under HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Execution of unsigned dllhost from a non-typical path with empty command line</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Defense Evasion (TA0005)                             |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Masquerading: Masquerade Task or Service (T1036.004) |
| Severity          | High                                                 |

**Description**

An unsigned process was executed with the name dllhost.exe from a non-typical path, this behavior is suspicious and maybe performed by a malicious actor in an attempt to hide their actions.

**Attacker's Goals**

Evade detection when performing suspicious actions.

**Investigative actions**

* Review actions performed by the executed process and the causality owner, and check if they are suspicious.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Globally uncommon execution of dllhost.exe with an empty command line</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                 |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Defense Evasion (TA0005)              |
| ATT\&CK Technique | System Binary Proxy Execution (T1218) |
| Severity          | Low                                   |

**Description**

The process dllhost.exe was executed with an empty command line. This behavior is suspicious, and may be caused by a malicious actor using 'Image File Execution Options' in the registry to evade detection.

**Attacker's Goals**

Evade detection when running suspicious commands.

**Investigative actions**

* Check if an entry for dllhost.exe was added in the registry, under HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options.

</details>


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