> 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/phantom-dll-loading.md).
# Phantom DLL Loading
### 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 | DLL Hijacking Analytics |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Execution (TA0002) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Hijack Execution Flow: DLL (T1574.001) |
| Severity | Medium |
### Description
An attacker might leverage existing processes missing module loads to load malicious code into trusted processes.
### Attacker's Goals
An attacker is attempting to load untrusted code into trusted contexts to avoid detection, persist or escalate privileges.
### Investigative actions
Investigate the loaded module and verify if it is malicious.
### Variations
Phantom DLL Loading was used to load a DLL into a process after it was extracted from an internet-downloaded archive
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Execution (TA0002) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Hijack Execution Flow: DLL (T1574.001) |
| Severity | High |
**Description**
An attacker might leverage existing processes missing module loads to load malicious code into trusted processes.
**Attacker's Goals**
An attacker is attempting to load untrusted code into trusted contexts to avoid detection, persist or escalate privileges.
**Investigative actions**
Investigate the loaded module and verify if it is malicious.
Phantom DLL Loading was used to load a DLL into a process after it was downloaded from an uncommon source
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Execution (TA0002) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Hijack Execution Flow: DLL (T1574.001) |
| Severity | High |
**Description**
An attacker might leverage existing processes missing module loads to load malicious code into trusted processes.
**Attacker's Goals**
An attacker is attempting to load untrusted code into trusted contexts to avoid detection, persist or escalate privileges.
**Investigative actions**
Investigate the loaded module and verify if it is malicious.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/phantom-dll-loading.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.