
Summary
This detection rule monitors the DNS queries made by the Notepad++ updater (gup.exe) to identify any requests directed towards domains that are not recognized as part of the legitimate update infrastructure for the software. The aim is to uncover potential misuse of the updater mechanism or any suspicious network activities that could indicate exploitation attempts or malware infiltration. The detection relies on filtering out known legitimate domains related to Notepad++ and its repositories on SourceForge and GitHub. If the DNS query does not match any of these known good domains, it triggers an alert, warranting investigation into the nature of the request. The rule addresses security concerns highlighted in various reports regarding the updater being targeted for malicious purposes, emphasizing the need for vigilance in monitoring software updates and their network interactions.
Categories
- Network
- Endpoint
- Windows
Data Sources
- Network Traffic
- Process
Created: 2026-02-02