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Print Spooler Failed to Load a Plug-in

Splunk Security Content

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Summary
This detection rule identifies potential exploitation attempts related to the Print Spooler service on Windows systems, particularly linked to the CVE-2021-34527 vulnerability, also known as PrintNightmare. The rule analyzes specific error messages in the Windows PrintService Admin logs, focusing on error codes and event identifiers that signal failures in loading plug-in modules, such as 'meterpreter.dll'. It activates on conditions where the Print Spooler reports an error with code 0x45A. Such incidents are critical as they may indicate an unauthorized attempt to execute code on the system, leading to a possible compromise. This detection employs event codes 808 and 4909, leveraging their associated logs to trigger alerts upon detecting these anomalies. Confirming such alerts is essential because, if valid, they could point to active exploitation by attackers aiming to manipulate the Print Spooler for malicious ends.
Categories
  • Endpoint
Data Sources
  • Windows Registry
  • Logon Session
  • Application Log
  • Windows Registry
ATT&CK Techniques
  • T1547.012
  • T1547
Created: 2024-11-13