---
title: Windows explorer executable modified
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
breadcrumbs: Docs > Datadog Security > OOTB Rules > Windows explorer executable modified
---

# Windows explorer executable modified
Classification:attackTactic:[TA0003-persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003)Technique:[T1036-masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) 
## What happened{% #what-happened %}

`{{ @process.executable.name }}` modified `{{ @file.path }}`, potentially to hide malware as a legitimate program.

## Goal{% #goal %}

Detect modifications of the Windows explorer executable.

## Strategy{% #strategy %}

Various compliance frameworks, including PCI DSS, SOC, and CIS, require monitoring of critical system and configuration files. Microsoft recommends the monitoring of the Windows explorer executable located at 'C:\Windows\explorer.exe' based on known attack patterns.

## Triage and response{% #triage-and-response %}

1. Identify which user or process modified the file.
1. If these changes were not authorized, and you cannot confirm the safety of the changes, roll back the host to an acceptable configuration.

*Requires Agent version 7.54 or later*