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Process Hollowing

Process Hollowing: Code injection technique in which the content of a legitimate process is replaced by malicious code. Defense requires robust preventionPreventionMeasures intended to stop security incidents or attacks before they occur., meaningful loggingLoggingThe recording of security-relevant events so activity can be monitored, investigated, and audited., timely detectionDetectionThe capability to identify suspicious activity, attacks, or policy violations in time., and clearly defined response measures.

How it works and where it fits

Technically, Process Hollowing describes an attack path or a concrete method rather than a single suspicious event. A sound assessment separates prerequisites, entry point, objective, intermediate steps, and expected effect. The same technique can produce very different outcomes depending on system architecture, available privileges, exposure, and existing safeguards.

Practical security relevance

In practice, both preventive measures and observable traces matter. Secure configuration, restricted privileges, robust input and identity checks, and telemetry at affected trust boundaries all contribute. A single indicator rarely proves an attack; reliable detection, containment, and remediation require the combined context of timing, source, target, and observed impact.

  • MalwareMalwareUmbrella term for software with malicious or unwanted functionality.: Umbrella term for software with malicious or unwanted functionality.
  • Trojan HorseTrojan HorseMalware that masquerades as legitimate or useful software.: Malware that masquerades as legitimate or useful software.
  • Application SecurityApplication SecurityProtects software against vulnerabilities during development, operation, and maintenance.: Protects software against vulnerabilities during development, operation, and maintenance.
  • Command and ControlCommand and ControlCommunication infrastructure used by attackers to control compromised systems.: Communication infrastructure used by attackers to control compromised systems.

Related terms