wudfhost.exeSYSTEM PROCESSwudfhost.exe - Windows Driver Foundation Host Security Analysis
wudfhost.exe (Windows User-mode Driver Framework Host) hosts **user-mode device drivers** that run outside the kernel for improved stability. It manages USB devices, sensors, and portable devices using UMDF drivers. While less commonly abused than other system processes, attackers may **masquerade malware** using this trusted process name.
Risk Summary
MEDIUM priority for SOC triage. wudfhost.exe is a legitimate driver host process running as LOCAL SERVICE. Monitor for instances outside System32, unexpected parent processes, or unusual numbers of instances which may indicate masquerading.
Overview
What is wudfhost.exe?
wudfhost.exe (Windows User-mode Driver Framework Host) runs user-mode device drivers in a protected host process.
Core Functions
Driver Hosting:
- Hosts UMDF (User-Mode Driver Framework) drivers
- Manages driver lifecycle
- Provides driver isolation from kernel
Device Support:
- USB devices
- Portable devices (MTP/PTP)
- Sensors and biometric devices
- Some network adapters
Security Benefits
- Kernel Protection: Driver crashes don't BSOD
- Isolation: Drivers run in separate processes
- Stability: Failed drivers can restart
Security Concerns
- Multiple Instances: Normal to have several
- Process Masquerading: Name may be impersonated
Normal Behavior
Normal Behavior
Expected Process State
| Property | Expected Value |
|---|---|
| Path | C:\Windows\System32\WUDFHost.exe |
| Parent | svchost.exe (WudfSvc) |
| Instances | Multiple (1 per driver group) |
| User | NT AUTHORITY\LOCAL SERVICE |
| Network | Usually none |
| Memory | 2-10 MB per instance |
Process Hierarchy
svchost.exe (WudfSvc)
├── WUDFHost.exe (driver group 1)
├── WUDFHost.exe (driver group 2)
└── WUDFHost.exe (driver group 3)
Normal Command Line
C:\Windows\System32\WUDFHost.exe -HostGUID:{...} -DeviceGroupId:...
Common Locations
C:\Windows\System32\WUDFHost.exeSuspicious Indicators
Legitimate vs Suspicious
LEGITIMATE
Path: C:\Windows\System32\WUDFHost.exe
Parent: svchost.exe (WudfSvc)
User: NT AUTHORITY\LOCAL SERVICE
Command: -HostGUID:{...}
Network: Typically none
SUSPICIOUS
Path: C:\Windows\WUDFHost.exe
C:\Temp\WUDFHost.exe
Parent: explorer.exe, cmd.exe
User: Standard user, Administrator
Command: No -HostGUID parameter
Network: Outbound connections
Comparison Table
| Indicator | Legitimate | Suspicious | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Path | System32 | Elsewhere | CRITICAL |
| Parent | svchost.exe | Other | HIGH |
| User | LOCAL SERVICE | Other | HIGH |
| Network | None/minimal | C2 traffic | CRITICAL |
Abuse Techniques
Attack Techniques
Technique #1: Process Masquerading (T1036.005)
Dropping malware named WUDFHost.exe to blend with legitimate instances.
Malicious Locations:
C:\Windows\WUDFHost.exe
C:\Users\Public\WUDFHost.exe
%TEMP%\WUDFHost.exe
Technique #2: DLL Side-Loading (T1574.002)
Placing malicious DLL where WUDFHost.exe loads dependencies.
Technique #3: Service Manipulation
Modifying WudfSvc service to point to malicious binary.
Detection Guidance
Detection Strategies
Priority #1: Path Verification
Process = "WUDFHost.exe" AND
Path != "C:\Windows\System32\WUDFHost.exe"
→ ALERT: CRITICAL
PowerShell Check:
Get-Process WUDFHost -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | ForEach-Object {
if ($_.Path -ne "C:\Windows\System32\WUDFHost.exe") {
Write-Warning "SUSPICIOUS WUDFHost: $($_.Path)"
}
}
Priority #2: Parent Process Validation
Process = "WUDFHost.exe" AND
Parent != "svchost.exe"
→ ALERT: HIGH
Priority #3: User Context Check
Process = "WUDFHost.exe" AND
User != "NT AUTHORITY\LOCAL SERVICE"
→ ALERT: HIGH
Remediation Steps
Protection and Remediation
Defense: File Integrity Monitoring
Monitor System32\WUDFHost.exe for modifications.
Defense: Process Monitoring
Alert on WUDFHost.exe from non-standard paths.
If Compromise Suspected
- Identify all WUDFHost.exe instances
- Verify each instance's path
- Compare hash with known-good Microsoft binary
- Check parent process chain
- Review loaded drivers
- Analyze network connections
Investigation Checklist
Investigation Checklist
- Verify all instances from C:\Windows\System32
- Confirm parent is svchost.exe (WudfSvc)
- Check running as LOCAL SERVICE
- Review command line for -HostGUID parameter
- Compare file hash with known-good
- Check for WUDFHost.exe in other locations
- Review network activity
- Examine loaded modules/DLLs