SYMBOLCOMMON_NAMEaka. SYNONYMS
win.dpapi_loader (Back to overview)

DPAPILoader

Actor(s): Lazarus Group


According to Fox-IT, DPAPILoader is a loader implemented as a DLL that decrypts an encrypted payload from disk using DPAPI and then loads it into memory, enabling persistence by starting at boot as a legitimate-appearing service. It uses environment-bound encryption and obfuscation (DPAPI keys tied to the user and a fixed XOR) to tie the payload to the victim and hinder static analysis. The loader then hands off to a second-stage loader, RemotePELoader, as part of a multi-stage chain designed to minimize on-disk artifacts and maximize stealth.

References
2026-05-22Fox-ITMick Koomen, Yun Zheng Hu
RemotePE: The Lazarus RAT that lives in memory
DPAPILoader RemotePE

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