AppLocker: EXE or DLL blocked from running

// EVENT DEFINITION:

An executable or DLL binary was blocked from execution by AppLocker application control rules.

// DETAILED TELEMETRY & CONTEXT:

Event ID 8004 (`Microsoft-Windows-AppLocker/EXE and DLL`) records when AppLocker blocks an unauthorized executable or DLL (`FilePath`, `RuleName: Deny`). High-priority alert indicating that a user or automated malware payload attempted to launch unapproved software.

[ ! ]Failure Reason / Root Cause Analysis

Binary execution blocked by AppLocker enforcement (`FilePath` denied by rule).

Operational Metadata & Applicability

Log Category:AppLocker

Audit Type Classification:Failure Audit

Supported Operating Systems:Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 / Windows Client 10, 11 (Enterprise / Pro)

Threat Hunting Keywords:

8004applocker blockedexe blocked from runningapplication control blockmalware blocked

MITRE ATT&CK Framework Alignment

T1204.002

User Execution: Malicious FileTactic: Execution

T1553

Subvert Trust ControlsTactic: Defense Evasion

Mitigation Playbook & Recommended SOC Actions

•Inspect `FilePath` and `Full File Hash`. Retrieve the blocked binary from the endpoint to analyze whether it represents malware, unauthorized portable utilities, or a legitimate software update.

Representative Windows Event XML Schema

<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
  <System>
    <Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Security-Auditing" Guid="{54849625-5478-4994-A5BA-3E3B0328C30D}" />
    <EventID>8004</EventID>
    <Version>0</Version>
    <Level>0</Level>
    <Task>12544</Task>
    <Opcode>0</Opcode>
    <Keywords>0x8020000000000000</Keywords>
    <TimeCreated SystemTime="2026-07-17T09:54:44.370Z" />
    <EventRecordID>1048576</EventRecordID>
    <Correlation />
    <Execution ProcessID="612" ThreadID="1024" />
    <Channel>Security</Channel>
    <Computer>DC01.enterprise.internal</Computer>
    <Security />
  </System>
  <EventData>
    <Data Name="SubjectUserSid">S-1-5-18</Data>
    <Data Name="SubjectUserName">SYSTEM</Data>
    <Data Name="SubjectDomainName">NT AUTHORITY</Data>
    <Data Name="SubjectLogonId">0x3e7</Data>
    <!-- Event telemetry fields specific to AppLocker: EXE or DLL blocked from running -->
  </EventData>
</Event>

Correlated / Related Security Event IDs

Need to export or view this event without styling/layout wrappers?

Open Simple Plain Detail Page →

ADVERTISEMENT / SPONSORED RESERVATION (728x90)