Skip to content

5037 The Windows Firewall Driver detected a critical runtime error and is terminating

Written when the Windows Firewall driver detects a critical runtime error and terminates. It indicates filtering stopped abnormally.

Overview

The subcategory is Audit Other System Events. It is generated when the firewall kernel driver detects a critical error during execution and terminates itself.

How it is triggered

  • An abnormal termination due to a critical internal error or memory corruption during driver execution.

Security review points

  • Abnormal termination of the driver means filtering stops. Like stop 5034, it creates an interval where defenses are inactive, so investigate the cause.
  • A kernel-level fault can indicate an attack on or destruction of the driver, or a serious system malfunction. Investigate together with surrounding system events.

Notes for log review

  • It is rare but serious. When it occurs, check the state of the driver and kernel and the defensive gap during that time.
  • Check whether recovery via successful start 5033 occurred.

Key fields

FieldMeaning
Error informationThe nature of the critical error

References