NtQueryInformationProcess

NtQueryInformationProcess is a native Windows API function that allows a process to query information about another process. It is part of the Native NT API and is typically called from kernel-mode drivers or advanced user-mode applications that directly interact with the operating system kernel. The function takes a process handle and a process information class as input, and returns a buffer containing the requested information.

The process information classes define the type of data that can be retrieved. Common classes include ProcessBasicInformation, which returns general process details like process ID, parent process ID, and bitness; ProcessCommandLine, which retrieves the command line used to launch the process; and ProcessEnvironment, which fetches the process's environment variables. Other classes can provide information about memory usage, handles, security context, and more.

NtQueryInformationProcess is a powerful tool for system monitoring, debugging, and security analysis. It is often used by anti-malware software to detect malicious processes by examining their behavior and attributes. However, due to its low-level nature and the potential for misuse, it is generally not recommended for use in standard application development. Access to this function is restricted, and incorrect usage can lead to system instability or security vulnerabilities. Developers usually interact with higher-level Win32 APIs, which abstract away the complexities of the Native NT API.