Indirect command execution using the Program Compatibility Assistant

Cortex XDR Analytics Alert Reference by data source

Product
Cortex XDR
Last date published
2024-12-03
Category
Analytics Alert Reference
Order
data source

Synopsis

Activation Period

14 Days

Training Period

30 Days

Test Period

N/A (single event)

Deduplication Period

1 Day

Required Data

  • Requires:
    • XDR Agent

Detection Modules

Detector Tags

ATT&CK Tactic

Defense Evasion (TA0005)

ATT&CK Technique

Indirect Command Execution (T1202)

Severity

Medium

Description

Pcalua.exe (Program Compatibility Assistant) is used for running old programs that have compatibility issues. Attackers can use pcalua.exe to indirectly execute their malicious programs.

Attacker's Goals

Evading detection by indirectly executing their malicious programs.

Investigative actions

Check whether the executing process is benign, and if this was a desired behavior as part of its normal execution flow.