PowerShell runs suspicious base64-encoded commands

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

Execution (TA0002)

ATT&CK Technique

Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell (T1059.001)

Severity

Medium

Description

Running PowerShell with a base64-encoded payload in the command line is often used by attackers to evade detection.

Attacker's Goals

Run code to perform actions or download other malicious programs.

Investigative actions

  • Check if the initiator process is malicious.
  • Check for other operations by the PowerShell instance.