Possible PowerShell Execution Policy Manipulation (via registry_set)

title: Possible PowerShell Execution Policy Manipulation (via registry_set)
id: cfcdf8ac-717a-5b04-8e8c-fdc9660dd9bc
status: stable
description: This rule detects changes to the PowerShell execution policy to bypass signing requirements for script execution
references:
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/set-executionpolicy?view=powershell-7.3
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-02-04
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.defense-evasion
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|endswith:
            - '\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell\ExecutionPolicy'
            - '\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\PowerShell\ExecutionPolicy'
        Details|contains:
            - 'Bypass'
            - 'Unrestricted'
    filter_main_svchost:
        Image|contains:
            - ':\Windows\System32\'
            - ':\Windows\SysWOW64\'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium