huntrule

PowerShell Module: Obfuscated MSHTA Invocation via VBS CreateObject

Alerts when PowerShell module payload text includes an obfuscated MSHTA/VBScript invocation sequence.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v2
Product
windows
Category
ps_module
Author
Nikita Nazarov, oscd.community (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2020-10-08
Updated
2026-07-31
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule identifies PowerShell module usage containing a specific obfuscated execution pattern that invokes mshta via VBScript CreateObject. Attackers often combine these elements to hide intent while triggering external script execution and rapid payload closure. It relies on PowerShell module telemetry by matching the presence of multiple required string fragments within the same payload.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1027 — drag to rearrange
Suspicious PowerShell Invoke-Expression with Replace Obfuscation
Malicious Emmenhtal JavaScript Loader Spawning Encoded PowerShell
Suspicious Python Interpreter Launching Encoded PowerShell via subprocess
Suspicious PS1Bot PowerShell Payload Written to ProgramData (via file_event)
Malicious Non-Interactive Encoded PowerShell Stager (via process_creation)
Suspicious Hidden PowerShell Executing Substring of Dropped File
PowerShell Encoded or Download-Cradle Command Line (via process_creation)
Obfuscated Encoded PowerShell Payload Deployed - PowerShell (via powershell)
Suspicious PowerShell AES Decryption and Reflective Method Invocation in SolarMarker
PowerShell Module: Obfuscated MSHTA Invocation via VBS CreateObject
Pivot detection · T1027 · 9 related

Changelog

v2
  1. v2
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  2. v1
    No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.