PowerShell Script Block Obfuscation via cmd/clipboard and clip.exe execution

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.001PowerShell
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1027Obfuscated Files or Information
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule identifies obfuscated PowerShell script block content that uses cmd.exe with /c or /r to run clip.exe (or clip) and includes clipboard-related string formatting patterns. Attackers may use this technique to execute commands indirectly and hide intent within heavily obfuscated script text. The detection relies on PowerShell Script Block Logging telemetry to match the specific obfuscation and clip/clipboard execution pattern.

Reporting behind it

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PowerShell Script Block Obfuscation via cmd/clipboard and clip.exe execution

Pivot detection · T1027 · 9 related

Changelog

v2

v2
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
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.

powershell-obfuscated-clip-exe-launcher-via-command-clipboard-execution-73e67340

title: PowerShell Script Block Obfuscation via cmd/clipboard and clip.exe execution
id: 96670d2c-a77f-481e-8d47-e3040aef3156
status: test
description: This rule identifies obfuscated PowerShell script block content that uses cmd.exe with /c or /r to run clip.exe (or clip) and includes clipboard-related string formatting patterns. Attackers may use this technique to execute commands indirectly and hide intent within heavily obfuscated script text. The detection relies on PowerShell Script Block Logging telemetry to match the specific obfuscation and clip/clipboard execution pattern.
references:
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/powershell/powershell_script/posh_ps_invoke_obfuscation_clip.yml
author: Jonathan Cheong, oscd.community, Huntrule Team
date: 2020-10-13
modified: 2024-04-05
tags:
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1027
  - attack.execution
  - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
  product: windows
  category: ps_script
  definition: "Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled"
detection:
  selection_4104:
    ScriptBlockText|re: cmd.{0,5}(?:/c|/r).+clip(?:\.exe)?.{0,4}&&.+clipboard]::\(\s\\"\{\d\}.+-f.+"
  condition: selection_4104
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: high
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 73e67340-0d25-11eb-adc1-0242ac120002
    type: derived

Convert

This rule as a query you can run. Uses no unlock credit.

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