Proxy Execution via MSBuild Running Inline Task XML
- Product
- windows
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-09-13
- Updated
- 2026-09-13
ATT&CK techniques
Execution → Defense EvasionRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects msbuild.exe executing a standalone .xml project file, the NOOPLDR loading technique used in Cuckoo Spear to run inline C# tasks and evade application control. MSBuild consuming a loose XML file rather than a solution or project is a common trusted-developer-utility abuse pattern.
Reporting behind it
Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.
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