Suspicious Powershell Execute Batch Script (via ps_script)

title: Suspicious Powershell Execute Batch Script (via ps_script)
id: 0016a93a-74fe-5cd5-ad72-b8df263d4e3a
status: stable
description: 'This rule detects threat actors may misuse the Windows command shell for execution. The Windows command shell ([cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106)) is the primary command prompt on Windows systems. The Windows command prompt can be leveraged to control almost any aspect of a system, with various permission levels required for different subsets of commands. Batch files (ex: .bat or .cmd) also provide the shell with a list of sequential commands to run, as well as normal scripting operations such as conditionals and loops. Common uses of batch files include long or repetitive tasks, or the need to run the same set of commands on multiple system'
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/003/
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1059.003/T1059.003.md#atomic-test-1---create-and-execute-batch-script
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-06-04
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.003
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection_start:
        ScriptBlockText|contains: Start-Process
    selection_batch:
        ScriptBlockText|contains:
            - '.cmd'
            - '.bat'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium