Suspicious Powershell Executed From Headless ConHost Process (via process_creation)

title: Suspicious Powershell Executed From Headless ConHost Process (via process_creation)
id: ab16ca78-ca9a-5c58-a2c1-399e47a155a1
status: stable
description: This rule detects the use of powershell commands from headless ConHost window. The "--headless" flag hides the windows from the user upon execution.
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/003/
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/003/
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001/
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/fake-browser-updates-lead-to-boinc-volunteer-computing-software
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-06-16
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059.001
    - attack.t1059.003
    - attack.t1564.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\conhost.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'CONHOST.EXE'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '--headless'
            - 'powershell'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_conhost_headless_powershell/info.yml