Suspicious PowerShell Invocation From Script Engines (via process_creation)

title: Suspicious PowerShell Invocation From Script Engines (via process_creation)
id: b48ffd0c-fa99-5ad3-b5f8-a835a7d1227c
status: stable
description: This rule detects anomalous powershell invocations from interpreters or unusual programs
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001/
    - https://www.securitynewspaper.com/2017/03/20/attackers-leverage-excel-powershell-dns-latest-non-malware-attack/
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-03-18
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\wscript.exe'
            - '\cscript.exe'
        Image|endswith:
            - '\powershell.exe'
            - '\pwsh.exe'
    filter_health_service:
        CurrentDirectory|contains: '\Health Service State\'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium