Suspicious Script Host Downloader via MSXML and WScript Shell

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → C2

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.007JavaScript
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
- T1105Ingress Tool Transfer
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the Windows script host executing a WSF or JS downloader that then spawns PowerShell. The DarkCloud delivery uses MSXML2.XMLHTTP and WScript.Shell inside a script file to fetch a PowerShell stage from remote infrastructure. Script host to PowerShell chaining is a common malware download and execute pattern.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Script Host Downloader via MSXML and WScript Shell

Pivot detection · T1105 · 9 related

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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