Suspicious Script Host Spawning PowerShell via Process Creation

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.001PowerShell
- T1059.007JavaScript
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects the Windows script host wscript or cscript launching PowerShell which mirrors the PIKABOT delivery chain where an obfuscated JavaScript file spawns PowerShell to download the loader. This parent child relationship is a frequent indicator of scripted phishing payloads executing.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Script Host Spawning PowerShell via Process Creation

Pivot detection · T1059.001 · 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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