Unusual Parent Process For Cmd.EXE (via process_creation)

title: Unusual Parent Process For Cmd.EXE (via process_creation)
id: 33f44b8b-35ec-5ad3-b79c-246a4a21638d
status: stable
description: This rule detects anomalous parent process for cmd.exe
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/
    - https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/current/unusual-parent-process-for-cmd.exe.html
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-03-08
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\csrss.exe'
            - '\ctfmon.exe'
            - '\dllhost.exe'
            - '\epad.exe'
            - '\FlashPlayerUpdateService.exe'
            - '\GoogleUpdate.exe'
            - '\jucheck.exe'
            - '\jusched.exe'
            - '\LogonUI.exe'
            - '\lsass.exe'
            - '\regsvr32.exe'
            - '\SearchIndexer.exe'
            - '\SearchProtocolHost.exe'
            - '\SIHClient.exe'
            - '\sihost.exe'
            - '\slui.exe'
            - '\spoolsv.exe'
            - '\sppsvc.exe'
            - '\taskhostw.exe'
            - '\unsecapp.exe'
            - '\WerFault.exe'
            - '\wermgr.exe'
            - '\wlanext.exe'
            - '\WUDFHost.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium