Windows msiexec Process Creation With Web URL Parameters

title: Windows msiexec Process Creation With Web URL Parameters
id: 10af3818-c2c1-4889-80d7-5279a1495602
related:
  - id: 8150732a-0c9d-4a99-82b9-9efb9b90c40c
    type: similar
  - id: f7b5f842-a6af-4da5-9e95-e32478f3cd2f
    type: derived
status: test
description: This rule flags newly created msiexec processes whose command line contains both an msiexec invocation and a web URL indicator (" ://"), suggesting installation content referenced via network locations. Attackers may use msiexec to run installation packages from remote sources to blend execution with legitimate Windows behavior. The detection relies on Windows process creation telemetry capturing the full command line of the spawned msiexec process.
references:
  - https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/attack-using-windows-installer-msiexec-exe-leads-lokibot/
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_msiexec_web_install.yml
author: Florian Roth (Nextron Systems), Huntrule Team
date: 2018-02-09
modified: 2022-01-07
tags:
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1218.007
  - attack.command-and-control
  - attack.t1105
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine|contains|all:
      - " msiexec"
      - ://
  condition: selection
falsepositives:
  - False positives depend on scripts and administrative tools used in the monitored environment
level: medium
license: DRL-1.1