huntrule

Windows Security Event 4697 PowerShell Launch via cmd/stdin Obfuscation

Alerts on service creation events that run PowerShell through cmd with stdin-style obfuscation markers.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v2
Product
windows
Service
security
Author
Jonathan Cheong, oscd.community (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2020-10-15
Updated
2026-07-31
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule flags Windows systems where a Service Control Manager-created service (EventID 4697) contains a command-line referencing cmd and PowerShell, including patterns consistent with obfuscated stdin-driven execution. Attackers may use stdin or stdin-like constructs to conceal the final command or payload before execution, reducing visibility during investigation. It relies on Security log telemetry from EventID 4697 and string matches within the recorded ServiceFileName content.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1027 — drag to rearrange
Malicious FIN7 Powertrash Loader Execution via Obfuscated PowerShell (via process_creation)
Suspicious XOR Obfuscated PowerShell from ClickFix Distribution
Suspicious PowerShell Executing Code from Environment Variable (via process_creation)
Suspicious In-Memory Runspace Execution via PowerShell Script Block
Suspicious Encoded PowerShell Using Base64 Stream Decompression Routines (via process_creation)
Suspicious PowerShell In-Memory Execution with AES Decryption
Suspicious Encoded PowerShell Command Execution
Suspicious PEAKLIGHT Memory-Only PowerShell Downloader Flags (via process_creation)
Obfuscated PowerShell Script: Indirect Cmdlet Execution via ExportedCommands Array Index
Windows Security Event 4697 PowerShell Launch via cmd/stdin Obfuscation
Pivot detection · T1027 · 9 related

Changelog

v2
  1. v2
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  2. v1
    No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.