Windows Security 4697: Obfuscated PowerShell via use of Clip.exe from scripts

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.001PowerShell
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1027Obfuscated Files or Information
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule flags Windows Security event 4697 when a service is installed using a service file name that contains Clipboard- or related Clip.exe indicators. Attackers may use Clip.exe from scripts to quickly stage or move content while obscuring PowerShell execution and intent. It relies on System Security Extension logging of service-install events (EventID 4697) and matches on the recorded service file name string.

Reporting behind it

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Windows Security 4697: Obfuscated PowerShell via use of Clip.exe from scripts

Pivot detection · T1027 · 9 related

Changelog

v2

v2
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
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.

windows-security-eid-4697-powershell-launching-via-clip-exe-pattern-1a0a2ff1

title: "Windows Security 4697: Obfuscated PowerShell via use of Clip.exe from scripts"
id: c975091c-0422-45cf-8987-5b32b9d836a9
related:
  - id: 63e3365d-4824-42d8-8b82-e56810fefa0c
    type: derived
  - id: 1a0a2ff1-611b-4dac-8216-8a7b47c618a6
    type: derived
status: test
description: This rule flags Windows Security event 4697 when a service is installed using a service file name that contains Clipboard- or related Clip.exe indicators. Attackers may use Clip.exe from scripts to quickly stage or move content while obscuring PowerShell execution and intent. It relies on System Security Extension logging of service-install events (EventID 4697) and matches on the recorded service file name string.
references:
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/issues/1009
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/builtin/security/win_security_invoke_obfuscation_via_use_clip_services_security.yml
author: Nikita Nazarov, oscd.community, Huntrule Team
date: 2020-10-09
modified: 2022-11-29
tags:
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1027
  - attack.execution
  - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
  product: windows
  service: security
  definition: The 'System Security Extension' audit subcategory need to be enabled to log the EID 4697
detection:
  selection:
    EventID: 4697
    ServiceFileName|contains: (Clipboard|i
  condition: selection
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: high
license: DRL-1.1

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