XBAP Execution From Unusual Locations Through PresentationHost.EXE (via process_creation)

title: XBAP Execution From Unusual Locations Through PresentationHost.EXE (via process_creation)
id: 9b866727-8d81-5f57-ad3e-3b7bcc6aa572
status: stable
description: This rule detects the execution of ".xbap" (Browser Applications) files via PresentationHost.EXE from an uncommon location. These files can be misused to run hostile ".xbap" files any bypass AWL
references:
    - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Presentationhost/
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-03-24
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1218
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith: '\presentationhost.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'PresentationHost.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains: '.xbap'
    filter_main_generic:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' C:\Windows\'
            - ' C:\Program Files'
    condition: all of selection* and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium