Threat Huntlowtest
Potential Proxy Execution Via Explorer.EXE From Shell Process
Detects the creation of a child "explorer.exe" process from a shell like process such as "cmd.exe" or "powershell.exe". Attackers can use "explorer.exe" for evading defense mechanisms by proxying the execution through the latter. While this is often a legitimate action, this rule can be use to hunt for anomalies. Muddy Waters threat actor was seeing using this technique.
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Launch
Furkan CALISKAN, @oscd_initiativeCreated Mon Oct 05Updated Fri Jun 219eb271b9-24ae-4cd4-9465-19cfc1047f3ewindows
Hunting Hypothesis
Log Source
WindowsProcess Creation
ProductWindows← raw: windows
CategoryProcess Creation← raw: process_creation
Events generated when a new process is spawned on the system. Covers command-line arguments, parent/child relationships, and process metadata.
Detection Logic
Detection Logic1 selector
detection:
selection:
ParentImage|endswith:
- '\cmd.exe'
- '\powershell.exe'
- '\pwsh.exe'
Image|endswith: '\explorer.exe'
CommandLine|contains: 'explorer.exe'
condition: selectionFalse Positives
Legitimate explorer.exe run from a shell host like "cmd.exe" or "powershell.exe"
MITRE ATT&CK
Tactics
Techniques
Other
detection.threat-hunting
Rule Metadata
Rule ID
9eb271b9-24ae-4cd4-9465-19cfc1047f3e
Status
test
Level
low
Type
Threat Hunt
Created
Mon Oct 05
Modified
Fri Jun 21
Author
Path
rules-threat-hunting/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_explorer_child_of_shell_process.yml
Raw Tags
attack.defense-evasionattack.t1218detection.threat-hunting