Detect Empire with PowerShell Script Block Logging

The following analytic detects suspicious PowerShell execution indicative of PowerShell-Empire activity. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104) to capture and analyze commands sent to PowerShell, specifically looking for patterns involving `system.net.webclient` and base64 encoding. This behavior is significant as it often represents initial stagers used by PowerShell-Empire, a known post-exploitation framework. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to download and execute additional payloads, leading to potential code execution, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the affected system.

ATT&CK coverage

Execution

T1059Command and Scripting Interpreter
- T1059.001PowerShell 354 detections cover this technique

Detection requirements

Log source category: powershell_script_block_logging_4104

Detection logic

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Detection catalogue

ATT&CK coverage

Detection requirements

Detection logic