Powershell Fileless Script Contains Base64 Encoded Content
The following analytic detects the execution of PowerShell scripts containing Base64 encoded content, specifically identifying the use of `FromBase64String`. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of PowerShell scripts containing Base64 encoded content, specifically identifying the use of `FromBase64String`. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104) to capture and analyze the full command sent to PowerShell. This activity is significant as Base64 encoding is often used by attackers to obfuscate malicious payloads, making it harder to detect. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to code execution, allowing attackers to run arbitrary commands and potentially compromise the system.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- powershell_script_block_logging_4104
Known benign triggers
- False positives should be limited. Filter as needed.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 8acbc04c-c882-11eb-b060-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- 0bj3ctivity StealerAPT37 Rustonotto and FadeStealerAsyncRATAxios Supply Chain Post CompromiseData DestructionGhostRedirector IIS Module and Rungan BackdoorHellcat RansomwareHermetic WiperIcedIDMalicious PowerShellMedusa RansomwareMicrosoft WSUS CVE-2025-59287MuddyWaterNetSupport RMM Tool AbuseNjRATPhantom StealerSalat StealerVIP KeyloggerWinter VivernXWormEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1