PowerShell Script Block With URL Chain
The following analytic identifies suspicious PowerShell script execution via EventCode 4104 that contains multiple URLs within a function or array. It leverages PowerShell operational logs to detect script blocks…
Description
The following analytic identifies suspicious PowerShell script execution via EventCode 4104 that contains multiple URLs within a function or array. It leverages PowerShell operational logs to detect script blocks with embedded URLs, often indicative of obfuscated scripts or those attempting to download secondary payloads. This activity is significant as it may signal an attempt to execute malicious code or download additional malware. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to code execution, further system compromise, or data exfiltration. Review parallel processes and the full script block for additional context and related artifacts.
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
- No false positives have been identified at this time.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
Outside the enterprise matrix
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001/ | 6 |
| thedfirreport.com/2022/05/09/seo-poisoning-a-gootloader-story/ | 8from 2 sources |
| www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/tracking-evolution-gootloader-operations | 5 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 4a3f2a7d-6402-4e64-a76a-869588ec3b57
- Tagged by the source as
- Hellcat RansomwareMalicious PowerShellEndpointendpointSplunk 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