Back to results

Remote Process Instantiation via WMI and PowerShell

The following analytic detects the execution of `powershell.exe` using the `Invoke-WmiMethod` cmdlet to start a process on a remote endpoint via WMI. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)…

Description

The following analytic detects the execution of `powershell.exe` using the `Invoke-WmiMethod` cmdlet to start a process on a remote endpoint via WMI. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions and process telemetry. This activity is significant as it indicates potential lateral movement or remote code execution attempts by adversaries. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on remote systems, leading to further compromise and persistence within the network.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
Windows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Known benign triggers

  • Administrators may leverage WWMI and powershell.exe to start a process on remote systems, but this activity is usually limited to a small set of hosts or users.

Detections can measure how the public catalogue is used — which detections people look for, and which pages bring them here. It sets a cookie that recognises this browser for 180 days. It is never linked to an account and never follows you to other sites. Privacy notice