User Discovery With Env Vars PowerShell
The following analytic detects the execution of `powershell.exe` with command-line arguments that use PowerShell environment variables to identify the current logged user. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of `powershell.exe` with command-line arguments that use PowerShell environment variables to identify the current logged user. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant as adversaries may use it for situational awareness and Active Directory discovery on compromised endpoints. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to gather critical user information, aiding in further exploitation and lateral movement within the network.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Administrators or power users may use this command for troubleshooting.
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
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1033/ | 8 |
| github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/388942adbd9641f4dfdcf079d7efe9a75ec0ac43/atomics/T1033/T1033.yaml#L55 | 7 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 0cdf318b-a0dd-47d7-b257-c621c0247de8
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory DiscoveryEndpointendpointSplunk 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
- Oct 13, 2026
- Version
- 2