Windows Cmdline Tool Execution From Non-Shell Process
The following analytic identifies instances where `ipconfig.exe`, `systeminfo.exe`, or similar tools are executed by a non-standard shell parent process, excluding CMD, PowerShell, or Explorer. This detection…
Description
The following analytic identifies instances where `ipconfig.exe`, `systeminfo.exe`, or similar tools are executed by a non-standard shell parent process, excluding CMD, PowerShell, or Explorer. This detection leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry to monitor process creation events. Such behavior is significant as it may indicate adversaries using injected processes to perform system discovery, a tactic observed in FIN7's JSSLoader. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to gather critical host information, aiding in further exploitation or lateral movement within the network.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
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
- A network operator or systems administrator may utilize an automated host discovery application that may generate false positives. 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
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/groups/G0046/ | 6 |
| www.mandiant.com/resources/fin7-pursuing-an-enigmatic-and-evasive-global-criminal-operation | 6 |
| www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/05/24/volt-typhoon-targets-us-critical-infrastructure-with-living-off-the-land-techniques/ | 20 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 2afa393f-b88d-41b7-9793-623c93a2dfde
- Tagged by the source as
- BlankGrabber StealerCISA AA22-277ACISA AA23-347ADarkGate MalwareFIN7Gh0st RATGozi MalwareMedusa RansomwareQakbotRhysida RansomwareSolarWinds WHD RCE Post ExploitationTuoniVolt TyphoonWater GamayunEndpointendpointSplunk 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