Windows Diskshadow Proxy Execution
The following analytic detects the use of DiskShadow.exe in scripting mode, which can execute arbitrary unsigned code. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line…
Description
The following analytic detects the use of DiskShadow.exe in scripting mode, which can execute arbitrary unsigned code. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions with scripting mode flags. This activity is significant because DiskShadow.exe is typically used for legitimate backup operations, but its misuse can indicate an attempt to execute unauthorized code. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially compromising the system and allowing further malicious activities.
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
- Administrators using the DiskShadow tool in their infrastructure as a main backup tool with scripts will cause false positives that can be filtered with `windows_diskshadow_proxy_execution_filter`
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 |
|---|---|
| bohops.com/2018/03/26/diskshadow-the-return-of-vss-evasion-persistence-and-active-directory-database-extraction/ | 4from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 58adae9e-8ea3-11ec-90f6-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Living Off The LandEndpointendpointSplunk 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