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InformationalSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Windows Powershell History File Deletion

The following analytic detects the usage of PowerShell to delete its command history file, which may indicate an attempt to evade detection by removing evidence of executed commands. PowerShell stores command history…

Description

The following analytic detects the usage of PowerShell to delete its command history file, which may indicate an attempt to evade detection by removing evidence of executed commands. PowerShell stores command history in ConsoleHost_history.txt under the user’s profile directory. Adversaries or malicious scripts may delete this file using Remove-Item, del, or similar commands. This detection focuses on file deletion events targeting the history file, correlating them with recent PowerShell activity. While legitimate users may occasionally clear history, frequent or automated deletions should be investigated for potential defense evasion or post-exploitation cleanup activities.

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

  • administrators may execute this command that may cause some false positive.

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