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Windows Remote Assistance Spawning Process

The following analytic detects Microsoft Remote Assistance (msra.exe) spawning PowerShell.exe or cmd.exe as a child process. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing…

Description

The following analytic detects Microsoft Remote Assistance (msra.exe) spawning PowerShell.exe or cmd.exe as a child process. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process creation events where msra.exe is the parent process. This activity is significant because msra.exe typically does not spawn command-line interfaces, indicating potential process injection or misuse. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could use this technique to execute arbitrary commands, escalate privileges, or maintain persistence on the compromised system.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
LinuxmacOSWindows

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

Known benign triggers

  • False positives should be limited, filter as needed. Add additional shells as needed.

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