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MediumSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Windows Spearphishing Attachment Onenote Spawn Mshta

The following analytic detects OneNote spawning `mshta.exe`, a behavior often associated with spearphishing attacks. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process creation…

Description

The following analytic detects OneNote spawning `mshta.exe`, a behavior often associated with spearphishing attacks. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process creation events where OneNote is the parent process. This activity is significant as it is commonly used by malware families like TA551, AsyncRat, Redline, and DCRAT to execute malicious scripts. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further malware deployment. Immediate investigation and containment are recommended.

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

  • No false positives known. Filter as needed.

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