Technique on mitre.org

T1216: System Script Proxy Execution

Adversaries may use trusted scripts, often signed with certificates, to proxy the execution of malicious files. Several Microsoft signed scripts that have been downloaded from Microsoft or are default on Windows installations can be used to proxy execution of other files. This behavior may be abused by adversaries to execute malicious files that could bypass application control and signature validation on systems.

Positive Technologies products that cover the technique

MaxPatrol SIEM knowledge base

mitre_attck_defense_evasion: PT-CR-3362: System_Script_Proxy_Execution_Usage: A suspicious process was started using a trusted Windows script. This could be an attacker's attempt to bypass protection using legitimate system components.

Subtechniques

Detection

ID	DS0009	Data source and component	Process: Process Creation	Description	Monitor script processes, such as `cscript that may be used to proxy execution of malicious files.

ID	DS0012	Data source and component	Script: Script Execution	Description	Monitor for any attempts to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.

ID	DS0017	Data source and component	Command: Command Execution	Description	Monitor executed commands and arguments for scripts like PubPrn.vbs that may be used to proxy execution of malicious files.

ID	Data source and component	Description
DS0009	Process: Process Creation	Monitor script processes, such as `cscript that may be used to proxy execution of malicious files.
DS0012	Script: Script Execution	Monitor for any attempts to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.
DS0017	Command: Command Execution	Monitor executed commands and arguments for scripts like PubPrn.vbs that may be used to proxy execution of malicious files.

Mitigation

ID	M1038	Name	Execution Prevention	Description	Certain signed scripts that can be used to execute other programs may not be necessary within a given environment. Use application control configured to block execution of these scripts if they are not required for a given system or network to prevent potential misuse by adversaries.

ID	Name	Description
M1038	Execution Prevention	Certain signed scripts that can be used to execute other programs may not be necessary within a given environment. Use application control configured to block execution of these scripts if they are not required for a given system or network to prevent potential misuse by adversaries.