Techniques › T1059.003 › AN0578
AN0578 Analytic 0578
Windows · attack.mitre.org · ATT&CK Enterprise v19.2
<p>Detects interactive or scripted abuse of cmd.exe, batch files, or shell invocation chains. Focuses on parent-child relationships (e.g., cmd.exe launched from unusual parents), anomalous command-line parameters, and chaining with discovery, credential access, or lateral movement behaviors.</p>
- Detects
- T1059.003 Windows Command Shell
- Part of
- DET0202 Behavioral Detection of Windows Command Shell Execution
Log sources and channels
Exactly as MITRE states them in x_mitre_log_source_references. Where a channel is vague, it is vague in the source; kevmap does not tidy it.
| Log source | Channel | Data component |
|---|---|---|
| WinEventLog:Security | EventCode=4688 | DC0032 Process Creation |
| WinEventLog:Sysmon | EventCode=7 | DC0016 Module Load |
| EDR:scriptblock | Process Tree + Script Block Logging | DC0029 Script Execution |
Mutable elements
Parameters MITRE marks as environment-specific. These are the knobs you are expected to tune; they are why an analytic is not a rule.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
ParentProcessName | Cmd.exe launched from uncommon parents (e.g., msedge.exe, winword.exe) may indicate abuse. |
TimeWindow | Cmd or .bat execution during non-working hours may indicate automation or C2 activity. |
CommandLinePattern | Flags suspicious switches (e.g., /c ping, /k whoami) or command chaining (&&, ^). |
ScriptStoragePath | Batch file execution from %TEMP%, C:\Users\Public, or external drives. |
UserContext | Flags admin-level users executing cmd outside expected baselines. |
KEV CVEs whose mapped technique this analytic detects
| CVE | Vendor / product | State |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2021-22899 | Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure | Mapped |
| CVE-2021-40449 | Microsoft Windows | Mapped |
| CVE-2023-27532 | Veeam Backup & Replication | Mapped |
| CVE-2023-42793 | JetBrains TeamCity | Mapped |
| CVE-2025-49704 | Microsoft SharePoint | Mapped |
| CVE-2025-49706 | Microsoft SharePoint | Mapped |