Indirect Command Execution via Forfiles/Pcalua

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Identifies indirect command execution via Program Compatibility Assistant (pcalua.exe) or forfiles.exe.

Rule type: eql

Rule indices:

  • logs-endpoint.events.process-*
  • logs-system.security*
  • winlogbeat-*
  • logs-windows.*
  • endgame-*

Severity: low

Risk score: 21

Runs every: 60m

Searches indices from: now-119m (Date Math format, see also Additional look-back time)

Maximum alerts per execution: 100

References: None

Tags:

  • Domain: Endpoint
  • OS: Windows
  • Use Case: Threat Detection
  • Tactic: Defense Evasion
  • Data Source: Elastic Defend
  • Rule Type: BBR
  • Data Source: Elastic Endgame
  • Data Source: System

Version: 4

Rule authors:

  • Elastic

Rule license: Elastic License v2

Rule query

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process where host.os.type == "windows" and event.type == "start" and
  process.parent.name : ("pcalua.exe", "forfiles.exe")

Framework: MITRE ATT&CKTM