Sigma rule: Powershell MsXml COM Object

Rule

Title

Powershell MsXml COM Object

Status

test

Level

medium

Author

frack113, MatilJ

Date

2022-01-19

Modified

2022-05-19

File

rules/windows/powershell/powershell_script/posh_ps_msxml_com.yml

Commit

ccbb0369507f796db0b0ae6854c8a2be471b9d84

Adversaries may abuse PowerShell commands and scripts for execution.
PowerShell is a powerful interactive command-line interface and scripting environment included in the Windows operating system. (Citation: TechNet PowerShell)
Adversaries can use PowerShell to perform a number of actions, including discovery of information and execution of code

Log source

product

windows

category

ps_script

definition

Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled

Detection

selection:
    ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
        - 'New-Object'
        - '-ComObject'
        - 'MsXml2.'
        - 'XmlHttp'
condition: selection

False positives (as the rule lists them)

• Legitimate administrative script

Tags

• attack.execution
• attack.t1059.001

MITRE ATT&CK ids this rule names

• T1059.001

References

• https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1059.001/T1059.001.md#atomic-test-7---powershell-msxml-com-object---with-prompt
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/desktop/ms766431(v=vs.85)
• https://www.trendmicro.com/en_id/research/22/e/uncovering-a-kingminer-botnet-attack-using-trend-micro-managed-x.html

Read on 2026-11-03T00:58:21.399Z under licence sigma-drl-1.1@d5f4c36a from https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/ccbb0369507f796db0b0ae6854c8a2be471b9d84/rules/windows/powershell/powershell_script/posh_ps_msxml_com.yml