TA0002 · EXECUTION
Windows Command Shell
Adversaries may abuse the Windows command shell for execution. The Windows command shell (cmd) is the primary command prompt on Windows systems.
Detect it with
Usage of the Windows command shell may be common on administrator, developer, or power user systems depending on job function. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempt to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious.
Why it matters on shift
Windows Command Shell is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve execution. Recognising it in telemetry lets you name the technique in your ticket and pivot to what came before and after.
What to look for next
After execution, the next tactic is usually Persistence. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context