TA0005 · DEFENSE EVASION
XSL Script Processing
Adversaries may bypass application control and obscure execution of code by embedding scripts inside XSL files. Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) files are commonly used to describe the processing and rendering of data within XML files.
Detect it with
Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and arguments of msxsl.exe and wmic.exe.
Why it matters on shift
XSL Script Processing is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve defense evasion. 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 defense evasion, the next tactic is usually Credential Access. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context