T1059.003 Windows Command Shell

T1059.003 Windows Command Shell

Sub-technique of: T1059

High-Level Description

Adversaries may abuse the Windows command shell for execution. The Windows command shell (cmd) is the primary command prompt on Windows systems. The Windows command prompt can be used to control almost any aspect of a system, with various permission levels required for different subsets of commands. The command prompt can be invoked remotely via Remote Services such as SSH.

Batch files (ex: .bat or .cmd) also provide the shell with a list of sequential commands to run, as well as normal scripting operations such as conditionals and loops. Common uses of batch files include long or repetitive tasks, or the need to run the same set of commands on multiple systems.

Adversaries may leverage cmd to execute various commands and payloads. Common uses include cmd to execute a single command, or abusing cmd interactively with input and output forwarded over a command and control channel.

Kill Chain Phase

• Execution (TA0002)

Platforms: Windows

What to Check

• Identify if Windows Command Shell technique is applicable to target environment
• Check Windows systems for indicators of Windows Command Shell
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (1 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Atomic Red Team Tests

The following tests are from Atomic Red Team and provide actionable ways to test this technique:

Atomic Test 1: Create and Execute Batch Script

Creates and executes a simple batch script. Upon execution, CMD will briefly launch to run the batch script then close again.

Supported Platforms: windows

Start-Process "#{script_path}"