sigmamediumHunting

Microsoft Workflow Compiler Execution

Detects the execution of Microsoft Workflow Compiler, which may permit the execution of arbitrary unsigned code.

MITRE ATT&CK

defense-evasionexecution

Detection Query

selection:
  - Image|endswith: \Microsoft.Workflow.Compiler.exe
  - OriginalFileName: Microsoft.Workflow.Compiler.exe
condition: selection

Author

Nik Seetharaman, frack113

Created

2019-01-16

Data Sources

windowsProcess Creation Events

Platforms

windows

References

Tags

attack.defense-evasionattack.executionattack.t1127attack.t1218detection.threat-hunting

Raw Content

title: Microsoft Workflow Compiler Execution
id: 419dbf2b-8a9b-4bea-bf99-7544b050ec8d
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of Microsoft Workflow Compiler, which may permit the execution of arbitrary unsigned code.
references:
    - https://posts.specterops.io/arbitrary-unsigned-code-execution-vector-in-microsoft-workflow-compiler-exe-3d9294bc5efb
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1218/T1218.md
    - https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Microsoft.Workflow.Compiler/
author: Nik Seetharaman, frack113
date: 2019-01-16
modified: 2023-02-03
tags:
    - attack.defense-evasion
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1127
    - attack.t1218
    - detection.threat-hunting
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        - Image|endswith: '\Microsoft.Workflow.Compiler.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'Microsoft.Workflow.Compiler.exe'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate MWC use (unlikely in modern enterprise environments)
level: medium