PowerShell Special Characters Obfuscation

PowerShell scripts can be obfuscated using methods that encode commands exclusively with special characters. This technique aims to complicate analysis and potentially evade detection mechanisms.

Attackers frequently employ these tactics to hide the true functionalities of the script, making the analysis more challenging.

Technique Identifier

U0709

Technique Tags

PowerShell obfuscation

Evasion Categories

Data Obfuscation

Detection Rules

rule obfuscation_powershell_special_chars {
    meta:
        author = "RussianPanda"
        description = "Detects PowerShell special character obfuscation"
        reference = "https://perl-users.jp/articles/advent-calendar/2010/sym/11"
        date = "1/12/2024"
        hash = "d77efad78ef3afc5426432597ba129141952719846bc5ccd058249bb23d8a905" 
    strings:
        $s1 = {7d 3d 2b 2b 24 7b}
        $s2 = {24 28 20 20 29}
        $s3 = {24 7b [1-10] 7d 20 20 2b 20 20 24}
    condition:
         2 of ($s*)
}

Contributor

RussianPanda

Additional Resources

External Links

The resources provided below are associated links that will give you even more detailed information and research on current evasion technique. It is important to note that, while these resources may be helpful, it is important to exercise caution when following external links. As always, be careful when clicking on links from unknown sources, as they may lead to malicious content.

Created

January 12, 2024

Last Revised

March 24, 2026